Candice Fox has made a name for herself in the world of crime fiction with her gritty, fast-paced novels and gripping plots that often explore the darkest corners of human nature. Known for her sharp prose, flawed but compelling characters, and morally complex storylines, Fox has become one of Australia’s most exciting thriller authors. Her books have earned critical acclaim and a devoted readership, both in her home country and internationally. Whether writing solo or collaborating with bestselling author James Patterson, her work always manages to captivate fans of crime, suspense, and mystery fiction.
Early Works and Breakthrough Novels
The Archer and Bennett Series
Candice Fox made her debut with the Archer and Bennett series, a trilogy that quickly caught the attention of crime fiction readers. This series introduced her distinctive writing style blending psychological insight with dark criminal investigations and positioned her as a fresh voice in the genre.
- Hades (2014) The first book in the series follows homicide detective Frank Bennett and his enigmatic new partner Eden Archer. Eden is a skilled investigator with a mysterious and deadly past. The novel won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel.
- Eden (2014) This sequel continues to develop the partnership between Frank and Eden while delving deeper into Eden’s secret life. It’s a complex exploration of justice and vengeance.
- Fall (2015) The final installment in the trilogy brings the characters full circle, as their personal demons and professional challenges collide in a suspense-filled conclusion.
Critical Reception and Awards
The Archer and Bennett series was lauded for its originality and bold character development. Fox won the Ned Kelly Award twice in consecutive years, establishing her as a significant force in Australian crime writing. Her early success set the stage for even greater achievements ahead.
Collaborations with James Patterson
The Detective Harriet Blue Series
One of the most high-profile phases of Candice Fox’s career began when she co-authored a series of thrillers with bestselling American author James Patterson. Together, they created the Detective Harriet Blue series, which centers around a tough, emotionally driven police officer dealing with personal tragedy and relentless criminal cases.
- Never Never (2016) The debut in the series follows Harriet Blue as she investigates crimes in a remote mining town in Western Australia.
- Fifty Fifty (2017) Harriet is pulled into a political scandal and a race against time to uncover the truth about a high-stakes conspiracy.
- Liar Liar (2018) The action intensifies as Harriet goes rogue to stop a serial killer, risking everything in the process.
- Hush Hush (2019) The final book in the series brings closure to Harriet’s story while testing her resolve one last time.
Why the Collaboration Works
Fox’s contribution to these books is evident in the gritty realism and emotional complexity she brings to the table. Her Australian perspective and nuanced characters balance Patterson’s fast-paced plot-driven style, making their partnership a hit with readers who enjoy hard-edged crime fiction with psychological depth.
Standalone Novels by Candice Fox
Crimson Lake Series
Another standout achievement in Candice Fox’s bibliography is the Crimson Lake trilogy. These books follow former police officer Ted Conkaffey, who is wrongly accused of a heinous crime, and his partnership with eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell.
- Crimson Lake (2017) After his fall from grace, Ted relocates to a small town in Queensland, where he becomes entangled in local mysteries alongside Amanda, a convicted killer turned investigator.
- Redemption Point (2018) Ted and Amanda investigate a double murder while Ted battles his past and ongoing suspicion from the public.
- Gone By Midnight (2019) The pair faces their toughest case yet: a missing boy, a distraught mother, and mounting pressure from the authorities.
Recognition and Adaptation
The Crimson Lake series was so compelling that it was adapted into a television series titledTroppo, bringing even more attention to Fox’s work. The show helped introduce her books to a wider international audience and demonstrated the cinematic quality of her storytelling.
Other Notable Standalones
- The Chase (2021) A daring story about a mass breakout from a maximum-security prison in Nevada, and the hunt that follows. The novel highlights Fox’s versatility and her talent for fast-paced storytelling.
- Fire With Fire (2023) A gripping thriller involving a kidnapped scientist and the race to uncover the truth before time runs out.
Recurring Themes and Style
Dark Morality and Redemption
Across all her books, Candice Fox frequently explores the theme of redemption. Her protagonists are often deeply flawed individuals ex-cops, former convicts, emotionally scarred investigators struggling to do right in a corrupt or indifferent world. This moral ambiguity adds layers of depth to her thrillers.
Strong Female Characters
Fox excels at creating complex, resilient female characters. Whether it’s Eden Archer’s dangerous charm or Amanda Pharrell’s eccentric brilliance, these women are far from typical genre stereotypes. Their stories reflect a broader range of emotional and ethical dilemmas, making them stand out in the crime fiction landscape.
Reading Order and Recommendations
For New Readers
- Start with Hades if you enjoy dark, character-driven police thrillers.
- Pick up Crimson Lake for a mix of mystery and redemption in a moody Australian setting.
- Try Never Never for fast-paced action with a high-stakes detective narrative.
For Fans of True Crime Elements
The Chase is particularly appealing to readers who enjoy thrillers inspired by true crime and prison narratives. Fox’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to build tension make it one of her most exciting standalone novels.
Global Recognition and Influence
Expanding Reach Beyond Australia
While Candice Fox began her career in Australia, her partnership with James Patterson and the international success of the Crimson Lake series helped her gain a global readership. Her works have been translated into several languages, and her presence in global literary festivals and book fairs continues to grow.
Contribution to Modern Crime Fiction
Fox has significantly contributed to the evolution of modern crime fiction by blending traditional mystery elements with fresh psychological and emotional perspectives. Her books are not just page-turners they also prompt reflection on justice, trauma, and the gray areas of morality.
Books by Candice Fox deliver more than thrilling plots they offer rich character studies, emotional depth, and an unflinching look at crime and justice. From her award-winning debut to international bestsellers and critically acclaimed adaptations, her work has cemented her as a force in contemporary crime fiction. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, Candice Fox’s novels promise gripping stories and unforgettable characters worth exploring.