Congratulations to Fiona Hardy, whose Unbury the Dead (Affirm Press) – the first book following best female friends and investigators, Alice and Teddy – has been shortlisted in the 2026 Davitt Awards!

This year, 126 books were entered into the 26th Davitt Awards, across four categories. The judges of the 2026 Davitt Awards selected a longlist of 28 books and a shortlist of 16 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, with winners announced at the awards ceremony on 12 September.

Congratulations to Fiona on her Adult Fiction shortlisting; and if you’d like to read more Alice and Teddy, continue following them in Old Games!