Sara Hood
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Veronica Gorrie drew on her lived experience as a Gunai/Kurnai woman and former police officer for her book Black and Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Resilience (Scribe Publications). Through her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, she takes us on her journey as an Aboriginal person who joined the white, male-dominated Queensland police.
Kerry McGinnis’s latest novel The Missing Girl is a terrific little read, laced with gothic elements: a mysterious disappearance, secret compartments, hidden identities, betrayals and lies. And, of course, there’s always McGinnis’s trademark lick of romance.
Widow’s Island isn’t the most complex thriller of its type, but its rhythm leads you easily into down the dark path of the story and on to a satisfying conclusion.
Propelling the reader back and forth between the 1940s, 1960s and 1980s, The Silent Listener is an unforgettable literary suspense novel set in the dark, gothic heart of rural Australia. Warning: depiction of family violence will make you quiver and wince.
Fourteen years after her mother suddenly disappeared JJ has a new life, but she puts it all in jeopardy when she stumbles across a chance to solve that dark mystery of her childhood. She organises a family reunion …