Dagger in the Library

The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by an established writer of crime fiction or non-fiction who has long been popular with borrowers from libraries. It also rewards authors who have supported libraries and their users through taking part in library events.

The Dagger in the Library is awarded to an author writing in Britain who is nominated by libraries and borrowers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and voted on by libraries.

Libraries – voting has closed.

Please check back on 16 April 2026 to view the longlist.

Dagger in the Library 2026 criteria

For the winner, we are looking for a crime writer of fiction or non-fiction who has brought most pleasure to UK and Irish library users over a significant time, and who has actively supported libraries.

Nominees must:

Have published at least 4 crime books (fiction or non-fiction)
Have published their first book at least 4 years prior to the closing of the current competition
Be based for much of the year in the UK or the Republic of Ireland
Write in English or Welsh
Never have won the Diamond Dagger sponsored by Karen Baugh Menuhin (winners listed here)
Never have won the Dagger in the Library (winners listed here)
Have not been shortlisted for the Dagger in the Library for the last two years (search for shortlisted authors in Past Winners here)

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Dates for your diary

Longlist announced: 16 April 2026, time and location to be determined
Shortlist announced: 29 May 2026, time and location to be determined
Winner announced: at the Daggers Awards in July 2026i

The Dagger in the Library is coordinated by Vicki Goldie. A retired Chartered Librarian for public libraries, a crime writer and the former secretary of the CWA.

The judges 2026

Anna Dawes

Anna is a Librarian in the Books, Reading and Culture team at West Sussex Libraries. She enjoys purchasing books for the 36 libraries across West Sussex as well as hosting author events and promoting the libraries across social media. Anna has been on the Reading Agency’s BBC Radio 2 Book Club Librarian panel, selecting books to create a shortlist of titles for the BBC to choose from. She is looking forward to being part of the Dagger in the Library panel this year.

Phil Jarvis

Phil is Area Librarian (North) for Warwickshire Libraries. Jeremy Brett era Sherlock Holmes was the gateway for Phil’s interest in the Crime genre. Phil’s interests are creative writing, music and exploring Brutalist architecture.