Diamond Dagger
The most prestigious Dagger of all, awarded for a lifetime contribution to English-language crime writing.
The CWA Daggers
The premier crime-writing awards in the United Kingdom.
Announcements of Daggers 2022
- The CWA Dagger shortlists 2022 have now been announced – see the individual Dagger pages below for lists or click here to download a PDF.
- Dagger winners: Live Gala Dinner event Weds 29 June, London. Tickets available now.
- Winners will be reproduced on the CWA website shortly after the ceremony.
Self-Nominate your Books
Don’t forget our new eligibility criteria allow traditionally published authors to nominate their own titles for a Dagger from this year on. Self-published authors who are members of the CWA are also welcome to do so. Titles must be published and nominated in 2022 for the 2023 Daggers. Please see this page for full details, including eligibility criteria and deadlines. Prizes will be awarded to winners in 2023.
The Daggers
We award eleven Daggers in total. Seven of these are for books and short stories and are judged independently by industry professionals.
Gold Dagger
This Dagger is given to the overall best crime novel of the year, from thrillers to mysteries, procedurals to psychological suspense.
Ian Fleming Steel Dagger
Sponsored by Ian Fleming Publications, the Steel Dagger is for the best espionage, psychological, or adventure thriller novel.
John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger
Awarded to the best crime novel by a first-time author of any nationality, first traditionally published in the UK in English.
Historical Dagger
Awarded to the best historical crime novel set in any period up to 50 years prior to the year in which the award will be made.
ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction
Non-fiction is important to the genre, from true crime and biography to critical studies and literature. This Dagger is for the best such book.
Dagger for Crime Fiction in Translation
Awarded to a crime novel not originally written in English, and translated into English for UK publication during the judging period.
Short Story Dagger
Awarded to the best crime-focused short story of the year published or broadcast in the UK.
Dagger for the Best Crime & Mystery Publisher
Also called the “Publisher’s Dagger”, this is given to the best publisher or imprint for their contribution to the genre throughout the year.
Dagger in the Library
This Dagger is for a writer whose body of work is popular with library users, and who in turn supports libraries and borrowers.
Debut Dagger
A competition for the opening of a crime novel by an unpublished writer. The Debut Dagger is a talent finder, closely watched by the industry.
Sponsored by ProWritingAid.
Nominations & Submissions
From aspiring writers, to seasoned crime authors and publishers, find the right award below.
I am a publisher or author
If you’re a publisher wanting to nominate a title for a Dagger, click here or select a specific Dagger from the list above.
I am an unpublished author
If you’re an unpublished writer wanting to find out more about entering the Debut Dagger, click here.
I would like to submit a short story
If you’re a writer wanting to submit a short story, click here to find out more about the Margery Allingham Short Mystery Prize.
Winners Archive
The CWA Daggers have enjoyed a long and prestigious history. Search our archive of previous winners, dating all the way back to 1955.
Join the CWA
Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.
