11 Best Australian Mystery Authors

🕵️‍♂️ Top Australian Mystery Authors You Should Read in 2025

G’day, fellow mystery enthusiast! Australia’s crime fiction scene is hotter than a summer day in the Outback. From gritty outback noir to psychological thrillers, Aussie authors are delivering some of the most compelling mysteries around. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of Australian mystery writers you need to check out this year.Murder Mayhem and Long Dogs

🇦🇺 1. Peter Temple – The Master of Atmospheric Crime

Peter Temple’s novels, like The Broken Shore and Truth, are renowned for their intricate plots and evocative portrayal of Australian society. His writing delves into the complexities of crime and human nature, making his works a must-read for any mystery aficionado.CT Mitchell Books+1CT Mitchell Books+1

🌾 2. Jane Harper – Queen of Outback Suspense

Jane Harper burst onto the international stage with her debut novel, The Dry. Set in a drought-stricken Australian town, the atmospheric thriller introduced readers to the compelling protagonist Aaron Falk. Harper’s ability to weave together suspense and vivid landscapes has solidified her reputation as a master of Australian mystery fiction.CT Mitchell Books

🧠 3. Michael Robotham – Psychological Crime Extraordinaire

Michael Robotham is a bestselling Australian author known for his gripping psychological crime novels. His series featuring clinical psychologist Joseph O’Loughlin combines intricate plotting with complex character development, exploring the dark underbelly of society.CT Mitchell Books+1Wikipedia+1

🎩 4. Kerry Greenwood – Historical Mystery Maven

Kerry Greenwood has carved a niche for herself with her Phryne Fisher series, set in 1920s Melbourne. The stylish and independent detective Phryne Fisher has become an iconic character in Australian mystery fiction. Greenwood’s attention to historical detail and strong feminist themes make her novels a delight for readers seeking a captivating blend of mystery and historical fiction.CT Mitchell Books

🏜️ 5. Garry Disher – Outback Noir Pioneer

Garry Disher is a versatile Australian author known for his diverse range of crime novels. His Wyatt series, featuring a professional thief, showcases Disher’s ability to create morally complex characters. He is also acclaimed for his rural noir novels, such as Bitter Wash Road, where he masterfully captures the harsh realities of rural Australian life.Murder Mayhem and Long Dogs+3CT Mitchell Books+3The Times+3

🔥 6. Candice Fox – Grit Meets Gripping

Candice Fox has emerged as a prominent figure in Australian crime fiction with her gritty and atmospheric novels. Her debut novel, Hades, won several awards and introduced readers to her compelling protagonist, Detective Frank Bennett. Fox’s works, including the popular Crimson Lake series, explore the dark underbelly of crime with nuanced characters and vivid settings.CT Mitchell Books

🕵️‍♀️ 7. J.M. Green – Social Worker Turned Sleuth

J.M. Green’s Stella Hardy series introduces readers to an unconventional detective—an empathetic social worker turned private investigator in Melbourne. The series combines social commentary with compelling mysteries, offering a unique perspective in the Australian mystery fiction scene.CT Mitchell Books

🎧 8. Emma Viskic – Deaf Investigator, Unforgettable Mysteries

Emma Viskic brings a unique perspective to the genre, incorporating themes of identity and disability into her novels. Her debut novel, Resurrection Bay, introduces readers to Caleb Zelic, a private investigator who is deaf. Viskic’s exploration of deafness, along with her tightly plotted mysteries, has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following.CT Mitchell Books+1Five Books+1

🏆 9. Sally Hepworth – Award-Winning Crime Fiction

Sally Hepworth’s novel Darling Girls won the 2024 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The story delves into the lives of three foster sisters who reunite after a body is found buried under their childhood home. Hepworth’s ability to craft compelling narratives with relatable characters has made her a standout in the Australian crime fiction scene.Australian Crime Writers Association+1Wikipedia+1WikipediaCT Mitchell Books+1Australian Crime Writers Association+1

🚂 10. Benjamin Stevenson – The Modern Whodunnit

Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect is a contemporary take on the classic locked-room mystery. Set on the iconic Ghan train, the novel combines humor with suspense, offering readers a fresh and engaging mystery experience.Australian Crime Writers Association+2Penguin Books Australia+2Goodreads+2

🧭 11. Arthur Upfield – The Original Outback Detective

Arthur Upfield created the character of Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, a mixed-race Indigenous Australian detective. His novels, such as The Sands of Windee, offer a unique blend of detective fiction and Australian landscape, making them a significant part of the country’s literary heritage.Wikipedia

🆕 12. Matt Francis – Rising Star in Crime Fiction

Matt Francis’s debut novel, Murder in the Pacific, Ilfira Point, won the 2024 Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction. Set in Vanuatu, the story introduces readers to a complex mystery with a strong sense of place and community, marking Francis as a promising new voice in Australian crime fiction.Australian Crime Writers Association

🎉 13. Louise Candlish – International Crime Sensation

Louise Candlish’s The Only Suspect won the 2024 Ned Kelly Award for Best International Crime Fiction. The novel’s twisty narrative and exploration of domestic secrets have garnered international acclaim, solidifying Candlish’s reputation as a master of psychological thrillers.Australian Crime Writers Association

📚 14. Nick McKenzie – True Crime Investigative Journalist

Nick McKenzie’s Crossing the Line won the 2024 Ned Kelly Award for Best True Crime. The book details the attempts to hide one of Australia’s worst war crimes and McKenzie’s dogged pursuit to uncover the truth, culminating in an epic legal battle.Australian Crime Writers Association

🧭 15. Charlotte Jay – Classic Crime Fiction

Charlotte Jay, born Geraldine Mary Jay, won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel of the Year in 1954 for her crime novel Beat Not the Bones. Her works continue to influence the genre, offering timeless mysteries for contemporary readers.Wikipedia

🐾 16. C.T. Mitchell – Feline-Inspired Mysteries

C.T. Mitchell brings a fresh perspective to the genre with his intriguing plots and captivating characters. His work, including the “Complete Catsrophes” series, combines mystery, humor, and feline charm, offering readers a delightful twist on traditional crime fiction.CT Mitchell Books

🏆 Honorable Mentions

Marele Day – Known for her Claudia Valentine series featuring a feminist Sydney-based private investigator. Wikipedia
Elizabeth Backhouse – Author of several crime novels set in Western Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. Wikipedia

📚 Ready to Dive In?

If you’re eager to explore more Australian mystery fiction, check out our curated list of 41 Best Cozy Cat Mysteries for a delightful mix of feline-themed whodunnits.

🐾 Want a Free Book?

Start your reading adventure today by grabbing a free book at ctmitchellbooks.com. Whether you’re into psychological thrillers, outback noir, or cozy mysteries, there’s something for every crime fiction lover.Penguin Books Australia+1Murder Mayhem and Long Dogs+1

Happy reading! 📖🐾