Last of the Neddies

Another day, another shortlist of contenders for Australia’s distinguished Ned Kelly Awards (the “Neddies”). This time, the category is Best Crime Fiction, and the nominees are …

• Killer Traitor Spy, by Tim Ayliffe (Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Dark Corners, by Megan Goldin (Canelo)
• Dark Mode, by Ashley Kalagian Blunt (Ultimo Press)
• Darling Girls, by Sally Hepworth (Pan Australia)
• The Seven, by Chris Hammer (Allen & Unwin)
• Ripper, by Shelley Burr (Hachette Australia)
• The Tea Ladies, by Amanda Hampson (Penguin)
• Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect, by Benjamin Stevenson
(Michael Joseph)

Actually, this is the last such line-up for 2024, following shortlists for Best Debut Crime Fiction, Best True Crime, and Best International Crime Fiction. The Australian Crime Writers Association, which sponsors these prizes, will identity the winners in September.