The shortlists for the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards have been announced, recognising the best Australian crime fiction and true crime writing from the past year.

Each year, the Australian Crime Writers Association recognises and celebrates the achievements and continuing strength of Australian authors. The Ned Kelly Awards for crime writing are among Australia’s oldest and most respected awards.

The judging panel commented that 2024 was the year of cosy crime, a sub-genre that has surged in popularity around the world. The judges also noted, despite being fiction, a number of books reflected real world issues, including the importance of providing voices for girls and women. This year’s shortlist explores everything from the dark side of social media and the internet, to Sydney’s swinging 60s; espionage in contemporary Australia and the ever popular rural noir.

The shortlisted books for each category are below; the winners will be announced on September 25th. Book your place now to join us to celebrate the announcement of the winners at our beautiful St Kilda store!

Best Crime Fiction

• Killer Traitor Spy by Tim Ayliffe
• Ripper by Shelley Burr
• Dark Corners by Megan Goldin
• The Seven by Chris Hammer
• The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson
• Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
• Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt
• Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Best International Crime Fiction (published in Australia)

• Dice by Claire Baylis
• The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish
• Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
• Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
• The Search Party by Hannah Richell
• Zero Days by Ruth Ware

Best Debut Crime Fiction

• Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl by Fiona Britton
• Lowbridge by Lucy Campbell
• Murder in the Pacific: Ifira Point by Matt Francis
• Four Dogs Missing by Rhys Gard
• Gus and the Missing Boy by Troy Hunter
• The Beacon by P.A. Thomas
• The Fall Between by Darcy Tindale

Best True Crime

• The Murder Squad by Michael Adams
• Reckless by Marele Day
• Killing for Country: A Family Story by David Marr
• Crossing the Line by Nick McKenzie
• The Teacher’s Pet by Hedley Thomas

You can find more information about this year's shortlist here. Don't forget to join us to celebrate the anncouncement of the 2024 winners.