The Crime Writers’ Association

Robert Richardson R.I.P.

The CWA announces with great sadness the death of author Robert Richardson, one of the most popular and respected figures in the CWA over recent decades. Uniquely, Robert served two distinct terms as Chair of the CWA; in 1993-1994 and 2006-2007, and ...


Crime Writers in Residence – at home with PJ Quinn

The CRA: Please tell us a little about yourself and the books you write. As half of PJ Quinn I (Pauline Kirk) write the DI Ambrose mysteries with my daughter, Jo Summers. To date, we’ve collaborated on four novels: Foul Play, Poison Pen, Close Dis...


Private: Dagger Awards to Carry Cash Prizes and Open to Authors to Self-Nominate from 2023

The CWA Daggers – synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century – is set to again award cash prizes beginning in 2023, for titles published and nominated in 2022. Detail of the amounts will be announced next year. The CWA is delig...


Crime Writers Emerging from Lockdown with JG Harlond

Escaping through a picture window... My study has a sliding picture window opening onto a balcony. From my desk I can see the Sierra de Las Nieves in the Province of Málaga, Spain. This was where the Moors of al-Ándalus harvested snow for sherbet ...


Margery Allingham Short Mystery Prize Winner to Be Announced 17 June

The world-famed Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) has announced the shortlist for its Margery Allingham Short Mystery competition, with the winner to be announced online on 17 June at midday. The competition celebrates the classic mystery story, ...


Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition – Rules

Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition - The Rules Please read all terms carefully before submitting your entry. Please pay attention to the Margery Allingham’s definition of a mystery and the chronology it outlines. Submission of an entry...


Diamond Dagger

Diamond Dagger The most prestigious Dagger of all, the Diamond Dagger awards a lifetime contribution to crime writing in the English language, and is nominated by CWA members. Nominations and Judging Process The CWA Diamond Dagger winner is sele...


Meet Liz Webb talking about ‘The Daughter’ – Waterstones Events

Waterstones Crouch End will be welcoming author Liz Webb for an evening to discuss her new novel The Daughter. Join us for an evening of great conversation and bookish talk. Refreshments available About the book I lean in and whisper the questio...


Crime Fiction: Past, Present, and Future with Simon Brett

Part of the Open Centre and Online CI Public Talks collection In conversation with OU's Bill Alder, detective fiction author Simon Brett will discuss crime fiction's past, present and future. Please join us on Wednesday 17 April from 13:00-14...


CWA Dagger Shortlists Announced

The CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of the Year * The First Rule of Survival by Paul Mendelson (Constable) * How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny (Sphere/Little Brown) * Keep Your Friends Close by Paula Daly (Bantam/Transworld) * This...


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