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A drought stricken Riverina town novel wins 2019 CWA Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novel

Back Country Bulletin

Cheyenne Hurst

19 December 2024, 7:00 PM

A drought stricken Riverina town novel wins 2019 CWA Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novelpictured Krista Schade and Chris Hammer in Hay 2024

Scrublands is a gripping crime novel set in a drought-stricken Riverina town. This powerful and original story won the 2019 CWA Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novel.

In a town ravaged by relentless drought, a charismatic young priest commits a shocking act of violence, killing five parishioners before taking his own life.


A year later, journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to revisit the tragedy. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers disturbing inconsistencies between the official narrative and the stories told by locals. Driven by a sense of justice and a personal connection to the town, Martin challenges the accepted version of events.


But as he gets closer to the truth, he faces increasing danger from powerful forces determined to silence him. With every twist and turn, the mystery grows darker and more complex, leaving readers breathless until the final page.


"A heatwave of a novel, scorching and powerful.... Don't miss it"

"A clever intricate mystery... Highly recommend"

'Superbly drawn, utterly compelling"


Chris Hammers award winning Scrublands, is available to now watch on Stan.


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