Tara’s first novel - Diamonds, furs and murder: The many crimes of Mona Hayes - is due out March 2026 through Ginninderra Press.
Diamonds, furs and murder: the many crimes of Mona Hayes is a historical fiction inspired by the life and crimes of little-known 1930s thief Mona Hayes. Described by police as a well-educated, exceptionally clever crook - if she sees something she wants, she takes it. Most women don’t do that. If the mark is deserving, even better. Diamonds, watches and furs are Mona’s weakness. Not to be deterred by jail time, she hones her craft, performing cons on shop keepers and charming the police.
But when Mona falls in love with the mysterious Albert Sharpe, who will save her? Who will save him? And can Mona finally pull herself out of the life of crime she’s grown accustomed?
Tara Oldfield
“A page turner! Mona Hayes is brought to life not just as a historical figure but as a woman navigating the constraints of her time with extraordinary tenacity.”
About Tara
Tara Oldfield is a communications professional from Melbourne. In her current role at the State Archives, she delves into fascinating files of Victoria’s past, writes regular history articles and presents episodes of the Look History in the Eye podcast. In 2024 she won a Mander Jones Award for her short historical fiction Bitter salts. Her journal article examining the life of Kate Rounsefell, fiancé and almost victim of serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming, was published in Provenance in 2025. Through Tara's work with archives, she happened upon the files of a fascinating 1930s criminal, inspiring her first novel -Diamonds, furs and murder: The many crimes of Mona Hayes - due out March 2026 through Ginninderra Press.
Read Bitter salts.
Read The one who got away: Kate Rounsefell’s story.
Listen to Look history in the eye.
