‘A brutally honest look at behind the scenes of the Aussie TV industry in the guise of a murder mystery. More remarkable is the way it reveals what’s at stake for a woman trying to juggle the chaos of showbiz egos with the vulnerability of motherhood. One of the most honest and entertaining depictions of how hard it is to hold it together while everything around you falls apart. Equal measures of humour and pathos make this a raw but tender tribute to working mums.’ Rhonda DeLaRoza, film editor
‘Clever and sharp. Most seductive is Dagg’s nostalgic peek behind the theatrics, glamour and bright lights of the new culture of reality television. Remarkably witty, an elegant debut that cuts cleanly to the bone.’ Mimi O’Brien-Taylor, talent agent
‘A refreshingly honest depiction of the trials and tribulations of kids’ television, its personalities, its joys and its hiding-in-plain-sight darkness. It is written with great wit and bracing honesty, which is laugh out loud funny in one breath and deeply sad in the next.’ Nicholas Richardson, screenwriter
‘To me Kristen Dagg is an ocker Gillian Flynn with a better sense of humour, the real deal, and Sh*t Show is packed with laughs, tears and slime. It’s super bonkers, funny and beautiful.’ Nick Orchard, founder, The Big Refresh
‘So much more than the whodunnit I expected. As well as a gripping yarn, this book catalogues a mother’s fierce love for her girl despite her own vulnerabilities and those of her child. Presented with a richness and economy of expression that had me laughing out loud and crying all at once. This book is one of a kind because it presents everything, all at once and sparingly.’ Diana Badham, host of Good Vibrations Radio
‘Sh*t Show is a fascinating and accurate (apart from the murder!), behind the scenes glimpse into the world of TV production. While it’s smart and funny, it’s the characters that really got me, especially the complicated relationship between Rosie and her teenage daughter. I wasn’t expecting so much human connection in a murder story. One of those books you pick up and then suddenly it’s midnight and you’re negotiating with yourself for one more chapter.’ Himadri Bhakta, production assistant.
‘I’d usually wince, using the word ‘delicious’ to describe a book, but with Kristen Dagg’s Sh*t Show, there’s just no other word for it because the pace means you don’t just read it, you devour it. The characters are so morish that you sneak visits in with them whenever you get a free moment. And honestly, the dark hilarity and somehow sweet sadness were satisfying in a way that is usually reserved for post-meal tummy pats.’ Georgia Keighery, journalist
‘The behind the scenes world of producing a children’s TV program in the Australian bush is exposed to the sunlight when the body of a crew member is found in suspicious circumstances. This promising debut mystery novel captures the pressure-cooker and chaotic world inhabited by the deftly-drawn and relatable protagonist, TV producer Rosie. Dialogue and setting drives the plot and the characterisation from the engaging start to the explosive finish and leaves us wanting more of Rosie’s adventures.’ Coral Sturgess, teacher