Fremantle Press author David Whish-Wilson wins WA Premier’s Book Award
O’Keefe by David Whish-Wilson has taken out the fiction prize in the WA Premier’s Book Awards. David’s win has taken place just days after releasing his latest crime novel Free World.
O’Keefe is a pulse-pounding thriller that takes a hard look at the Australian ‘cocaine gold rush’, where maritime crime meets the ruthless currents of the underworld.
Publisher Georgia Richter said it was magnificent to see Whish-Wilson’s powerfully good crime novel win the award. She said, ‘I believe David is one of Australia’s greatest crime writers, with a prodigious output and stylish prose. His novels consistently provide windows into wicked problems and social dilemmas through authentic, relatable characters. I’m so delighted for this recognition of his work.’
The WA Premier’s Book Awards judges said, ‘Fast paced, extremely engaging writing. A gritty, dark page turner made even more compelling by instantly recognisable locations and invisible ethical lines. Crime noir at its best.’
Eight Fremantle Press books representing ten writers were shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award and a further two Fremantle Press employees made the list, digital publicist Bianca Breen (Made of Steam and Stardust) and Open Book intern Mabel Gibson (CryBaby), who also won the prize for emerging writer.
Administered by the State Library of Western Australia, the Premier’s Book Awards support and promote authors, illustrators and publishers, while encouraging readers to engage with local stories.
Fremantle Press would like to congratulate all its winning and shortlisted writers.
Fiction
Non-Fiction
The Shameful Isles by David Price
Emerging Writer
Nock Loose by Patrick Marlborough
The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald
Children’s
Bigfoot vs Yeti by James Foley
Young Adult
A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future by Jackson Harvey & Alex Towler with Cristy Burne
