Scarlet Stiletto Awards: FAQ

If I enter two stories, do I pay two entry fees?Yes. Supply an entry form for each story and attach a cover page to each story. If I have co-written a story with someone else, can we enter it?Yes, as long as you are both women and meet the other Requirements of Entry. Can I …

Read more

The Woman in Suite 11

If you loved The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware and finished that book with a real curiosity as to where the two female protagonists, Laura (Lo) and Carrie, ended up then you’ll probably romp through this one, The Woman in Suite 11. 

Read more

The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-up

The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-up is a lot of fun, but also deals with some of the difficulties of motherhood, community endeavours and group dynamics, and the aftermath of distressing events. References to other sleuths (from Batman to Phryne Fisher) are scattered throughout, and many smaller mysteries are revealed along the way to the denouement. I’m looking forward to seeing what Fleck, Trixie and the rest get up to next!

Read more

2026 Scarlet Stiletto Awards: Categories

Prizes will be awarded for the best overall stories and for those that are judged to be the winners of each individual category.In order to be eligible for a category prize, stories must incorporate the themes of that category. Please note: you may enter a single story in as many categories as you want (for …

Read more

Scarlet Stiletto awards: Sponsors

Australia’s premier short story awards for crime fiction written by Australian women. As ever, the Scarlet Stiletto Awards are supported by a huge number of wonderful sponsors. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their commitment. Without these organisations the Scarlet Stiletto Awards would not be what they are: the premier short …

Read more

2026 Scarlet Stiletto Awards: How To enter

Australia’s premier short story awards for crime fiction written by Australian women. QUICK INFO: Make sure to read ALL THE INFO below before entering! And if you now some quick links here they are: BEFORE YOU ENTER Before you enter, please read the terms and conditions at the bottom of this page. This details everything …

Read more

Finding the Bones

This is what good crime books do: delve into secrets and human flaws, exposing the things that have shaped us, or show that what the characters once believed to be true are complete lies. That someone is always trying to manipulate things or cover up secrets. It’s what makes this a powerful book, as there is no easy answer to justice. And when it’s a cold case, if the perpetrator is caught, how is justice served after four decades of living free?

Read more

Shellybanks

I don’t know how to describe how real this story felt to me, and as a result how important I have come to view it. I think the telling of stories such as this in a novelistic form have the power to reach a broader audience because it’s entertaining, but more importantly it may show someone who needs it they are not alone.

Read more

Dove

This is a character-driven story that is beautifully written. It explores themes around the pressure of being a woman and what it costs many of us, medical malpractice and the reality of life in small communities. Told from multiple points of view it leaves you thinking about some challenging issues. The story leaves the reader wanting more and demanding action for an end to male violence towards women. Dove might make you angry, frustrated and sad at times but it also leaves you feeling that we’re not going to accept this any more.

Read more