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 and the awards received more than 160 entries this year.
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 by these writers.
The Australian Crime Writers Association is proud to announce the 2026 Ned Kelly Awards Shortlist for Best True Crime:
Saffron Incorporated by Stuart Coupe
Duty to Warn by Charlotte Grieve
The Mushroom Murders by Greg Haddrick
The Postcard Bandit by Derek Pedley
The Red House by Kate Wild
Award categories: Best True Crime, Best Debut, Best International and Best Crime Fiction. Inquiries to: Karina Kilmore: info@austcrimewriters.com (Winners announced September)