New Zealand author Tom Baragwanath shortlisted for 2025 CrimeFest Award

New Zealand writer Tom Baragwanath has been shortlisted for a 2025 CrimeFest Award for his acclaimed novel Paper Cage.

Published to wide praise, Paper Cage is a taut and atmospheric crime novel set in small-town New Zealand. It follows Lorraine Henry, a part-time police records clerk who finds herself drawn into an investigation when young Māori boys go missing and official efforts fall short. Balancing the slow-burn suspense of classic crime fiction with sharp social commentary, Baragwanath’s debut has earned strong comparisons to the best of contemporary noir.

The CrimeFest Awards celebrate the best international crime writing published in the UK, and Baragwanath's inclusion on the shortlist highlights the growing recognition of New Zealand voices within the genre.

Winners will be announced during the CrimeFest convention, held in Bristol, UK, 15-18 May 2025.

Paper Cage is published in the UK by Text Publishing.

FANZA congratulates Tom Baragwanath on this fantastic achievement and will be following the awards with great interest.