Author Archives: edgar

2023 Edgar Symposium Panels – Via ZOOM

The following is the schedule for the 2023 Symposium Panels featuring the 2023 Edgar Nominees – all via ZOOM.  All panels are live-streamed via our YouTube channel and will be archived there: https://bit.ly/MWAYouTube
ZOOM
Saturday, April  1
1:00 PM  EDT
BEST SHORT STORY & ROBERT L. FISH MEMORIAL AWARD
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Tuesday, April  4
7:00 PM    EDT
THE G.P. PUTNAM’S SONS SUE GRAFTON MEMORIAL AWARD
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Thursday, April  6
7:00 PM  EDT
BEST FACT CRIME
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Saturday, April  8
1:00 PM  EDT
Live
BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Tuesday, April 11
7:00 PM  EDT
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Wednesday, April 12
8:00 PM EDT
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
 
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ZOOM
Wednesday, April 19
8:00 PM  EDT
BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR
 
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ZOOM
Thursday, April 20
7:00 PM  EDT
THE SIMON & SCHUSTER MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Saturday, April 22
1:00 PM  EDT
THE LILIAN JACKSON BRAUN MEMORIAL AWARD
 
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ZOOM
Sunday, April 23
1:00 PM  EDT
BEST JUVENILE
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
ZOOM
Monday, April 24
6:00 PM  EDT
BEST YOUNG ADULT

2023 Edgar Awards Additional Information

Hotel Information

We have been able to negotiate an excellent rate at the New York Marriott Marquis for Edgar® week. The rate will be available beginning Monday, April 24th through Saturday, April 29th. The rate is $299/night (plus fees/taxes). If you have any problems making a reservation, please let me know immediately so I can alert the hotel.

The hotel is at 1535 Broadway (between West 45th & West 46th Streets)

This rate is only available through the last week in March so please make your reservations as soon as possible.

https://book.passkey.com/e/50483390

Banquet Information

The banquet will be held on Thursday, April 27th. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with the main reception/dinner/program (Westside Ballroom on the 5th Floor). Anyone may attend the banquet, as long as they have purchased a ticket.

Here is the link to online ticket sales:

https://mysterywriters.org/product/2023-edgar-awards-banquet-ticket/

The evening is “black tie preferred”. Most women wear “little black dresses” and men generally wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit. This is a sit-down dinner – we usually serve filet mignon but make vegetarian meals available – we just need to know in advance. We will also arrange for a kosher meal. If you are allergic to nuts – no worries – we hold a “nut free” banquet. Just let us know if you or your guests have any special food needs.

2023 Grand Master, Raven and Ellery Queen Award Recipients announced

MWA Announces 2023 Grand Master, Raven and Ellery Queen Award Recipients

January 12, 2023 —New York, NY—Today Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announces the recipients of its special awards. The board chose Michael Connelly and Joanne Fluke as the 2023 Grand Masters, the 2023 Raven Award recipients are Crime Writers of Color and Eddie Muller, and The Strand Magazine will receive the Ellery Queen Award. They will accept their awards at the 77th Annual Edgar Awards Ceremony, which will be held on April 27, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.

“Mystery Writers of America is thrilled to announce the recipients of our special awards for 2023. It’s always such a joy to recognize deserving individuals for their outstanding contributions to our genre. Michael Connelly and Joanne Fluke have contributed so much to the genre through their hard work and amazing careers, and they will continue to influence and inspire future generations of writers long after they receive their awards,” said MWA Executive Vice President Greg Herren.

MWA’s Grand Master Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as for a body of work that is both significant and of consistent high quality. 

Connelly’s nomination cited Bosch’s mantra from the first in the series, The Black Echo, to the present day also sums up Connelly’s approach to his craft: “Everybody counts or nobody counts,” adding “What those five words have meant to the readers of mystery fiction in the past 37 years can’t be overstated.”

On being notified of the honor, Connelly said, “All I can say is I’m overwhelmed. When you look at the list of previous Grand Masters you see every writer that ever inspired you. So overwhelming. I first got published thirty years ago and I remember everything about it. To think that that guy of thirty years ago would end up with this honor is really quite amazing. I am truly honored.”

Connelly is the author of thirty-seven previous novels, including #1 New York Times bestsellers Desert Star, The Dark Hours, and The Law of Innocence. His books, which include the Harry Bosch series, the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the Renée Ballard series, have sold more than eighty million copies worldwide. Connelly is a former newspaper reporter who has won numerous awards for his journalism and his novels. He is the executive producer of three television series: Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and The Lincoln Lawyer. He spends his time in California and Florida.

Fluke launched her series 21 years ago with Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (2001). Since then, she has written 30 Hannah Swenson Mysteries, the most recent being 2022’s Caramel Pecan Roll Murder. The series also has the distinction of being turned into five hugely successful Murder, She Baked films for the Hallmark Channel. Fluke has also written suspense, thriller, and romance novels under her own name and pseudonyms. Like Hannah Swensen, she was born and raised in a small town in rural Minnesota, but now lives in sunny Southern California.

On learning of the honor, Fluke said, “I am very grateful to be mentioned in the same breath as such legends as Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen and John le Carré . . .  Speaking of breathing, I’m very glad I still am!”

Previous Grand Masters include Laurie R. King, Charlaine Harris, Jeffery Deaver, Barbara Neely, Martin Cruz Smith, William Link, Peter Lovesey, Walter Mosley, Lois Duncan, James Ellroy, Robert Crais, Ken Follett, Sara Paretsky, James Lee Burke, Sue Grafton, Stephen King, Ira Levin, Mary Higgins Clark, Lawrence Block, P.D. James, Ellery Queen, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene, and Agatha Christie, to name a few.

The Raven Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. For 2023, Mystery Writers of America selected Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), “an association of authors seeking to present a strong and united voice for members who self-identify as crime/mystery writers from traditionally underrepresented racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds,” and Eddie Muller, host of the Turner Classic Movies series Noir Alley and founder and president of the Film Noir Foundation.

 Speaking for CWoC, cofounders Gigi Pandian, Kellye Garrett, and Walter Mosley wrote, “When we first started talking about the idea that became Crime Writers of Color, we never imagined the small informal group would become such a big and thriving community in just a few years. Our goal was always to create a safe and supportive space for fellow writers of color to network and thrive. So, to know that the group is making a positive impact in the mystery community as a whole is so gratifying, and to be recognized by MWA in our fifth year is such an honor! We thank you on behalf of all our 350-plus members who are in all stages of their career.”

Muller is best known as the host of the Turner Classic Movies series Noir Alley, a weekly showcase for the best of crime cinema and for his lively, erudite intros and outros to these movies, in which he always foregrounds writers—novelists and screenwriters both—in the conversation. At the Film Noir Foundation (FNF), which makes restoring and preserving films from around the globe a priority, Muller has personally saved many motion pictures from disappearing, among them acclaimed titles like The Prowler, written by blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, and Too Late for Tears.

In response to learning he would receive the Raven Award, Muller wrote, “I was completely surprised! The crime and mystery fiction community—writers, editors, booksellers, and readers—is a wonderfully warm, supportive, and generous tribe and I’m happy to have been a small part of it for the past 20 years. Having my eclectic endeavors rate a Raven—what a delightful surprise, and what an honor! I’m extremely grateful to MWA.”

Previous Raven Award recipients include Lesa Holstine, Malice Domestic, Left Coast Crime, Marilyn Stasio, BOLO Books, The Raven Bookstore, Dru Ann Love, Sisters in Crime, and Oline Cogdill.

The Ellery Queen Award was established in 1983 to honor “outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry.” This year the Board chose to honor The Strand Magazine, a bimonthly periodical known as much for its incisive articles about the mystery world and its practitioners and penetrating interviews with top authors like James Patterson and Lee Child, as for unearthing lost short stories penned by now-dead literary greats, such as a 600-word short story by Raymond Chandler, written in the 1950s toward the end of his life, as well as the forgotten fiction of such giants as Dashiell Hammett, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and H.G. Wells.

On learning they would receive the Ellery Queen Award, managing editor Andrew Gulli said, “When The Strand started 25 years ago, we had no idea how big it would get. So, it’s great to see The Strand being honored with the Ellery Queen Award from Mystery Writers of America. MWA has always felt more like a community—one in which I’ve formed strong friendships and where The Strand has found some of its best authors. As a print publication with a strong online presence, The Strand has had to continuously adapt to an ever-changing industry and being honored with the Ellery Queen Award from MWA serves as definite proof that print is not only alive but kicking! Here’s to another 25 years!”

Previous Ellery Queen Award winners include Juliet Grames, Reagan Arthur, Kelley Ragland, Linda Landrigan, Neil Nyren, Charles Ardai, and Janet Hutchings.

“Eddie Muller’s dedication to preserving the marvelous legacy of noir and crime films by bringing classics to new generations of viewers through his work with TCM and his foundation is more than worthy of recognition,” Herren said. “The Strand Magazine’s legacy of quality has never faltered and remains a must-read for crime fans. The impact of Crime Writers of Color, not only in crime fiction but across the board in publishing, may not be quantifiable, but can be seen at every conference, awards ceremony, and bestseller list. It’s an incredible list of honorees. We are in a golden age of crime fiction, and it’s very exciting to see.”

The Edgar Awards, or “Edgars,” as they are commonly known, are named after MWA’s patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are presented to authors of distinguished work in various categories. MWA is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. The organization encompasses some 3,000 members including authors of fiction and nonfiction books, screen and television writers, as well as publishers, editors, and literary agents. For more information on Mystery Writers of America, please visit the website: www.mysterywriters.org

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The EDGAR (and logo) are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

 

Edgar Awards 2022 Symposium Events

Please join us online for one or more of these 2022 Edgar Award Symposium Events.  Click on any of the images for a better view of the nominees participating.

Best Critical/Biographical


April 2 @ 1 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

Best Novel


April 5 @ 8 p.m. ET


Pre-register here


 

Best First Novel


April 7 @ 7 p.m. ET


Pre-register here


Best Fact Crime


April 9 @ 1 p.m.


Pre-register here

Best Short Story and
Robert L. Fish Memorial Award


April 12 @ 8 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award


April 13 @ 8 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

Best Paperback Original


April 16 @ 1 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

The G.P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award


April 19 @ 8 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

Best Juvenile


April 24 @ 3 p.m. ET
Hosted by Books of Wonder


Pre-register here

Best Young Adult


April 25 @ 6 p.m. ET
Hosted by Books of Wonder


Pre-register here

Special Awards


April 26 @ 8 p.m. ET


Pre-register here

2022 Edgar Awards Banquet – Thursday, April 28, 2022

2022 Edgar Awards Banquet – Thursday, April 28, 2022

Yes, we are holding the banquet in person!

Hotel Information

We have been able to negotiate an excellent rate at the New York Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, New York NY) for Edgar® week.  The rate will be available beginning Monday, April 25th through Saturday, April 30th.  The rate is $259/night (plus fees/taxes).  If you have any problems making a reservation, please let me know immediately so I can alert the hotel.

This rate is only available through the very beginning of April so please make your reservations as soon as possible.

https://book.passkey.com/go/MysWrtofAmr2022EdgAwdsBnqt

Banquet Information

The banquet will be on Thursday, April 28th.  The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with the main reception/dinner/program (5th Floor Ballroom).  Anyone may attend the banquet, as long as they have purchased a ticket.

Here is the link to online ticket sales:  https://mysterywriters.org/store-2/products/saedgarsbanquet/

The evening is “black tie preferred”.  Most women wear “little black dresses” and men generally wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit.  This is a sit-down dinner – we usually serve filet mignon but make vegetarian meals available – we just need to know in advance.  We will also arrange for a kosher meal.  If you are allergic to nuts – no worries – we hold a “nut free” banquet.  Just let us know if you or your quests have any special food needs.

NOTE:

Masks will be required during the event. We recommend either a KN95 or a N95 mask. They have proven to be the most effective in combatting the spread of COVID.

2022 Grand Master, Raven and Ellery Queen Award Recipients Announced

January 12, 2022 —New York, NY— Today Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announces the recipients of its special awards. The board chose Laurie R. King as the 2022 Grand Master, the 2022 Raven Award recipient is Lesa Holstine, and Juliet Grames will receive the Ellery Queen Award. They will accept their awards at the 76th Annual Edgar Awards Ceremony, which will be held April 28, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.

2022 Grand Master Laurie R. King

“Mystery Writers of America is thrilled to honor Laurie R. King as MWA’s 2022 Grand Master,” said MWA President Alafair Burke. “For more than a quarter century, King has entertained readers around the world with her writings, which range from historical fiction to contemporary police procedurals to gripping standalones and scores of anthology contributions. She is also a generous supporter of readers and fellow writers and a leader within the literary community. She exemplifies the excellence that defines the Grand Master Award, and we are delighted to recognize her achievements.

MWA’s Grand Master Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as for a body of work that is both significant and of consistent high quality. Laurie R. King is the bestselling author of 30 novels and other works, including the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories, beginning with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice (named “One of the 20th Century’s Best Crime Novels” by the IMBA.) She has won the Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, Lambda, Wolfe, Macavity, Creasey dagger, and Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, has an honorary doctorate in theology, and is a Baker Street Irregular. Her recent books include Castle Shade and How to Write a Mystery (co-edited with Lee Child.) She has been a member of Mystery Writers of America since 1993 and served on the NorCal and National boards.

On being notified of the honor, King said, “I am sure I’m not the only person who greeted the announcement that they had been given this extreme honor of the mystery world first with silence, then with, “Really? Me??” I mean, any list that begins with Agatha Christie and touches on such gods as Ross MacDonald and Daphne du Maurier, Ngaio Marsh and John Le Carré, Tony Hillerman and—well, you get the idea. ‘I am honored’ is an inadequate response (You are sure you counted the votes, right?) when what I mean is, ‘I am stunned, dumbfounded, gobsmacked.’ And honored too, of course—intensely, humbly, and gratefully.”

Previous Grand Masters include Charlaine Harris, Jeffery Deaver, Barbara Neely, Martin Cruz Smith, William Link, Peter Lovesey, Walter Mosley, Lois Duncan, James Ellroy, Robert Crais, Ken Follett, Martha Grimes, Sara Paretsky, James Lee Burke, Sue Grafton, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Lawrence Block, P.D. James, Ellery Queen, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene, and Agatha Christie, to name a few.

Raven Award winner Lesa Holstine

The Raven Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. For 2022, Mystery Writers of America selected librarian, a blogger, and book reviewer Lesa Holstine.

Upon learning she would receive the Raven Award, Lesa Holstine reacted with disbelief, “You’re kidding!” Holstine said, “I’m grateful to the MWA Board, and to mystery writers everywhere who have provided so much enjoyment over the years.”

Previous Raven Award recipients include Malice Domestic, Left Coast Crime, Marilyn Stasio, The Raven Bookstore, Sisters in Crime, and Oline Cogdill.

Holstine has worked in public libraries since she was 16. For almost 50 years, she’s shared her love of books, especially mysteries, with library patrons, and is presently the Collections Manager at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in Evansville, Indiana. She is in the 18th year of writing her award-winning blog, Lesa’s Book Critiques, has been the blogger for Poisoned Pen Bookstore for over four years, and reviews mysteries for Mystery Readers’ Journal and Library Journal, where she was named Reviewer of the Year in 2018. She has received the 2011 Arizona Library Association Outstanding Library Service Award and the David S. Thompson Special Service Memorial Award. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and serves on the Left Coast Crime Standing Committee.

Ellery Queen Award winner Juliet Grames

The Ellery Queen Award was established in 1983 to honor “outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry.” This year the Board chose to honor Juliet Grames, SVP, Associate Publisher at Soho Press, where she has curated the award-winning Soho Crime imprint since 2011. Her debut novel, The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna, was published by Ecco/HarperCollins and has been translated into ten languages.

On learning she would receive the Ellery Queen Award, Grames said, “I am astonished and moved by this great honor. There is no community I could be prouder to work in: the creators in our genre are not only artists but activists and thoroughly good people. It is a great privilege to nurture and amplify their voices, and I humbly thank every author who has ever trusted me with that privilege. It is also a great privilege to work for a publisher, Bronwen Hruska, whose values—both literary and philosophical—align so perfectly with mine. This recognition belongs to them, although I am honored to be their representative.”

Previous Ellery Queen Award winners include Reagan Arthur, Kelley Ragland, Linda Landrigan, Neil Nyren, Charles Ardai, and Janet Hutchings.

The Edgar Awards, or “Edgars,” as they are commonly known, are named after MWA’s patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are presented to authors of distinguished work in various categories. MWA is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. The organization encompasses some 3,000 members including authors of fiction and non-fiction books, screen and television writers, as well as publishers, editors, and literary agents. For more information on Mystery Writers of America, please visit the website: www.mysterywriters.org