The Australian Crime Writers Association is dedicated to promoting greater recognition for crime, thriller and mystery writing in Australia and to protect the general professional interests of all creators of crime and mystery works.

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2021 Award Entries Now Closed

We cannot wait to read your entries and announce the shortlists later in the year.

About The Ned Kelly Awards

The Ned Kelly Awards are Australia’s oldest and most prestigious prizes honouring published crime fiction and true crime writing.

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past winners

Click below to view a list of winners all the way back to the Ned Kelly Awards’ humble beginnings.

Past Winners
 

Latest News

Recent goings-on in Australian Crime writing.

Latest News
2025 Ned Kelly Awards Winners
2025 Ned Kelly Awards Winners

Presenting the 2025 Ned Kelly Award Winners.

2025 Ned Kelly Awards Announcements
2025 Ned Kelly Awards Announcements

Please join us to celebrate our Australian crime writers and crime readers at the 2025 Ned Kelly Awards Announcement

2025 Ned Kelly Awards Shortlist, Best Crime Fiction
2025 Ned Kelly Awards Shortlist, Best Crime Fiction

Congratulations to our 2025 Ned Kelly Awards Shortlist - Best Crime Ficton. Other Award categories coming soon.   Winners announced September.

Past Newsletters

 

New Releases

A selection of new titles written and published by ACWA members.

New Releases
Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett
Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett

A wedding, a missing fiancée, and a murder – Melody Harper is about to discover just how dangerous "I do" can be...

Publisher: Saxon Publishing
Published: 9 June 25

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A Fatal Silence by Rachel Amphlett
A Fatal Silence by Rachel Amphlett

When the body of a young woman is discovered at an outdoor music festival, Detective Kay Hunter’s investigation stalls almost as soon as it starts. Because the killer has left no trace, and the victim’s identity is unknown...

Publisher: Saxon Publishing
Published: 3 February 25

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The McAllister Contingency by Alex Auburn
The McAllister Contingency by Alex Auburn

In a fast paced thriller set amidst Cold War-era geopolitics and secret military operations, Mike McAllister (RAF SIB) is sent from the UK to investigate a national security breach at a top-secret AUS-UK defence facility in South Australia, triggering an unforgettable story of loyalty, courage, conspiracy and betrayal.

Publisher: Alex Auburn
Published: 6 September 2024

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Killer by Joe Villanti
Killer by Joe Villanti

A hitman for hire learns he has cancer; with only weeks to live, he struggles to leave his life of crime.

Publisher: AOS Publishers (Canada)
Published: 8 October 2024

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The Eleventh Grave by Rachel Amphlett
The Eleventh Grave by Rachel Amphlett

When Detective Mark Turpin is assigned the task of investigating the death of a local businessman, the case is first thought to be one of accidental drowning. Until a bullet hole is found where the victim fell into the River Thames.

Publisher Saxon Publishing
Published 21 October 2024

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