This year’s longlist for the Ned Kelly Awards announced by the Australian Crime Writers Association celebrates the novels of well established crime writers and talented newcomers.
“Crime Fiction is one of the most popular genres in the world and Australian authors have a strong and distinctive voice.” says ACWA chairperson Rochelle Jackson.
“These longlists celebrate the best of Australian fiction and non-fiction crime writing and show that we are up there with the best in the world.”
The majority of those longlisted for Best Crime are former Ned Kelly Award winners highlighting the strength and consistency of the local crime writing scene. The 2018 long list includes well known names such as Alan Carter, Candice Fox, Garry Disher, Dave Warner and former ACWA President Michael Robotham. These sit alongside ascending writers such as Sulari Gentill, Iain Ryan and Anna George.
“This year’s Best Crime longlist highlights the diversity and consistency of the Australian crime writing scene,” Rochelle Jackson said.
The longlist for the Best First Crime category reflects an exciting array of talented new writers. Two of those writers, Sarah Bailey and Megan Goldin, are already experiencing success with their second novels.
“The strength of these novels and the continuing success of the authors on this list is evidence of a healthy and growing Australian crime scene.”
As always, the True Crime selection courts controversy with the longlisting of infamous Sydney nightclub owner, John Ibrahim, and his book, Last King of the Cross. Other long listed books cover the life and times of former policeman, Brian ‘Skull’ Murphy, John Killick’s retelling of his escape from prison via a helicopter, and art fraud.
The winners will be announced at the Ned Kelly Awards to be held during the Melbourne Writers Festival.
For Media Enquiries please contact: Rochelle Jackson 0419 872 538
2018 Ned Kelly Awards Long Lists
Best Crime
- Marlborough Man by Alan Carter
- Under the Cold Bright Lights by Garry Disher
- Redemption Point by Candice Fox
- The Lone Child by Anna George
- Crossing the Lines by Sulari Gentill
- Class Act by Ged Gillmore
- Pachyderm by Hugh McGinlay
- Big Red Rock by David Owen
- The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham
- The Student by Iain Ryan
- Clear to the Horizon by Dave Warner
Best First Crime
- The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey
- Wimmera by Mark Brandi
- The Girl in Keller's Way by Megan Goldin
- All Our Secrets by Jennifer Lane
- The Echo of Others by SD Rowell
- See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt
- She be Damned by MJ Tija
Best True Crime
- The Contractor by Mark Abernethy
- Unmaking A Murder: The Mysterious Death of Anna Jane Cheney by Graham Archer
- The Suitcase Baby by Tanya Bretherton
- Whitely on Trial by Gabriella Coslovich
- Last King of the Cross by John Ibrahim
- The Last Escape by John Killick
- The Fatalist by Campbell McConachie
- Once a Copper: The Life and Times of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy by Vikki Petraitis