Rita Bullwinkel

[5] Bullwinkel's 2024 novel Headshot follows the lives of eight young female boxers as they converge on Reno, Nevada for a two-day boxing tournament in July.

Writing for The New York Times, Dwight Garner stated that the novel's introspective approach to the narrative, focusing on the women's motivations, inner thoughts, past and future lives and ambitions rather than the outcomes of the matches provided for a rapturous experience.

"[6] Writing for The Observer, John Self stated that the novel "succeeds on its own idiosyncratic terms and leaves the reader's head ringing."

Self felt that the character development and exposition were the strongest features of the work, concluding that: "Bullwinkel manages to make each girl spark distinctively on the page.

"[7] Writing for The Guardian, Benjamin Myers stated that the novel showcased the grittiness and violence of the boxing matches in lyrical detail while also exploring the inner struggles of the women as they navigate society.