Neighbourhood Watch

In Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams, the annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition in Melbourne’s inner north becomes the scene of a chilling, darkly funny crime thriller—and it only gets messier from there.

When revered Supreme Court judge Harry “The Pope” Somerton is found staged like a grotesque scarecrow, homicide detective Priyanka Pal (a former psychologist) is pulled into a case that pries open long-buried secrets and uncomfortable truths. As her investigation exposes corruption uncomfortably close to home, Priyanka is forced to reckon with the kinds of powerful men and institutional failures that once drove her out of psychology.

Meanwhile, sisters Emma Bloom and Margot circle each other in a tense attempt at reconciliation—until The Pope’s death pushes their fragile family dynamics into crisis. Set in suburban Melbourne, this mystery blends sharp observation with moral bite.

Perfect for readers who like Australian noir, sister stories, and thrillers about power, justice, and the neighbours you thought you knew.

Step onto Curlew Street and see what’s hiding in plain sight.