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.
Reviews
Sisters in Crime Australia is dedicated to promoting women who write crime. Here are reviews of crime books (fiction and true crime) written by women.
If you wish to submit a book for review or be a reviewer, see the Contacts page for information.
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.
The Missing Girl by Kerry McGinnis
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 by L A Larkin
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.
The Silent Listener by Lyn Yeowart
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.
The Serpent’s Skin by Erina Reddan
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 …