The November 8 edition
There is a particular fascination which arises when ordinary people do extraordinary things. This was never more evident than with the public’s reaction to the “mushroom murders”. This phrase became the conversational shorthand used to refer to the case of Erin Patterson, a woman who was accused of murder after three people died and another ended up in a coma following a lunch at her country home, where she served them a meal of beef Wellington laced with highly poisonous death cap mushrooms. Patterson’s possible motivations dominated discussion around the world as we collectively tried to make sense of her actions, especially during her trial, where a jury ultimately found her guilty of murder and attempted murder. A trio of Australia’s most respected authors – Helen Garner, Sarah Krasnostein and Chloe Hooper – joined forces during the court case to explore this for a new book. In today’s issue, we have an extract which captures their observations of Patterson and their attempt to understand how a middle-aged mother of two became one of the nation’s most talked-about women. – Melissa Stevens, editor
Helen Garner watched the ‘mushroom murders’ trial. Here’s what she thought
Three acclaimed Australian writers reveal their observations on the first day Erin Patterson took the stand at the “mushroom trial”.
- Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein
Inside Sussan Ley’s battle to hold on to the hardest job in politics
After the Liberal Party’s worst ever election result, Sussan Ley took on the hardest job in politics as party leader. Six months on, she’s struggling, not only with policy and personality divisions, but with what on earth the party stands for in 2025.
- Gay Alcorn
Handcrafted spoons, custom clay bricks: What it takes to open a restaurant in 2025
A hot young Melbourne chef and a visionary architect combine to create a distinctive culinary establishment. Will Yiaga change the fine-dining game?
- Myffy Rigby
Georgie was living the dream as a pro athlete. Eighteen months on, her career was over
How REDs, or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, became a hot topic among athletes, professional and amateur. A controversial one, too.
- Katrina Strickland
Emma inherited an art deco cinema at the age of 17. Here’s how she stared down streaming
Retro “picture palaces” are back in the spotlight, given fresh life by young audiences eager to venture out for old-style movie glamour.
- Sue Williams
Recently I discovered $1.25 billion in a drawer. But there was a catch
Gift cards may be a godsend for the time-poor giver desperately lacking inspiration. But all too often they’re destined to torment the unlucky recipient.
- Michelle Cazzulino
These mates meet up twice a day. There’s one topic they won’t chat about
Former school principal Tom Mehigan and retired roof-tiler “Jethro” Brookes meet daily at a local cafe before heading to the park for a snooze.
- Stephen Lacey
‘Some people just enjoy hating’: Suzy ‘Eddie’ Izzard is pushing for the world to be a better place
The British comedian and actor on the likely next phase of transphobia – and why she’s still running for the UK Labour Party.
- Benjamin Law
For a new, challenging role, Crowe nailed one of acting’s most fear-inducing skills
Russell Crowe needs little validation of his acting chops, except perhaps when it comes to playing characters with accents.
- Andrew Hornery
How Laika was lost in space
The sad tale of Russia’s canine cosmonaut reflects humans’ history of subjecting dogs to pain and indignity.
- Tim Elliott
Beach-ready fashion starting at $37
Look to your accessories for colour and pattern: a striking towel, tote or sunglasses.
- Damien Woolnough
What to bring to a living wake?
If you’ve been invited, you need to make the not-dead-yet person feel as loved as possible, recommends our Modern Guru.
- Danny Katz
Baby baked cheesecakes with white chocolate, passionfruit and macadamia
Perfectly portioned cheesecakes for your spring and summer celebrations.
- 2 hrs +
- Helen Goh
- Opinion
- Opinion
There’s only one picnic food that won’t betray you with mess or spoilage
It’s portable, shareable, easy to eat and highly delicious, writes Terry Durack.
- Terry Durack
- Review
- Shelanous
Katy Perry booked out this entire venue, and you might find yourself belting out a tune, too
Dani Valent said this experience restaurant initially had the awkwardness of an office team-building exercise, but the ick was erased by a sustained good vibe.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Infinity by Mark Best
Good Food’s verdict on Sydney Tower’s revamped revolving restaurant
Got a hankering for fish milk? Mark Best’s new menu at the former tourist-trap fine-diner does (plus grilled sea foam, oysters and very good chips).
- Callan Boys
Put your general knowledge to the test with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz.
Other editions
The March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories