Rupa Mahadevan has won the prestigious Joffe Books Prize 2024 for her psychological thriller, The Goddess of Death. Dubbed Britain’s biggest crime writing prize, according to a statement on joffebooks.com, the award comes with a two-book publishing deal from Joffe Books, a £1,000 cash prize and a £25,000 audiobook deal from Audible.
Mahadevan’s debut novel captivated judges with its tense narrative, layered intrigue and eerie setting on Scotland’s Oban Island during the Hindu Dolls festival. The plot unravels a chilling mystery as a group reunion takes a dark turn with the discovery of a stabbed doll beneath a goddess statue, foretelling sinister events.
“This is a dream come true,” Mahadevan said, reflecting on her win. “As a writer of colour, battling insecurities can be overwhelming. This award validates my journey and gives me the confidence to tell stories that resonate.”
The Joffe Books Prize for Crime Writers of Colour, established in 2021, seeks to spotlight underrepresented voices in crime fiction. This year’s entries spanned genres from gritty police procedurals to sci-fi thrillers. Judges unanimously hailed Mahadevan’s work for its compelling tension, nuanced characters, and fresh perspective.
Jasmine Callaghan, commissioning editor at Joffe Books, praised the novel’s marketability and originality. “Rupa’s thriller stood out with its strong hook and suspense-filled narrative. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our list.”
Mahadevan, who grew up in southern India and now calls Scotland home, balances her writing passion with a full-time career. With The Goddess of Death, she cements her place among rising stars in crime fiction, continuing Joffe Books’ mission to elevate diverse talent.
