Congratulations to CWA Diamond Dagger Winner Mick Herron!

The CWA congratulates the winner of the 2025 Diamond Dagger, Mick Herron! The award recognises authors whose crime writing careers have been marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre.

Nominations for the 2026 Daggers are Open!

Nominations for the 2026 CWA Daggers are now open. Read more about the Daggers, and more about the entry process here.

Are You an Emerging Author?

Are you an unpublished writer who is serious about crime writing? You may qualify for Emerging Author membership with the CWA. Read more about the Emerging Author membership process and benefits here.

Time to Read a Dagger-Listed Book?

For full lists view a PDF here, or click on individual Dagger pages for all shortlists and longlists.

The CWA Daggers

Find What You’re Looking For

Looking for a certain kind of crime novel, or one by a particular author?
See what a search brings up in Find An Author/Book.

Critiques & Editing

Want an expert critique or edit of your crime novel?
Check out the CWA’s Criminal Critiques & Editing.

The CWA Loves Readers!

Would you like news about the best in crime fiction and nonfiction? Visit our Crime Readers’ Resource Page and subscribe to The CWA Readers’ News and Case Files – it’s free.

About the CWA

The CWA promotes, supports and celebrates crime writing, and writers of all crime fiction and non-fiction from across the globe. We’re proud to be a growing, thriving community with membership encompassing authors of all ages and at every stage of their careers.

Find out more about who can join the CWA and the benefits we provide: