Best Australian Fiction Books: Winter Reads We Recommend
Get excited about this edit of the best books in Australian fiction.
When it's cold outside, nothing is better than cuddling up with a good book in a super cosy location (fluffy slippers and snuggly AF loungewear mandatory) and getting lost in the pages.
And with such a swell array of new Australian fiction, there's never been a better time to be a reader. If you're keen to avoid the disappointment of a less-than-excellent read, be sure to peruse this tried and tested list of our favourite releases this year. You're bound to find your perfect book. Read on for our edit of the best books in Australian fiction right now.
New Australian Fiction
All the Beautiful Things You Love by Jonathan Seidler
When Enzo leaves Elly after ten years, she finds herself alone in their East London flat, surrounded by memories. Desperate to move on, she lists their shared possessions on Marketplace. As strangers claim these items, Elly embarks on a journey of healing and unexpected discoveries in All the Beautiful Things You Love.
Seidler is a stunning storyteller. His exploration of love and loss and what it means to navigate a breakup and all the debris, both physical and mental, that comes with it makes for a captivating read.
Australian Crime Fiction
Devil's Kitchen by Candice Fox
In Devil’s Kitchen, Candice Fox introduces us to New York's Engine 99 firefighters, who double as skilled thieves planning one final heist. Unbeknownst to them, their new recruit, Andrea Nearland, is an undercover operative with a mission to bring them down. This high-stakes thriller is filled with action, suspense, and deep character insights. It's intense but oh-so-readable.
Sanctuary by Garry Disher
Grace, an expert thief, yearns for a different life. After a close call with an old associate, she finds herself in Erin Mandel's rural antique shop in South Australia. Seeking normalcy, Grace's plans are thwarted as dangerous men from both their pasts close in. In this thrilling standalone, survival means confronting their deepest fears. This is a masterful thriller penned by one of Australia's best crime writers.
Australian Historical Fiction
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman
From the bestselling author of The Nurses' War comes a charming, funny look at post-war Australia's golden age of radio broadcasting. The Radio Hour celebrates the unseen women who wrote the captivating radio plays of the era. Set in 1956 Sydney, it follows fifty-year-old Martha Berry, a spinster and a dedicated worker at the national broadcaster. Martha secretly ghostwrites scripts for a new radio serial, creating storylines that resonate with women listeners, ultimately facing a choice between anonymity and recognition.
Critics and readers applaud Purman's ability to bring to life the post-war era, focusing this time on the vibrant world of the ABC, Australia's national broadcaster.
The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning
The Hidden Book intertwines a WWII story with a present-day discovery in Australia. In the 1940s, imprisoned photographer Mateo Baca creates a secret photo book documenting Nazi atrocities. Decades later, thirteen-year-old Hannah Campbell finds this book brought by her Yugoslavian grandfather, unravelling its dark history. As Hannah grows, the book's significance and the bravery it represents shape her understanding of love, grief, and the importance of bearing witness.
Critics have praised Manning's richly detailed narrative and complex characters. This compelling tale of love, secrets, and resilience has resonated deeply with readers, securing its place as a standout in contemporary historical fiction.
If you've loved our guide to the best Australian fiction books and you're looking for more great books to get your hands on, check out our guide to the best classic Australian literature. and the best Australian coffee table books. Also, please support local and buy books from your local bookstore. Check out our favourite local bookstores in Sydney, the best bookstores in Melbourne and Adelaide's ultimate bookstore guide.
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