About James
James Thornton is one of Australia's most gripping crime fiction writers, known for his darkly atmospheric Sydney-based thriller series featuring Detective Cara Novak. A former journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald, James brings the gritty realism of the newsroom to his fictional worlds.
His novels have been praised for their unflinching portrayal of Sydney's underbelly — from the neon-lit streets of Kings Cross to the quiet suburbs where secrets fester. He is a two-time recipient of the Ned Kelly Award for Australian Crime Writing.
James lives in Newtown with his rescue greyhound, Pinter, and teaches creative writing at the University of Sydney on weekends.
9
Novels Published
2×
Ned Kelly Award
18
Years Writing
Notable Works
Dead in Darlinghurst
2023 · Hachette Australia
The Novak Files
2020 · Pan Macmillan
Harbour of Lies
2017 · Allen & Unwin
Specialties