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 recognised awards. They are a highlight of the Australian publishing and literary calendar.
The Best True Crime Award is for outstanding writing in the true crime genre and often features some of Australia’s most recognised and awarded journalists and non-fiction writers.
This year is no exception. The judging panel commented that this years’ entries represented countless hours of investigation and unwavering curiosity, bringing to light stories that too often remain in the shadows. The writing not only honours the victims and gives voice to the unheard but also reflects a relentless pursuit of justice.
The Australian Crime Writers Association is proud to announce the 2025 Ned Kelly Awards Shortlist for Best True Crime:
They’ll Never Hold Me – By Michael Adams
A Thousand Miles from Care – By Steve Johnson
The Kingpin and the Crooked Cop - By Neil Mercer
Meadow’s Law - By Quentin McDermott
The Lasting Harm - By Lucia Osborne-Crowley
Award categories: Best True Crime, Best Debut, Best International and Best Crime Fiction. Inquiries to: Karina Kilmore: info@austcrimewriters.com (Winners announced September)