Family law judge Kaye Bailey is found murdered in her chambers. Is this the work of a disgruntled complainant? Or an inside job by a jealous colleague? Or is there something even more insidious at the heart of this brutal act?

Detective Jillian Basset is just back from maternity leave, struggling with new motherhood as she tackles the biggest case of her career. As her work and home lives get messier and messier, though, something's going to give.

Exploring the murky underworld of the justice system and setting a cracking pace, Judgement Day is a gripping thriller from a fresh and compelling new Australian voice.


SHORTLISTED FOR THE DANGER AWARDS DEBUT FICTION 2024


Praise for Judgement Day

'I absolutely loved Judgement Day. It kept me guessing right the way through, but pulled it all together in the end in a way that was immensely satisfying and solid. It's really refreshing to read such a quality procedural, and it's impressive work for a debut. I also loved the relationship between Jillian and McClintock, it's a different dynamic from the usual, and made for another great payoff in the end.' Shelley Burr, author of WAKE

'Judgement Day is a thrilling ride. I loved delving into the world of the courts - what a place to set a crime novel - the intrigue, the snobbery and the privilege. This book kept me up all night and I can't stop thinking about it.' Margaret Hickey, author of Stone Town

'The best crime novels make readers confront uncomfortable truths. Judgement Day delivers on that front - and more. Great characters. Clever plot. The cops and the courts collide in this compelling debut thriller from Mali Waugh.' Tim Ayliffe, author of the John Bailey series

'The verdict is this is damn fine crime fiction. Mali Waugh lifts the lid on the legal profession's biggest secret: what happens behind the courtroom is even more compelling than what happens in it. Beyond a reasonable doubt this is one of the best Australian legal thrillers in years.' Aoife Clifford, author of When We Fall