We are thrilled and delighted to discover that two JdM authors have made the 2026 Davitt Awards Longlist, in the adult fiction category. Jane Caro’s Lyrebird (Allen & Unwin), and Fiona Hardy’s Unbury the Dead (Affirm Press).

Organised by Sisters in Crime, the Davitt Awards saw 126 books entered into the 26th Davitt Awards, across four categories. The judges of the 2026 Davitt Awards have selected a longlist of 28 books that reflect the excellent quality and maturity of stories written by Australian women crime writers. These stories are notable for their originality, depth and high level of the authors’ skills.

Ruth Wykes, Davitt Awards Judges’ Chair, said the 2026 entries that stood out ‘were the ones that entertained, challenged, taught us, and stayed with us long after we had read the final chapters. Stories that were bold and brave, or beautifully nuanced’.

Judging continues for the Davitt Awards’ shortlist which will be announced in July, with winners announced in August/September.

Congratulations to all those longlisted, Jane and Fiona especially!