23 October, 2020
Michael Robotham has triumphed at this year’s Crime Writers’ Association Awards, receiving the prestigious and internationally recognised Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year for his bestselling Good Girl, Bad Girl.
Announced in the early hours of the morning, Robotham’s win cements his place as Australia’s foremost crimewriter. He is one of only a few people in the history of the Gold Dagger, and the only Australian, to have won the international award twice.
When reflecting on his win, Robotham said, ‘What thrills me the most is that since 2007 Australians have won [the Gold Dagger] four times. It reflects how far Australian crime writing has come.’
The Crime Writers’ Association said, ‘Robotham is an absolute master of the impactful opening and draws you
effortlessly in before seamlessly ratcheting up the tension and jeopardy.’
In Good Girl, Bad Girl, intense and fascinating relationships are developed and explored as forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven investigates murder while treating damaged teenager Evie. This unnerving psychological thriller became the top selling fiction title on release in August 2019 and When She Was Good, released in August this year, was equally well received earning the top spot for adult fiction in its release week.
The Gold Dagger rounds off what has been an incredible year for Robotham, with Good Girl, Bad Girl also nominated for the 2020 Edgar Award for Best Novel (presented by the Mystery Writers of America) and shortlisted for the 2020 ABIA General Fiction Book fo the Year Award. The Secrets She Keeps television series was premiered on Channel 10 in April and his Joe O'Loughlin TV series is now in development with a major UK production company.
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WINNER OF THE GOLD DAGGER AWARD FOR BEST CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR -
He thinks the truth will set her free. She knows it will kill them. The massive Number One bestseller from the author of heart-stopping psychological thrillers THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS and THE OTHER WIFE -
The Secrets She Keeps is now a major TV series starring Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey), and Jessica De Gouw (The Crown) with Season 2 out now
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