The Crime Writers’ Association

CWA’s Margery Allingham Short Story Competition to Continue

The Margery Allingham Society has agreed with the Crime Writers’ Association that the popular short mystery competition will run for at least another five years, until 2024. The Society, set up to honour and promote the writings of the great Golden...


The CWA Says Thank You to Darren Wills

On Saturday 10 February 2024, a small group of people met at the home of CWA member, and ex-Red Herrings editor, David Stuart Davies. The purpose of the gathering was not only to enjoy the company of old friends and a few glasses of wine (which goes ...


Debut Dagger Success Story by Fiona McPhillips

I had never written a novel before I entered the 2021 Debut Dagger. I was halfway through an MA in Creative Writing and too focused on the rhythm of my prose, the structure and shape of my short stories. A novel felt like a marathon when I’d only e...


Awards Dinner gallery

Awards Dinner gallery Please select a year below to view photos from past awards dinners....


An Evening with Lynda La Plante

At London Book Fair/ London Book & Screen Week this March, join Lynda la Plante, the queen of crime drama, for a gin cocktail as she discusses her illustrious career across page, stage and screen and offers a preview of her forthcoming book Burie...


Debut Dagger Deadline Draws Near

The deadline to enter the most hotly contended competition for aspiring crime novelists is fast approaching. Aspiring crime novelists have until the end of February to enter the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Debut Dagger, which is sponsored b...


2023 Dagger Award Winners Announced

2023 CWA Dagger Awards Announced The winners of the 2023 CWA Daggers, which honour the very best in the crime writing genre, have been announced. The prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre and ...


Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival

Brought to you online for the past two years, Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival is back with a bang from 4-9 October with a host of in person and online events at a new venue, Dun Laoghaire’s stunning dlr LexIcon Library ...


The Killer Women Festival of Crime Writing & Drama

CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS Now in its fourth year, the capital’s only exclusively author-led festival will take place on Sunday 15 March 2020 - at Brown’s Courtrooms, Covent Garden, London. The 2020 festival will include appearances by, amongs...


About the CWA

About the CWA The Crime Writers’ Association was founded in 1953 by John Creasey (pictured). Our overall aim is to support, promote and celebrate this most durable, adaptable and successful of genres. The CWA’s everyday aim is to support writers...



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