Picture a small Australian town where the fish and chip shop doubles as a detective agency—meet Sue Williams, the witty mastermind behind the Rusty Bore Mystery series! With her knack for blending cozy crime with laugh-out-loud humor, Williams has carved a unique niche in Australian fiction, captivating readers who crave quirky whodunits served with a side of small-town charm.
Her star sleuth, Cass Tuplin, isn’t your typical private investigator. As the owner of Rusty Bore’s takeaway, Cass stumbles into mysteries while slinging burgers and dodging her policeman son’s disapproval. Williams’s stories, set in the fictional Mallee town of Rusty Bore (population 147), are as much about community quirks as they are about solving crimes, making her a refreshing voice in crime fiction.
The Making of Sue Williams
Born in England, Sue Williams became a naturalized Australian, bringing a global perspective to her storytelling. Raised in country Victoria, she playfully denies that her rural roots inspired Rusty Bore’s dusty streets, though the Mallee’s stark beauty shines through her work. A science writer, chartered accountant, and marine biologist with a PhD, Williams’s eclectic career fuels her ability to craft multifaceted characters like Cass, who’s as stubborn as she is endearing. Her journalism background, with stints in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, honed her sharp, observational style, perfect for capturing the absurdities of small-town life.
Sue Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s Rusty Bore Mysteries kicked off with Murder with the Lot (2013), introducing Cass Tuplin as Rusty Bore’s nosy, self-appointed PI. When a suspicious stranger named Clarence rolls into town, Cass’s curiosity leads her to a body—and a case her son Dean, the local cop, refuses to take seriously. Critics, including Kerry Greenwood, praised its “well-sauced outback caper” vibe, blending humor with suspense.
The series continues with Dead Men Don’t Order Flake (2016), lauded for its killer title and fast-paced plot, and Live and Let Fry (2018), where Cass investigates dead rats and a missing woman, diving into environmental scandals. Her latest, Death at the Belvedere (2022), keeps the stakes high as Cass’s sleuthing uncovers dark secrets. Williams’s style—dry humor, vivid Mallee settings, and flawed yet lovable characters—earns comparisons to Janet Evanovich, with reviewers calling her tales “wildly entertaining” and “irresistible as potato cakes after a swim.”
Her non-fiction work, including bestsellers like And Then The Darkness, a true crime story shortlisted for the Gold Dagger Award, showcases her versatility. Yet, it’s the Rusty Bore series that defines her fiction legacy, offering a playful take on rural Australia’s quirks and struggles.
Why Sue Williams Matters
Sue Williams has redefined cozy crime with her irreverent humor and authentic portrayal of rural Australia. Her stories resonate with readers who see themselves in Rusty Bore’s underdog spirit, where everyone knows your business but still rallies around you. By centering a feisty, forty-something woman like Cass, Williams challenges stereotypes, proving heroines don’t need capes—just a knack for sniffing out trouble. Her work boosts Australian crime fiction’s global profile, blending local flavor with universal appeal.
Williams’s impact extends to inspiring readers to embrace small-town stories, proving they can be as thrilling as big-city thrillers. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits the fourth Rusty Bore novel, a testament to her ability to keep readers hooked.
- Birthplace: England, now based in Melbourne, Australia
- Key Works: Murder with the Lot, Dead Men Don’t Order Flake, Live and Let Fry, Death at the Belvedere
- Notable Fact: Her true crime book And Then The Darkness was shortlisted for the Gold Dagger Award.
Ready to dive into a mystery as tasty as a Rusty Bore burger? Grab Murder with the Lot and let Sue Williams’s hilarious, heartwarming world sweep you away!