"For the past several years, I’ve read all the novels from the shortlist for the Ngaio Marsh Awards, literary awards presented annually in New Zealand. But this year, several things conspired to prevent me from doing so. Still, I was determined to at least read the books picked as the best novel and best first novel. So, that’s how I…read more →
"For Reasons of their Own is a thrilling debut novel that announces a major new writing talent to the world."
"Just finished reading this book after going to the launch at the weekend... what a page-turner. Highly recommend. Chris is a talented new writer exploring some grunty themes of culture, ethnicity, courage, ethical dilemma, relationship - she's woven a very compelling story."
"From Plinkers, and I thought she didn’t want to play ukulele anymore but she has holed herself away to write her debut novel. Written in Nelson but set in Melbourne - it transported me right to Melbourne and the convention centre in the first few pages. The nearby semi-rural suburbs hinted at locales yet to be discovered."
"This book is an atmospheric murder mystery set in the heat of an Australian summer. It raises the issues of refugees and the agencies that are supposed to look after them. Not only did it make to want to know who did it, it also made me care about DI Gray and her colleagues. A good read."
"Chris has certainly lived an interesting life. This really comes thru in her writing and she's not scared to say it like it is. It's refreshing."
"Chris Stuart is an exciting writer who is making waves on the New Zealand Crime novel scene. Highly recommend!"