Picture an Australian storyteller who spins crime novels with the wit of a stand-up comedian—meet Benjamin Stevenson! This award-winning author has traded comedy stages for the shadowy world of mysteries, crafting tales that blend suspense, humor, and clever twists. From his debut novel Greenlight to the globally celebrated Ernest Cunningham Mysteries, Stevenson’s unique voice has captivated readers worldwide, proving that crime can be both thrilling and delightfully fun.
The Making of Benjamin Stevenson
Born in Australia, Benjamin Stevenson grew up with a knack for storytelling, honed through his days as a Scout and later as a celebrated stand-up comedian. Performing sold-out shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Edinburgh Fringe, he mastered the art of engaging audiences. Off-stage, Stevenson’s work in publishing houses and literary agencies, including Curtis Brown Australia, gave him an insider’s view of the book world. This blend of humor, industry know-how, and a love for crime fiction sparked his writing career, leading to his debut novel in 2018.
Benjamin Stevenson’s Unforgettable Stories
Stevenson’s novels are a masterclass in blending gritty suspense with playful wit. His first book, Greenlight (also known as Trust Me When I Lie), introduced Jack Quick, a true-crime producer navigating a murky murder case. Shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award, it showcased Stevenson’s knack for flawed protagonists and twisty plots. The follow-up, Either Side of Midnight, continued Jack’s story, earning a nomination for the International Thriller Writers Award.
The Ernest Cunningham Mysteries, however, propelled Stevenson to international fame. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (2022) is a witty, Golden Age-inspired mystery set at a snowbound family reunion, now being adapted into an HBO series. Its sequel, Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (2023), unfolds on the Ghan train, with crime writers turning detectives. The latest, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret (2024), delivers festive mayhem with a magician’s murder. Stevenson’s style—metafictional, conversational, and packed with clever tropes—makes each book a rollercoaster of surprises.
Why Benjamin Stevenson Matters
Stevenson has redefined Australian crime fiction by infusing it with humor and heart, carving a niche alongside giants like Jane Harper and Chris Hammer. His ability to honor classic mystery tropes while modernizing them with an Australian flair has earned him a global following, with over 750,000 copies sold across 29 territories. By making crime fiction accessible and fun, Stevenson invites readers to revel in the genre’s cleverness, proving that a good mystery can be both entertaining and profound.
- About Benjamin Stevenson
- Born: Australia
- Key Works: Greenlight (2018), Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (2022), Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (2023), Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret (2024)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Ned Kelly Award (2018), International Thriller Writers Award (2020); nominated for eight Book of the Year awards
- Fun Fact: A former Scout, Stevenson draws on his travels across Australia for vivid settings.
Snag Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and dive into Benjamin Stevenson’s wickedly clever crime world—your next favorite mystery awaits!