Michael Bennett Claims Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel

Screenwriter and author Michael Bennett has secured the prestigious Ngaio Marsh Award for best novel for his latest work, Return to Blood. The awards ceremony took place on October 5, 2023, at the Tūranga library in Christchurch, celebrating outstanding contributions to crime, thriller, mystery, suspense, and true crime writing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Judges commended Bennett’s novel for its “excellent characters, nuanced plot, and important themes.” Return to Blood is the second entry in his popular detective series featuring Hana Westerman, following the success of his debut novel, Better the Blood, which won the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award for best first novel. The third installment, Carved in Blood, was released earlier this year.

Previous Achievements and Notable Winners

Bennett, originally from Reefton but now residing in Auckland, is not new to accolades. In 2017, he won the best non-fiction award for In Dark Places, a detailed examination of the wrongful conviction of Teina Pora for the murder of Susan Burdett in 1992. His ability to weave complex narratives extends beyond fiction, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

Other notable winners at the ceremony included Kirsty Johnston and James Hollings, who received the best non-fiction award for their book, The Crewe Murders. This work revisits the unresolved murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe, which occurred in a Pukekawa farmhouse in 1970. Their investigation highlights enduring mysteries despite two trials, two appeals, and a royal commission that uncovered police corruption.

Wendy Parkins, author of The Defiance of Frances Dickinson, was recognized as the best first novel winner. Judges praised her work for immersing readers in an era that reflects unsettling contemporary attitudes, continuing a legacy of excellence that includes previous winners like JP Pomare and Claire Baylis.

The Legacy of the Ngaio Marsh Awards

Now entering their 16th year, the Ngaio Marsh Awards were established in 2010 by journalist and legal editor Craig Sisterson. Named after Dame Ngaio Marsh, one of the four “queens of crime” during the golden age of detective fiction, the awards celebrate authors who push the boundaries of storytelling within the genre. Dame Ngaio Marsh’s influence continues to resonate, as her legacy inspires new generations of writers in New Zealand and beyond.

The recognition of Michael Bennett and his peers exemplifies the vibrant literary culture in Aotearoa, highlighting the importance of storytelling that captivates and challenges readers while honoring the traditions of crime fiction.