The judges of the 2026 Davitt Awards have selected a longlist of 28 books that reflect the excellent quality and maturity of stories written by Australian women crime writers. These stories are notable for their originality, depth and high level of the authors’ skills.
Author Mali Cornish on the enduring tropes of crime fiction and a sub-genre in its own right, the ‘missing person’ story.
Narrelle M.Harris spoke to Melbourne award-winning Sister in Crime, Sarah Bailey, about Click, her latest novel and second in her Oli Groves series.
Drawing on the rich tradition of lawyers dominating crime and legal fiction are three Australian authors Rebecca Lim (The Graduate), Joanna Jenkins (Bad Neighbours), and Eve Thomson (Smother). Their investigations traverse top male-dominated law firms, an Art Deco apartment complex, and an elite school’s girls’ football team. They’ll be admitting all to host, Melbourne author, Lyn Yeowart.
Penguin Random House is generously donating twenty copies of Possible Springs by Samantha Ross for the Crime Stack for June. Samantha is a refugee from Melbourne and now lives in Port Douglas in FNQ. Her debut novel blends small-town mystery, romance and magical realism. This is a special offer for members of Sisters in Crime. Join now and be in the running for a complimentary paperback copy of Possible Springs.
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!
With more than $13,000 in prizes up for grabs, the Scarlet Stilettos are Australia’s premier short story awards for crime fiction written by Australian women. More female criminal talent – of the literary kind – is about to be uncovered!
Between 38,000 and 50,000 people are reported as missing in Australia each year – roughly one every 15 to 18 minutes. While over 86 per cent of missing individuals are located within a week, about 2,500 to 2,700 people remain missing for more than three months. Some don’t want to be found, but some are …
Three authors – Sarah Bailey, Sherryl Clark, and Mali Cornish. – explore the many dimensions of ‘the gone’ -the missing – with crime writer, Katherine Kovacic.
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.