Fiction The Trivia Night

Ali Lowe: Hachette, $33

I’ve been to my fair share of crazy school trivia nights, but have never experienced anything so wild, raunchy and traumatic as the one depicted in Lowe’s deliciously enjoyable debut novel. Four couples, all experiencing challenges from secondary infertility to alcoholism, end up on the same table at the school trivia night. High on disco tunes and alcohol and stress, one couple confirms rumours they’re swingers and a reckless one-night-only pact is forged. Fun quickly turns to fear in the cold light of day when a blackmailer threatens to expose their infidelities. The consequences are fatal. There are echoes of Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies in this fun, engaging and easy-reading debut set in the gossipy world of a modern Aussie primary school. LEANNE EDMISTONE