Having the Crime of Our Lives
Sisters in Crime Australia has turned 30. Co-founder (and Secretary) Carmel Shute reminisces about how Sisters in Crime came to be.
Sara Hood
Winner – Best Non-Fiction Crime Book
Witness by Louise Milligan is a book for our times and one that has the capacity to make a difference in how witnesses in sexual assault cases are treated by the justice system.
Winner – Children’s Book
Clara is a small scruffy chook who is tormented by the rooster and the other hens. She escapes by watching a girl detective on TV and sees herself as a fellow crime-solver. She can’t speak human but writes a letter that there is an egg thief in the area ….
Winner – Best Debut Book
Leah Swann’s writing is subtle which makes the narrative developments even more frightening. The finale leaves readers in a dark, ambiguous place, and sparked questions among the judges. Sheerwater is a standout, and we look forward to reading more from Leah Swann.
Highly Commended – Children’s books
The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting is a fictional retelling of a true crime that was committed in 1998 and solved in 2017. It is for readers aged about 10-14 years
Winner – Best Young Adult Crime Book
Through … vividly written characters the author skilfully introduces themes of family violence, teenage pregnancy, entrenched racism and family secrets. Then she weaves them into a more complex story of loss and love, beauty and horror. An outstanding work by a talented author.
Winner – Best Adult Crime Novel
The Good Sister is bursting with surprising twists and laced with a sinister undercurrent. It’s a novel of unforeseen love, betrayal and danger which concludes with a satisfying and rewarding ending. Judges enjoyed the journey.
View the Davitt Awards Video
Whilst a good time was had by all, a recording was made for posterity. And for those who were unable to join us on the night.
Check out the wonderful interview with Debra Oswald, who said writers are ‘match fit for lockdown’ and ‘built for a pandemic’. Find out why by watching the video.
Writing an old-school thriller with new politics: Shamini Flint
Singapore-based author, Shamini Flint, talks to Robyn Walton about her latest book, The Beijing Conspiracy (Allen & Unwin), which marks a radical departure from her Inspector Singh series
Thrills & spills: Sisters in Crime’s 21st Davitt Awards Winners Announced
Sally Hepworth’s domestic thriller, The Good Sister (Pan Macmillan Australia) won Sisters in Crime’s 21st Davitt Award (Best Adult Novel) on Saturday 28 August. The annual awards for best women’s crime books were presented online for the second year running. All the books and winners are listed.