Murder in paris
If you enjoy historical fiction in the vein of Phryne Fisher, with a plucky heroine, plenty of glamour, and dark shadows creeping in, then Murder in Paris ticks all the boxes.
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.
Happy Woman
Happy Woman is a keen study of love, fear, trust and the social and personal costs of inherited violence – which may or may not be genetic and yet to some degree seems to be catching.
The Killing Stones
Yes! Jimmy Perez is back, but this time on Orkney, where he now lives. The victim is one of Jimmy’s childhood friends, so the story is particularly poignant. Beautifully written as always, and Orkney is introduced in all its wild beauty.
The Exes
A debut novel that is full of twists and turns as a psychological thriller. Multiple points of view, different timelines mean you have to keep your wits about you. This is not a casual read!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron
When I read true crime, I often have to remind myself that this is a real person’s life. They lived and breathed, loved and were loved. This was not a problem in The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron. Vikki Petraitis never loses sight of the women. They are why she is writing and why she has doggedly pursued this case for decades. I’m grateful for the work that she has done and the grace with which she has done it.