Australian author wins prestigious crime writing prizeSydney, Oct 1 (AZINS) Australian author Michael Robotham has been crowned the year's best crime writer after he received the prestigious UK Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger award on Thursday,

Robotham's novel, titled 'Life or Death', beat other shortlisted authors that included The Silkworm by JK Rowling, known for the Harry Potter series, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith and sci-fi writer Stephen King's Mr Mercedes, Xinhua reported.

Described by the judges as a compelling and fascinating thriller, 'Life or Death' tells the story of a Texan prisoner who escapes jail a day before he is due to be released.

Robotham has previously ghost-written memoirs for celebrities including international pop sensation Geri Halliwell and disgraced children's entertainer Rolf Harris.