Prime Cut wins Ned Kelly Award

Prime Cut by crime writer Alan Carter has won theBest First Fiction category of the 2011 Ned Kelly Awards.

Carter was one of two Fremantle authors and three crime writers nationwide to make it to the shortlist.

Carter, who appeared at the Melbourne Writers Festival this week, said the competition was very strong and it was great to be in such distinguished company.

‘I’ve read both the other [shortlisted] books – P.M. Newton’s and David Whish-Wilson’s – and enjoyed them immensely,’ said Carter.

Carter said the win was very exciting and a great honour.

‘The award is important because it helps lift the profile of Prime Cut and me as a crime writer and it’s a recognition by a panel of fellow crime writers, publishers, and booksellers of the merits of Prime Cut,’ he said.

Previous winners of the award include: Chris Gadd, Chris Womersley, Adrian Hyland, Wendy James and Malcolm Knox.

The Ned Kelly Awards for 2011 was hosted by Jane Clifton in Melbourne.

Prime Cut is published by Fremantle Press and available in all good bookstores.