A fresh look at the murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe

Winner of the 2025 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Non-fiction Book

The murder of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe in their Pukekawa farmhouse in 1970 remains New Zealand’s most infamous cold case. It spawned two trials, two appeals, several books, a film, and eventually a royal commission finding of police corruption.

It also resulted in a free pardon, the only time the New Zealand government has bypassed the courts to set a convicted murderer free. And still, the Crewes’ killer has not been found.

Combining gripping narrative, detailed research and striking new testimony from those who were there, this book tells the complete story of the case for the first time.

To look inside, click here.

‘The reporting is meticulous, even forensic — and the subject is just so deeply, enduringly really interesting that it’s hard to tear yourself away from the pages of this most gothic of New Zealand murders’ — Steve Braunias, Newsroom

‘A brilliantly researched and compelling look at one of our most significant unsolved cases, one that also gives readers a fascinating peek into our cultural and legal history’ — Greg Fleming, Kete Books

‘Scrupulously researched, carefully structured, layered with forensic and legal detail. Among a small library of writing about the Crewes and Thomas, this should be regarded as the definitive record of one of New Zealand’s most infamous and troubling crimes.’ — Judges of the 2025 Ngaio Marsh Awards