Listeners may be familiar with Scandi Noir and Southern Noir, but how about New Zealand Noir? If you Google that phrase, as I did, you will likely find links to several brands of New Zealand Pinot Noir. Good, but not quite what you had in mind. The more current phrase to describe the wealth of crime fiction books and audiobooks coming to us from New Zealand is “Kiwi Noir,” or the more colloquial “Yeah Noir,” a play on the popular Kiwi expression “Yeah nah,” which is a softer way of saying “no.”
However you label it, authors from that part of the world are providing us with a bounty of entertaining, original, and dark crime fiction set in the small island nation. And it’s not just a recent phenomenon. Along with Agatha Christie, New Zealand’s Ngaio Marsh also holds the title of one of the “Queens of Crime.” Marsh published thirty-three detective novels beginning in 1934. Today, the Ngaio Marsh Awards are bestowed annually for outstanding works in crime, mystery, and thriller writing.
For an introduction to “Yeah Noir,” check out the sampling below of recent offerings.
RETURN TO BLOOD: Hana Westerman, Book 2 by Michael Bennett
Narrated by Miriama McDowell
The “Blood” series features Māori detective Hana Westerman, recently retired from the Auckland police force, and weaves in Māori culture, language, and spiritual beliefs. Listeners might recognize narrator Miriama McDowell from her appearances in film and television, including The Brokenwood Mysteries, set in New Zealand. She masterfully voices the many characters and even performs Māori ceremonial chants. The overall result transports listeners straight to New Zealand.
PREY: Sam Shephard, Book 6 by Vanda Symon
Narrated by Genevieve Swallow | AudioFile Earphones Award
This is the sixth audiobook in the Sam Shephard series, set in Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand. Detective Shephard is tasked with focusing on a 25-year-old cold case that strains her professional relationships as she navigates her return from maternity leave. What is refreshing about this story is how it realistically portrays the challenges of a nursing mother balancing her personal and professional life. Swallow, with her charming New Zealand accent, skillfully differentiates characters of varying ages and backgrounds. Newcomers to the series will find enough backstory to jump right in.
THE CLEANER: Joe Middleton, Book 1 by Paul Cleave
Narrated by Kris Dyer
Taking place in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, this novel offers an off-the-charts creepiness factor. Listeners are invited into the mind of Joe Middleton, a cleaner at the Christchurch police station who presents as intellectually challenged at work but is, in reality, a deranged, evil serial rapist and killer. Narrator Kris Dyer masterfully uses tone and pace to differentiate these two personalities. Paul Cleave, a multiple Ngaio Marsh Award winner, delivers a chillingly immersive experience, heightened by Dyer’s skillful narration.
WATCHING YOU by Paddy Richardson
Performed by Toby Webster, Julia Kellett, Kirsty Gillmore
For those who appreciate psychological thrillers, WATCHING YOU provides an immersive experience. A word of caution: the story revolves around another serial rapist, and the descriptions from both the victims and the perpetrator are intense. The audiobook is performed by three talented narrators. Journalist and mother Clare Wright is masterfully portrayed by Kristy Gilmore. Julie Kellert voices Annie, Clare’s teenage daughter, with a spot-on youthful tone. The serial rapist, Travis Crill, is performed by Toby Webster, who chillingly balances a “guy next door” demeanor with that of a deranged predator. This is a disturbing but compelling listen.
While I can personally report that it is absolutely worth making the effort to visit New Zealand, for those interested in getting a feel for the country — at least its darker side — these audiobooks are an excellent introduction
This story appears through BookTrib’s partnership with AudioFile and contains material originating from the AudioFile website.
