The Australian Crime Writers Association (ACWA) has announced the shortlisted titles for the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards.
The shortlists for the awards’ four categories include the following titles:
Best Crime Fiction
Killer Traitor Spy - Tim Ayliffe
Dark Corners - Megan Goldin
Dark Mode - Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Darling Girls - Sally Hepworth
The Seven - Chris Hammer
Ripper - Shelley Burr
The Tea Ladies - Amanda Hampson
Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect - Benjamin Stevenson
Best Debut Crime Fiction
Four Dogs Missing - Rhys Gard
Gus and the Missing Boy - Troy Hunter
Lowbridge - Lucy Campbell
Murder in the Pacific: Ifira Point - Matt Francis
The Fall Between - Darcy Tindale
The Beacon - P.A. Thomas
Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl - Fiona Britton
Best True Crime
Crossing the Line - Nick McKenzie
Killing for Country - David Marr
The Murder Squad - Michael Adams
Reckless - Marele Day
The Teacher’s Pet - Hedley Thomas
Best International Crime Fiction
Birnam Wood - Eleanor Catton
Dice - Claire Baylis
Resurrection Walk - Michael Connelly
The Only Suspect - Louise Candlish
The Search Party - Hannah Richell
Zero Days - Ruth Ware
According to the Australian Crime Writers website there were 184 books entered for the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards. This compares with 163 last year and 135 in the previous year.
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 providing voices for girls and women.
The winners will be announced in September.