Michael Bennett Wins Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel

Renowned screenwriter and author Michael Bennett has secured the prestigious Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel for his latest work, Return to Blood. The awards, which honour outstanding contributions to crime, thriller, mystery, suspense, and true crime literature in Aotearoa New Zealand, were presented on October 19, 2023, at the Tūranga library in Christchurch.

Bennett’s novel has been lauded by judges for its “excellent characters, nuanced plot, and important themes.” This marks a significant achievement for Bennett, as Return to Blood is the second installment in his detective series featuring Hana Westerman. His first novel, Better the Blood, won the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. Earlier this year, he released the third book, Carved in Blood, continuing the compelling narrative established in his previous works.

A Legacy of Excellence in Crime Writing

Bennett, originally from Reefton and now residing in Auckland, has made significant contributions to literary and television storytelling. His prior work includes writing and serving as executive producer for the TVNZ series Vegas. In addition to his recent accolades, Bennett won the Best Non-Fiction Award in 2017 for In Dark Places, a critical examination of the wrongful conviction of Teina Pora for the 1992 murder of Susan Burdett.

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. Their work re-evaluates the unsolved 1970 murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe at their Pukekawa farmhouse, highlighting the enduring complexities of the case, which has seen two trials, two appeals, and a royal commission uncovering police corruption.

Celebrating New Voices in Literature

The award for Best First Novel was awarded to Wendy Parkins for her book The Defiance of Frances Dickinson. Judges praised her work for immersing readers in a historical context that resonates with contemporary issues. Parkins joins the ranks of esteemed authors such as JP Pomare, Jacqueline Bublitz, and last year’s winner, Claire Baylis.

Now in its 16th year, the Ngaio Marsh Awards were established in 2010 by journalist and legal editor Craig Sisterson. Named in honour of Dame Ngaio Marsh, a pivotal figure in the golden age of detective fiction, the awards continue to celebrate the richness of crime writing in New Zealand. This year’s event, supported by WORD Christchurch, reinforces the ongoing commitment to recognising and promoting excellence in this vibrant literary genre.