The Reckoning

‘An unflinching, morally uncompromising crime novel about thwarted justice, institutional failure, exacted revenge and the price paid when the system looks away.’ * Readings *
‘Hard hitting, full of tension and pace that doesn’t stop until you’ve turned the last page.’ – Fleur McDonald, author of The Witness
‘The Reckoning opens with a menacing scenario that’s truly ominous. Petraitis then skillfully takes the reader galloping through ever-escalating situations, thankfully interspersed with Waffles, Wozza and plenty of cake. Petraitis fans – all crime fans – will lap this up.’ – Michelle Prak, author of The Rush
‘No one writes true crime fiction like Vikki Petraitis. In the tradition of her two earlier Antigone Pollard books, The Reckoning shines the spotlight on the stories – and the victims – behind the headlines that capture us all. Reading a Petraitis novel is akin to sitting down with your own case file and discovering how the system really works, yet any return to Deception Bay also feels like sitting down over tea and biscuits with old, dear friends. Such is the skill of Petraitis as a crime writer. She melds the personal and the political perfectly.’ – Jacqueline Bublitz, author of Before You Knew My Name

Vikki Petraitis is the bestselling author of the true crime books The Frankston Murders and The Phillip Island Murder. She has adapted both of these cases into highly successful podcast series with Casefile Presents, which have reached global charts and garnered millions of downloads. Vikki’s skill lies in her ability to conduct interviews with police and victims to craft compelling narratives.

Drawing on thirty years of experience in true crime writing and investigation, Vikki penned her first work of fiction, The Unbelieved, which won the inaugural A&U Crime Prize. This novel is currently being adapted into a co-production by ABC and BBC titled DUSTFALL, scheduled for release in late 2026. Vikki is also a sought-after presenter, renowned for her engaging true crime talks and keynote speeches.

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