Another great one is 'Scrublands' by Chris Hammer. It takes place in a small country town. The story involves a mass shooting and a journalist's investigation into it. It has a great build - up of suspense and reveals the secrets and tensions that can lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary community.
The best ones are well - researched. Authors dig deep into court records, police reports, and interviews with those involved. This means that the details in the novels are accurate and help to create a vivid picture of the crime and its aftermath. They also tend to focus on the human element. It's not just about the crime itself, but about the motives, the lives of the victims, and the psychology of the criminals.
The unique Australian setting often makes them stand out. For example, the outback or small coastal towns provide a different backdrop compared to typical American or British crime novels. This setting can add an element of isolation and danger.
One of the best is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's set in a drought - stricken Australian town and follows a detective investigating a murder. The story is gripping as it weaves in the harsh Australian landscape and the complex relationships among the townspeople.
The best Australian crime fiction often features complex relationships. This could be between the characters themselves, or between the characters and the Australian environment. The environment can be both a hindrance and a help in solving the crimes. For instance, in 'Mystery Road', the Aboriginal connection to the land is an important part of the story. Also, these stories are not afraid to show the darker side of Australian life, from small - town secrets to big - city crime. And they usually have a well - crafted mystery that keeps the readers guessing until the very end.
Some new Australian crime fiction that stands out is that which focuses on the seedy underbelly of big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Authors are exploring the criminal networks that operate in these urban landscapes.
Australian crime novels often feature the unique Australian landscape as a backdrop. The outback, small towns, and coastal areas play important roles. They also tend to explore themes like isolation, community secrets, and the impact of the harsh environment on the characters.
One of the well - known Australian true crime novels is 'Snowtown' which delves into the disturbing Snowtown murders. It's a chilling account that gives readers an in - depth look at the events and the people involved.
One characteristic is the unique setting. The vast and often harsh outback landscape becomes a character in itself. It can isolate characters and add to the sense of danger and mystery.
Typically, they may have a strong sense of place. Since they are Australian, they might describe the unique Australian landscapes, like the outback or coastal areas, which can add an interesting backdrop to the crime stories.