by Fiona Hardy
Publisher: Affirm Press, 2025.
Review
by Ola Kwintowski
Fiona Hardy’s debut novel is set in Australian suburbs and back streets, juxtaposing the struggles of those trying to make ends meet with the high-flyers who buy their way out through a lavish life. The protagonists, Teddy and Alice, are two formidable women who operate as petty criminals. Their success is deeply tied to their unwavering partnership—one built on mutual trust, friendship, and limitless support. They are focused on fairness rather than prioritising being likeable. As the plot unfolds and unexpected twists test their resilience, they lean on each other to navigate the challenges. The novel celebrates vulnerability and the power of following one’s instincts.
I enjoyed the novel’s initial structure, with alternating chapters between Teddy and Alice. This format effectively highlighted their differing perspectives and approaches while offering glimpses into each other’s lives. As their individual cases converged, the structure evolved by blending the narratives seamlessly.
While Hardy incorporates plot twists and attempts to subvert traditional detective tropes, some scenarios felt unrealistic, and certain character interactions escalated too quickly—jumping abruptly from introductions to heated confrontations. I appreciated the concept of strong female protagonists. There were times though their strength relied on objectifying men, which felt like a missed opportunity for a more nuanced portrayal.
Overall, this is a light and engaging read for someone who enjoys fast-paced crime fiction with unconventional heroines.
Publisher’s blurb
They Messed with the Wrong Women
Best mates Teddy and Alice are hired hands with flexible moral boundaries. Whatever the mess, they can be relied upon to fix it with no questions asked. But sometimes it’s not as simple as cleaning up.
Teddy is searching the suburbs for a missing teenager with her occasional sidekick, Art, while Alice’s mission is to drive one of Australia’s richest men along Victoria’s east coast to his final resting place before anybody finds out he’s dead. But when a surprise revelation sees their cases collide, Teddy and Alice turn the tables on their wealthy employers to shake out the truth.
Unbury the Dead is a superbly fresh and pacey high-stakes drama with two irresistible heroines.