Dark Deeds Down Under, Crime Thriller Anthology Review

Dark Deeds Down Under (edited by Craig Sisterson) is an anthology featuring short stories from several big names in the Aussie and Kiwi crime mystery fiction and thriller scene. Read my full review.

Dark Deeds Down Under Book Synopsis

This stunning anthology includes 19 short stories from some of the brightest storytelling talents from Australia and New Zealand: including international bestsellers and award winners.

Through the prism of page-turning crime, mystery and thriller stories you will roam from the dusty Outback to South Island glaciers, from ocean-carved coastlines and craggy mountains to sultry rainforests and Middle Earth valleys, and via sleepy villages to the underbellies of our cosmopolitan cities.

In these all-new stories you’ll spend time with favourite series cops, sleuths and accidental heroes, and meet some new and edgy standalone characters.

This vibrant Dark Deeds Down Under showcase includes: Kerry Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman, Garry Disher’s ‘Hirsch’, Vanda Symon’s Sam Shephard, Sulari Gentill’s Rowly Sinclair, RWR McDonald’s ‘Nancys’, Lee Murray & Dan Rabarts’ Penny Yee & Matiu, Katherine Kovacic’s Alex Clayton, Dinuka McKenzie’s Kate Miles, and a rare appearance from Shane Maloney’s Murray Whelan.

Edited by Craig Sisterson, the dark deeds in this anthology are perpetrated by a positively criminal line-up of authors.

(Clan Destine Press, 2022)

Genre: Short Stories, Crime-Detective, Mystery, Thriller, Action

Book Review

I am wary of anthologies… Too often they’ll have the works of one or two great headline authors left carrying numerous other stories that feel like filler. But in Dark Deeds Down Under readers are spoiled for choice when it comes to bestselling authors, variety in characters, settings and storylines. The breadth and depth of Craig Sisterson’s knowledge of the Aussie and Kiwi crime fiction scene has clearly translated into editorial impact.

Personally, I found it such a treat to reconnect with Alan Carter, Kerry Greenwood, Shane Maloney, Katherine Kovacic and Garry Disher’s wonderfully memorable and engaging crime-series leads — dark dry hostage humour from Geordie-Kiwi Sergeant Nick Chester, bolshy ex-accountant now baker PI Corinna Chapman helping out an ex, world-weary politician Murray Whelan visiting his grown-up thespian son, art dealer sleuth Alex Clayton and her loyal wolfhound digging into history, and of course Constable Hirsch in outback Tiverton.

By the time I’d turned the final page of Dark Deeds Down Under, Sulari Gentill and Aoiffe Clifford’s writing (already on my wishlist) had been bumped up the queue and Dinuka McKenzie’s Torrent and Dan Rabarts & Lee Murray’s Path of Ra series added to it.

That said, I cannot choose a favourite amongst the 19 compelling titles, such is their quality, diversity and impact.

For those looking for a place to start their reading journey in Australian and Kiwi crime fiction, in Dark Deeds Down Under editor Craig Sisterson has offered up a veritable tasting plate. I dare you to read it from cover to cover like I did and resist adding multiple new authors to your reading pile!

Plus, I hear there is a second edition with lots more of our favourite authors in the pipeline… count me in.

BOOK RATING: The Story 4 / 5 ; The Writing 4 / 5

Get your copy of Dark Deeds Down Under from:

Booktopia Book Depository Amazon

About the Editor, Craig Sisterson

Craig Sisterson is the editor of Dark Deeds Down Under, and author of the non-fiction crime book, Southern Cross Crime. Craig is a features writer and crime fiction expert from New Zealand who writes for newspapers and magazines in several countries.

In recent years he’s interviewed hundreds of crime writers and talked about the genre on national radio, top podcasts, and onstage at festivals on three continents. Craig has been a judge of the McIlvanney Prize and Ned Kelly Awards, and is founder of the Ngaio Marsh Awards and co-founder of Rotorua Noir. Connect with him on Twitter.

This review counts toward my participation in the Aussie Author Challenge 2022.

* My receipt of a review copy from the publisher did not impact the expression of my honest opinions above.