The Crime Writers’ Association

2016 winning story

A Box-Shaped Mystery - Peter Guttridge ‘The Mystery remains box-shaped, at once a prison and a refuge. Its four walls are, roughly, a Crime, a Mystery, an Enquiry and a Conclusion with an Element of Satisfaction in it.’ Margery Allingham P...


2016 shortlisted story

The Blockage - Ian Cowmeadow Fine drops of rain bloomed on the van’s windscreen. The engine clicked as the heat drifted from it and Shelly Wrench was beginning to feel the cold. Across the street, a strip light flickered behind a frosted window ...


2015 winning story

Game Over - Lesley Mace The feel of the skateboard rumbles up through the bones of his feet. He is enclosed within the sound of wheels. He concentrates on contracting muscles, on making his body into the correct shape to fly over the top of the co...


2022 winning story

Locked In - Scott Hunter There’s something singularly evil about a crime carried out in secret, don’t you think? Especially if it is repeated on a regular basis. And especially if the victim is powerless to prevent it. Let me explain my cir...


Byte the Book: How Can We Sell More Books Through Non-Traditional Retail Channels?

Date: Monday 14th November 2016 Time: 18:30 to 21:00 Location: The Groucho Club, London Not specifically aimed at crime writers, but interetsing for writers in general. Byte the Book asks: as sales channels for books become increasingly polarised,...


Useful info

Useful info This is where we keep a selection of other useful guides and information. Author profile guide Want to know how to keep your CWA/CRA author profile and books up to date? Watch our handy video guide to find out. Social medi...


Emerging Author Dagger Rules

Rules and Submission Guidelines Emerging Author Dagger The Emerging Author Dagger (formerly 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 de...


Capital Crime

Capital Crime, London’s first crime and thriller festival, is coming this September to Covent Garden. With over 30 CWA members appearing, such as Peter James, Antonia Hodgson, Ian Rankin, Dreda Say Mitchell, Mark Edwards, Will Dean and MW Craven, t...


Helplines and Discounts

Helplines and Discounts CWA members enjoy a number of perks to help their day-to-day work and career, from a tax advice helpline to discounts on membership with sister organisations.Helplines The CWA has a close working relationship with accountant...


Simon Scarrow in conversation with David Young

On Thursday 8 April, 7pm, the CWA is hosting multi-million bestselling author Simon Scarrow, talking about his new novel, Blackout, with David Young, winner of the CWA Historical Dagger with Stasi Child. Blackout, Simon’s first crime thriller, in...


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