Troy Henderson won the 2025 Australian Fiction Prize for his unpublished crime thriller, River City, Books+Publishing reported. Presented by the Australian and HarperCollins, the award is open to all Australian writers for an unpublished, book-length work of fiction. Winners receive A$20,000 (about US$12,920) and a A$15,000 (about US$9,690) advance. River City is slated for publication in early 2027.
Judge Samuel Bernard said, "River City roars to life with the action, grit, and swagger of Brisbane's underbelly, delivering a cinematic crime story that never takes its foot off the accelerator. With razor-sharp dialogue, magnetic Aussie humor, explosive set pieces, and a thumping pulse, it announces a bold new voice in crime fiction."
HarperCollins fiction publisher Anna Valdinger commented: "This is exactly the kind of crime fiction that I love--propulsive, energetic, gritty and tremendous fun. With his ragtag cast of cops and criminals awash in banter, blood and betrayals, Troy Henderson has created a vivid world that will hook readers from the first page."
Henderson called the award "life-changing.... The years of writing and rewriting were worth it, and I'm so grateful River City resonated with the judges, giving me this opportunity to reach more readers and spend more time creating."