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.
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is a guaranteed good read – well suited for a slow Sunday morning, a beach holiday or a long plane trip. The writing style is fresh, upbeat and engaging. The crisp apple green and baby pink colours on the cover, are a subtle acknowledgement to Mabel’s hospital stay as a child where her room was decorated in green and pink. If nothing else, do judge this book by its cover – it’s worth it.
Once the book hits its rhythm, it gallops along with twists and turns, and an array of fantastic supporting characters. ‘What have they done to Liza McLean?’ is an enjoyable Young Adult read with fresh new characters and voices.
A Slowly Dying Cause is dense, demanding and occasionally unwieldy, but also rich, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. It reminded me exactly why Elizabeth George has sold so many books, won so many awards, and why the Lynley television series continues to find new life in a current reboot.
The latest novel from Sulari Gentill is a splendid mix of red herrings, skilful twists, with some sly touches of humour added. Classic ‘closed circle’ mystery with everyone confined to the train, as the tension builds.
Children’s novel. The combination of history, magic and adventure makes for a compelling read … And while the adventure is at the forefront of the story, it’s not lost on the reader that the uncertain, dark times of 1895 in many ways mirror our own.
Revelation Beach is one of the most vivid and intense books I have read in a long time. The first few pages make a powerful statement that the rest of the book more than measures up, they also make it personal.
The Stolen has it all. The wry humour, the suspense and creeping dread, the barely contained rage and an ending that near breaks you. It’s the second book featuring Detective Antigone Pollard, and it’s a cracker.
Kathleen Folbigg was labelled Australia’s worst female serial killer and spent 20 years in jail. It is one of the worst miscarriages of justice, fuelled by misogyny. But Kathleen’s friend, Tracy, took up the fight – and she never gave up.
A thoroughly good read. This is a clever story of murder, relationships, and betrayal. You will be totally immersed in an exotic setting in Italy as you try and figure out “whodunnit”.
They’re back! If you haven’t encountered the ill-mannered ladies yet, you are unfashionably behind. With plenty of adventure, crime and action as well as a splash of romance, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is an absolute delight.