The Crime Writers’ Association

Dagger Shortlists Announced

A debut novel is up against one of Britain’s biggest and most celebrated authors for the crime novel of the year. The 2021 shortlists for the prestigious CWA Dagger awards, which honour the very best in the crime writing genre, have been announced....


Debut Dagger Rules

Rules and Submission Guidelines CWA Debut Dagger 2024 The Debut Dagger, an international competition for the opening of an adult/YA crime novel and synopsis, is aimed at debut writers. The CWA defines a debut writer for the purposes of this com...


The CWA Daggers

The Daggers Longlists have been announced! The longlists for the 2024 Daggers have been announced to much fanfare at the CWA annual conference in Brighton. Members celebrated their peers’ success and toasted the listed authors and publishers. The ...


2023 winning story

How to Catch a Bullet in a Plate and Other Tricks to Astound - Judith O’Reilly He never performed the trick at a matinee show as he didn’t like to worry the children in the audience. At least there was that, Mrs Conway thought, as the red bloo...


Lindsey Davis talks online about latest Flavia Albia novel A Comedy of Terrors

Online through Online Teams at Hertfordshire Libraries on Tuesday 9 November at 7pm. Bestselling 'mistress of Roman Crime', Lindsey Davis talks about A Comedy of Terrors, set in Ancient Rome. The next book in the thrilling, immersive Flavia Albia s...


Creating Authenticity in Fiction: Online Workshop with Saeida Rouass

Creating Authenticity in Fiction: Online Workshop with Saeida Rouass Whether you write historical, contemporary or fantasy fiction, creating a convincing backdrop for your story can be a challenge. This workshop will explore the various consideratio...


Ian Fleming Steel Dagger

Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Ian Fleming said there was one essential criterion for a good thriller, ‘one simply has to turn the pages’. Eligible books in this category are thrillers set in any period and include, but are not limited to, spy fiction...


Lindsey Davis talks online about latest Flavia Albia novel A Comedy of Terrors

Online through Sheffield Libraries on Monday 1 November at 7.30pm. Best-selling historical novelist Lindsey Davis discusses her latest crime novel, A Comedy of Terrors, set in Ancient Rome. The next book in the thrilling, immersive Flavia Albia ser...


CWA Daggers 2017 Awarded to The Dry, Spook Street and Tall Oaks

The 2017 winners of the prestigious CWA Daggers were announced at a gala dinner sponsored by publishers Pan Macmillan at the Grange City Hotel, Cooper’s Row, London on Thursday 26 October. The CWA Daggers, the crème de la crème of crime-writing a...


Countdown to Daggers Live!

Book lovers and crime fiction fans have a unique opportunity to watch the famed Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers awards, live. Tickets are free, but limited. To book a place, visit: http://bit.ly/cwadaggers2021 The oldest awards in the genr...


Join the CWA

Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.


Advertise with us