Awards of Excellence - Past Winners and Shortlists
Please see below for a list of past winners of the CWC Awards of Excellence; click on a year to see the list of winners for that particular year.
THE 2024 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
The Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Loreth Anne White, The Maid's Diary, Montlake
Loreth Anne White is an accomplished writer and The Maid’s Diary deserves this year’s Award of Excellence for a deceptively simple story that is, in the end, anything but simple. It is a dark, fast-moving, unsettling thriller that builds suspense as it hurtles towards its unexpected ending.
The twists are all anchored in the story and even the outlandishly nasty characters are believable. There are multiple perspectives, with each character adding to the others’ narratives, often contradicting what has already been told.
Nothing is as it appears except for Vancouver – the finely honed setting of The Maid’s Diary. White shows her deep knowledge of police procedures with intriguing crime scene details.
A unanimous choice of the judges, The Maid’s Diary is beautifully written, gritty and guaranteed to keep the reader turning the pages late into the night.
Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize
Amanda Peters, The Berry Pickers, Harper Perennial / HarperCollins
The Berry Pickers is a beautifully written, immersive book with a unique, propulsive structure. Its enduring resonance inspired us to think deeply about the issue of kidnapping and family separation. The three-dimensional characters are well-drawn, revealing flaws that inspire empathy, strong family bonds, and the search for the truth that ties this story together in a deeply satisfying way. And, the novel's sense of place and time added nuanced depth to the page. The Berry Pickers is a deeply poignant read that we'd recommend to anyone. It's a wonderful achievement in crime fiction, marking the marvellous debut of an exciting Canadian writer. Bravo!
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada, sponsored by Charlotte Engel and Crime Writers of Canada, with a $500 prize
Joan Thomas, Wild Hope, Harper Perennial/HarperCollins
Wild Hope is a captivating contemporary crime novel set against the backdrop of a bucolic small town increasingly dependent on urban visitors. Joan Thomas skillfully weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, exploring the complexities of personal commitment amidst environmental concerns.
At the heart of the story are Jake Challis, a troubled artist grappling with the ghosts of his past, and Isla Coltrane, a talented chef navigating the challenges of running a farm-to-table restaurant. Their relationship is tested when Jake's childhood friend, Reg Bevaqua, a wealthy businessman with a dubious environmental record, reemerges in their lives.
As the narrative unfolds, Thomas delves into the intricacies of friendship, love, and moral responsibility. Through richly drawn characters and evocative prose, she explores the tensions between economic progress and environmental conservation, leaving readers questioning the true cost of success.
The brilliance of the narrative means that even though the reader understands what the outcome must be, both Isla and the reader maintain a 'Wild Hope' that all will end well.
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Nita Prose, The Mystery Guest, Viking
The judges for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery had fun reading the many worthwhile entries submitted, but all three judges were unanimous in selecting The Mystery Guest among their top picks. The protagonist is a clever departure from the usual sleuth. The description of Molly’s neurodivergence is excellent and insightful, and we are carried along with her as she faces her dilemmas and demons. Molly is someone you want to root for. Almost everything about this book is perfect - language, characters, and descriptions of the setting. As Molly tries to solve the mystery of a famous novelist’s murder, the author builds the puzzle with inventive skill. Just when we are sure we have the answer, the plot turns another corner and we’re off again. Along with Molly, we learn that nothing is as it seems at first glance. The judges described The Mystery Guest as “delightful” and “hands down my favourite.”
Best Crime Short Story
Marcelle Dubé, Reversion, Mystery Magazine
Crisp dialogue and a rough prairie setting nicely complement the well-executed plot in this little gem. The crime is high stakes, and the narrative evokes tension to the very (neat) end. Dubé is especially deft with character development (no mean feat within the confines of a short story): the complex psychological backstory of protagonist Luke adds depth to themes about unreconciled pasts, the regenerative power of love, and our complicated relationships with those we think we know best.
The Best French Language Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
André Marois, La sainte paix, Héliotrope
Set in rural Québec, La sainte paix asks the question – How far will an elderly woman go to maintain her peaceful existence on the Mastigouche river? We, the readers, are drawn into Jacqueline’s machinations as she goes to great lengths to protect her “holy peace” from the possibility of bothersome intruders. The main character is drawn with humour and a certain vulnerable tenderness, despite her moral failings. We understand what drives her and, while we sympathise with the well-meaning officers trying to get to the bottom of her crimes, by the end, we too are in cahoots with Jacqueline! La sainte paix is a real page-turner. The novel is well-structured; the dialogue is effective throughout, and the story has flow and a purposeful drive. This is focused storytelling at its best.
Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book, sponsored by Shaftesbury Films with a $500 prize (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Cherie Dimaline, Funeral Songs for Dying Girls, Tundra Books
In Funeral Songs For Dying Girls, Cherie Dimaline has crafted a complex novel peopled with characters who live and breathe on the page. Indigenous/white teen Winifred is a loner, dubbed Wednesday Addams and ostracized by her classmates because she lives above the small-town cemetery where her mother is buried, and the crematorium where her father works. After she unwittingly gives rise to rumours that the graveyard is haunted because of her habit of wandering the grounds at all hours, and after she befriends Phil, an actual ghost girl, Win realizes that she can play this to her father’s benefit. He is in danger of losing his job to outsourcing but the ghost tours might be enough to save them. Dimaline’s prose and language are exquisite, beautiful and yet somehow gritty, and the judges found Win’s voice to be authentic and true. This raw look at grief, self-evolution, and big life change fully embraces all the contradictions, the formative moments—those both poignant and humiliating--that make up the young adult experience, and these were all present in Dimaline’s skillful portrayal of her main character. A meticulously-crafted page-turner that includes themes of indigeneity, sexuality, first love, and identity, this novel is a bittersweet coming of age story with a paranormal twist.
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton), with a $300 prize
Michael Lista, The Human Scale, Véhicule Press
Hard to put down, Michael Lista’s The Human Scale is an intriguing compilation of ten crime reports of “murder, mischief and other selected mayhems”, each with the author’s own postscript which describes the development of the narrative as well as the ramifications of publication. The collection emphasises the author’s prowess in journalistic research resulting in engaging and believable stories.
Lista’s satisfaction in unveiling the truth is clear in his concise attention to detail which not only puts the reader at the scene of the crime, but elicits emotions of surprise, empathy, and horror. Further, his examination of how he became a true crime writer and his thoughts on writing about real life crimes were fascinating. A unanimous decision to win Crime Writers Canada Award of Excellence in the non-fiction category, this compelling collection of short stories is a must read for all true crime fans.
Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author
Craig H. Bowlsby, Requiem for a Lotus
CWC is grateful for the support of Our Award Sponsors
- Toronto-based Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the world’s fastest-growing e-Reading services, offering more than 5 million eBooks and magazines to millions of users around the world. It also offers a variety of e-Readers and top-ranking apps, enabling people to read more—on any device they choose.
- Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Building on a library of award-winning children’s programs, Shaftesbury has an extensive slate of new child and family programming.
- David Simpson, a lawyer in Hamilton and the Districts of Brant, Halton, Haldimand and Niagara, has a tradition of over fifty years of legal services. He sponsors “The Brass Knuckle” Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book in memory of true-crime author Robert Gordon Knuckle (1935-2019).
- Melodie Campbell is the author of 17 books, 60 short stories, and is the recipient of ten awards, including the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence. She has taught fiction writing since 1992 and maintains a special interest in encouraging new writers.
- Jane Doe chooses to remain anonymous.
About Crime Writers of Canada
Crime Writers of Canada was founded in 1982 as a professional organization designed to raise the profile of Canadian crime and mystery fiction and non-fiction writers. Our members include authors, publishers, editors, booksellers, librarians, reviewers, and literary agents as well as many developing writers. Past winners of the Awards have included well-recognized names in Canadian crime writing such as Mario Bolduc, Gail Bowen, Stevie Cameron, Howard Engel, Barbara Fradkin, Louise Penny, Peter Robinson and Eric Wright. We would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers, and the many participating publishers, authors and contest judges for their continued support.
THE 2024 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE SHORTLISTS
The Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Robyn Harding, The Drowning Woman, Grand Central Publishing
Shari Lapena, Everyone Here is Lying, Doubleday Canada
Scott Thornley, Middlemen, House of Anansi Press
Sam Wiebe, Sunset and Jericho, Harbour Publishing
Loreth Anne White, The Maid's Diary, Montlake
Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize
Jann Arden, The Bittlemores, Random House Canada
Lisa Brideau, Adrift, Sourcebooks
Charlotte Morganti, The End Game, Halfdan Press
Amanda Peters, The Berry Pickers, Harper Perennial
Steve Urszenyi, Perfect Shot, Minotaur
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in
Canada, sponsored by Charlotte Engel and Crime Writers of Canada, with a
$500 prize
Gail Anderson-Dargatz, The Almost Widow, Harper Avenue/HarperCollins
Renee Lehnen, Elmington, Storeyline Press
Cyndi MacMillan, Cruel Light, Crooked Lane
Joan Thomas, Wild Hope, Harper Perennial/HarperCollins
Melissa Yi, Shapes of Wrath, Windtree Press
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Gail Bowen, The Legacy, ECW Press
Vicki Delany, Steeped in Malice, Kensington Books
Vicki Delany, The Game is a Footnote, Crooked Lane Books
Nita Prose, The Mystery Guest, Viking
Iona Whishaw, To Track a Traitor, TouchWood Editions
Best Crime Short Story
M.H. Callway, Wisteria Cottage, Wildside Press (for Malice Domestic)
Marcelle Dubé, Reversion, Mystery Magazine
Mary Keenan The Canadians (Killin' Time in San Diego), Down & Out Books
donalee Moulton, Troubled Water, Black Cat Weekly (Wildside Press)
Zandra Renwick, American Night, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
The Best French Language Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Jean-Philippe Bernié, La punition, Glénat Québec
Chrystine Brouillet, Le mois des morts, Éditions Druide
Catherine Lafrance, Le dernier souffle est le plus lourd, Éditions Druide
André Marois, La sainte paix, Héliotrope
Jean-Jacques Pelletier, Rien, Alire
Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book, sponsored by Shaftesbury Films with a $500 prize (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Kelley Armstrong, Someone is Always Watching, Tundra Books
Cherie Dimaline, Funeral Songs for Dying Girls, Tundra Books
Rachelle Delaney, The Big Sting, Tundra Books
Clara Kumagai, Catfish Rolling, Penguin Teen Canada
Kevin Sands, Champions of the Fox, Puffin Canada
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton), with a $300 prize
Josef Lewkowicz and Michael Calvin, The Survivor: How I Survived Six Concentration Camps and Became a Nazi Hunter, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Michael Lista, The Human Scale, Véhicule Press
David Rabinovitch, Jukebox Empire, Rowman & Littlefield
Bill Waiser and Jennie Hansen, Cheated, ECW Press
Carolyn Whitzman, Clara at the Door with a Revolver, UBC Press, On Point Press
Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author
Tom Blackwell, The Patient
Craig H. Bowlsby, Requiem for a Lotus
Sheilla Jones and James Burns, Murder on Richmond Road: An Enquiry Bureau Mystery
Nora Sellers, The Forest Beyond
William Wodhams, Thirty Feet Under
Winners will be announced on the Crime Writers of Canada website on May 29th, 2024.
CWC is grateful for the support of Our Award Sponsors
- Toronto-based Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the world’s fastest-growing e-Reading services, offering more than 5 million eBooks and magazines to millions of users around the world. It also offers a variety of e-Readers and top-ranking apps, enabling people to read more—on any device they choose.
- Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Building on a library of award-winning children’s programs, Shaftesbury has an extensive slate of new child and family programming.
- David Simpson, a lawyer in Hamilton and the Districts of Brant, Halton, Haldimand and Niagara, has a tradition of over fifty years of legal services. He sponsors “The Brass Knuckle” Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book in memory of true-crime author Robert Gordon Knuckle (1935-2019).
- Melodie Campbell is the author of 17 books, 60 short stories, and is the recipient of ten awards, including the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence. She has taught fiction writing since 1992 and maintains a special interest in encouraging new writers.
- Jane Doe chooses to remain anonymous.
About Crime Writers of Canada
Crime Writers of Canada was founded in 1982 as a professional organization designed to raise the profile of Canadian crime writers. Our members include authors, publishers, editors, booksellers, librarians, reviewers, and literary agents as well as many developing writers. Past winners of the Awards have included well-recognized names in Canadian crime writing such as Mario Bolduc, Gail Bowen, Stevie Cameron, Howard Engel, Barbara Fradkin, Louise Penny, Peter Robinson and Eric Wright. We would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers, and the many participating publishers, authors and contest judges for their continued support.
2023 WINNERS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Anthony Bidulka, Going to Beautiful, Stonehouse Publishing
Each with their own unique voice, the eclectic characters in Going to Beautiful jump off the page and become part of your daily thoughts. Dodging suspicious innuendos and suffering from unprocessed grief, Jack Hardy ventures out in search of answers to his husband’s unknown heritage. Along for the emotional roller coaster ride is his glamorous seventy-eight-year-old transgender neighbour. The result of their adventurous quest leads to a town which is wonderfully simple and complex at once and will have you pulling up google maps for your next road trip.
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize
Sam Shelstad, Citizens of Light, TouchWood Editions
It all starts with a young woman at work at a call centre. Once she says hello, you just have to keep reading. You are pulled into the novel because of her sincerity and the simple but powerful authenticity of her story. Mix that up with the fact that she believes her husband was murdered, the complicated relationship with her mother, and her unlikely co-worker that becomes her best friend and you are hooked. You want to cheer them on! These characters are rich and real; they evolve and grow. You feel like you know these characters; that you might meet them in the check-out line at Walmart. Mr. Shelstad writes convincing, real female characters.
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by Charlotte Engel and CWC, with a $500 prize
Joanne Jackson, A Snake in the Raspberry Patch, Stonehouse Publishing
A Snake in the Raspberry Patch is a warm, compelling coming of age story set in a small Saskatchewan town during the early 1970s. In this “safe” place, where everyone knows everyone and where nothing much happens, residents are rocked by the brutal slaying of a local farm family. Liz, a teenager who takes major responsibility for raising her five younger siblings, narrates the story. She and her precocious younger sister are perceptive observers of town life and active participants in the quest to find the killer. Although local people want to think that the murder is the work of a stranger, the sisters come to suspect that someone among them is hiding a grisly secret. But what possible motive could they have for killing an entire family? Joanne Jackson skillfully uses humour, suspense and compassion in her exploration of the darkness that lies beneath the apparent innocence of smalltown life.
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery
sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Thomas King, Deep House, HarperCollins Canada
In Deep House Thomas King has crafted a timely plot with an environmental angle neatly wrapped around the lingering threads of the pandemic. And in Thumps DreadfulWater, an aging and reluctant investigator, he’s given us a protagonist we’d all like to meet. Thumps is a folksy blend of common sense and shrewd intellect who just wants to take his photos and figure out his life. When he’s derailed by the discovery of a dead body in one of his photographs what choice does he have but to investigate? King has surrounded Thumps with a cast of supporting characters, unique in their own right, who add texture and humour to the novel without descending into caricature.
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $200 prize
Alexis Stefanovich-Thomson, The Man Who Went Down Under, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazines
Duckworth Detective Agency is on the case. The novella pulls the reader in with a dramatic statement: Dalton Duckworth, a young Private Investigator, might have to travel to Australia to find a massive yellow diamond. It has been stolen right off the head of Joy, a wealthy philanthropist. As he dreams of Down Under, Detective Duckworth takes us from the chatter and safety of his mother’s kitchen to the leathery faces and curling mustaches in the world of crime. His mother charms us with her sassy opinions: “…girls like that don’t have brothers. They shed them somewhere just west of Wichita,” and “No one comes back from Australia… it’s a destination, not a starting point.” It becomes clear that she is the brains behind the operation.
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $300 prize
Craig H. Bowlsby, The Girl Who Was Only Three Quarters Dead, Mystery Magazine
This noir/ dystopian story, set in Vancouver B.C., finds Suki prematurely awoken from an induced suspension between being alive and dead. With her retinas deactivated and her Government persona suspended, it’s up to her long-time friend and private investigator, Gabe , to uncover why she was brought back early and the way forward to recover her identity. Through the gritty and flooded streets of East End Vancouver and the mega corporations who control their entire existence, Gabe and Suki scheme to claim what is rightfully Suki’s.
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Richard Ste-Marie, Monsieur Hämmerli, Éditions Alire
In Monsieur Hammerlï, Richard Ste-Marie uses a novel point of view, that of the assassin. Charles, the main character, is presented as methodical and detached from his work as we would expect; however, the reader is drawn in by Ste-Marie’s diligent portrayal and evolution of Charles’ multi-faceted character as the novel progresses. As well, the unusual nature and building of Charles’ relationship with his mark, Donatella, retain the reader’s interest.
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury, with a $500 prize
Jo Treggiari, Heartbreak Homes, Nimbus Publishing Limited
Heartbreak Homes has all the twists and turns of a classic crime novel and takes the reader from the homes of privileged kids to a desperate squat where a group of girls survive with the barest necessities of life. Opening with a wild teen party where the scene is much more dangerous than any of the revellers would imagine, the story follows one murder after another and the motives are a terrifying mix of passion, avarice and the kind of greed that crosses generations. The multiple points of view afford readers a rare insight into the lives of kids who live under the most precarious of circumstances, right under society’s nose. This tightly plotted novel will keep readers guessing to the end, while taking them on a wild ride through the dark side of a small town as it tips into economic collapse. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Rosemary Sullivan, The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, HarperCollins Canada
Rosemary Sullivan adeptly documents the investigation into the identity of the informant who betrayed Anne Frank, arguably the most famous murder victim of all time. The examination of this 80-year-old cold case from Nazi-occupied Holland is a fascinating combination of the latest forensic techniques and old-fashioned gumshoe detective work. It is a thoroughly modern story in the questions it raises about culpability and the impact of crime on subsequent generations. Throughout, Canadian author Sullivan’s precise writing is chilling in its descriptions of state-sanctioned mass murder and its treacherous ripple effect. The highly attentive editing and detailed citations document evidence in a format that promoted a global discussion about the rise of fascism and the inevitable victims of the crimes it incites. While addressing the universality of evil, Sullivan never loses sight of Anne Frank, her family, and the savage cruelty and terror they endured.
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
sponsored by ECW Press, with a $500 prize
Mary Keenan, Snowed
(Judge 1) A fun and engaging small-town mystery. Daisy is delightful; Steph is very credible, and hapless Brad is sweet. The plot twist ending sealed the deal for me but the twists kept on coming in a most entertaining way.
(Judge 2) I really enjoyed the mystery of this book and the many twists. It felt like an older Agatha Christie and it had a certain charm. The setting and weather really added to the mystery.
(Judge 3) Thoroughly enjoyable with more than a few good laughs. Fans of the Thursday Murder Club and Killers of a Certain Age will appreciate Daisy Hinchley.
(Judge 4) This humourous cozy is a joy to read. The characters walk right off the page. The dialogue is fresh and funny. The unique and complex plot comprises a well-paced and intriguing central mystery with many red herrings which unfold in an authentic way to ensure the reader's interest.
2023 SHORTLISTS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Linwood Barclay, Take Your Breath Away, William Morrow
Anthony Bidulka, Going to Beautiful, Stonehouse Publishing
Nicole Lundrigan, An Unthinkable Thing, Viking Canada
Catherine McKenzie, Please Join Us, Simon & Schuster Canada
Shelly Sanders, Daughters of the Occupation, HarperCollins Canada
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize
T. Lawrence Davis, The Pale Horse, Friesen Press
Bill Edwards, Killer Time, Friesen Press
Adam Frost, The Damned Lovely, Down and Out Books
Sam Shelstad, Citizens of Light, TouchWood Editions
M.Z. Urlocker, The Man from Mittelwerk, Inkshares, Inc.
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by Charlotte Engel and CWC, with a $500 prize
A. J. Devlin, Five Moves of Doom, NeWest Press
S. M. Freedman, Blood Atonement, Dundurn Press
Joanne Jackson, A Snake in the Raspberry Patch, Stonehouse Publishing
Maureen Jennings, Cold Snap, Cormorant Books
Amy Tector, The Foulest Things, Keylight Books
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery
sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Alice Bienia, Knight in the Museum, Cairn Press
Anne Emery, Fenian Street, ECW Press
Thomas King, Deep House, HarperCollins Canada
Mary Jane Maffini, Death Plans a Perfect Trip, Beyond the Page
Iona Whishaw, Framed in Fire, Touchwood Editions
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $200 prize
M.H. Callway, Amdur's Ghost, In the Spirit of 13,Carrick Publishing
Hilary Davidson, Dangerous to Know, A Grifter's Song Vol. 8, Down & Out Books
Julie Hiner, Dead End Track, Julie Hiner
Matt Hughes, The Emir's Falcon, Shadowpaw Press Premiere
Alexis Stefanovich-Thomson, The Man Who Went Down Under, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazines
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $300 prize
Craig H. Bowlsby, The Girl Who Was Only Three Quarters Dead, Mystery Magazine
M.H. Callway, Must Love Dogs - or You're Gone, Gone, Red Dog Press
Blair Keetch, To Catch a Kumiho, In the Spirit of 13, Carrick Publishing
Sylvia Maultash Warsh, The Natural Order of Things, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
donalee Moulton, Swan Song, Cold Canadian Crime, Crime Writers of Canada
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Geneviève Blouin, Le Mouroir des anges, Éditions Alire
Isabelle Lafortune, Chaîne de glace, Éditions XYZ
Guillaume Morrissette, Le dernier manège, Saint-Jean éditeur
Suzan Payne, Modus operandi, Éditions Perce-Neige
Richard Ste-Marie, Monsieur Hämmerli, Éditions Alire
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury, with a $500 prize
Natasha Deen, Lark Steals the Show, Orca Book Publisher
Marthe Jocelyn, Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Seaside Corpse, Tundra Books
H.N. Khan, Wrong Side of the Court, Penguin Teen
Wesley King, Butt Sandwich & Tree, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Jo Treggiari, Heartbreak Homes, Nimbus Publishing Limited
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Michael Arntfield, How to Solve a Cold Case: And Everything Else You Wanted to Know About Catching Killers, HarperCollins Canada
Sharon Anne Cook and Margaret Carson, The Castleton Massacre, Dundurn Press Ltd.
Harley Rustad, Lost in the Valley of Death, Knopf Canada - Penguin Random House Canada
Rosemary Sullivan, The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, HarperCollins Canada
Sarah Weinman, Scoundrel, Knopf Canada - Penguin Random House Canada
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
sponsored by ECW Press, with a $500 prize
Jan Garnett, No Safe House
Mary Keenan, Snowed
Joanne Kormylo, Two Knots
Joel Nedecky, The Broken Detective
Michael Pennock, The Peaks
2022 WINNERS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Dietrich Kalteis, Under an Outlaw Moon, ECW Press
We feel sheer admiration for the way the characters cope with what life throws at them. Their sometimes very bad decisions make a story that is a pure pleasure to read. As in many crime novels, there is sex, violence, bigotry, hatred, scheming, and a longing to be heard and understood. Under An Outlaw Moon more than satisfies the reader on all counts.
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Writers First, with a $500 prize
Ashley Audrain, The Push, Viking Canada
Audrain artfully weaves a haunting, uncomfortable, and utterly absorbing tale with a constantly building and pervasive sense of dread that becomes so overwhelming, at times you put the book down. The story's grip continues well beyond the last words on the final page.
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery
sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Candas Jane Dorsey, What’s the Matter with Mary Jane?, ECW Press
Dorsey manages to write with humour while remaining sensitive to serious issues like grief, gentrification, and privilege as well as how privilege might best be used for the greater good. The mystery itself unwinds as it should with information crucial to the solution sprinkled throughout, eventually arriving at a satisfying, though bittersweet, conclusion.
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by The Engel Family, with a $500 prize
C. S. Porter, Beneath Her Skin, Vagrant Press / Nimbus Publishing Inc.
This book creates a powerful, menacing sense of place that amplifies the author’s skilled depiction of how each character views the murders from different perspectives. The shocking conclusion leaves readers with a disturbing feeling of compassion for the antagonist and the unsettling sense that, somehow, we are all complicit in what drove the killer to act.
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $200 prize
Wayne Ng, Letters From Johnny, Guernica Editions
Wayne Ng, does a marvellous job of capturing the voice of the boy, something that is very difficult to do. He has developed a very likeable and fully formed youngster, complete with the motivations and feelings one would expect in a ten year old. This winning novella captures the reader’s attention from the get go and keeps the reader fully engaged and in suspense until the very satisfying ending.
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $300 prize
Elizabeth Elwood, Number 10 Marlborough Place, Dell Magazines
This story resonated long after we read it. The first sentence immediately puts us in the right time and place and the vivid, but not overstated, details reinforce the setting. The author adds just enough “outside the main story” details - little drops until you realize you’re ankle deep.
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Patrick Senécal, Flots, Editions Alire
Patrick Senécal makes masterful use of childhood as a sacred symbol of purity and innocence and casts an incisive eye on the human psyche and its darkest of shadows—keeping readers dangling over a chasm of suspense until the last chilling page.
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury, with a $500 prize
Kevin Sands, The Traitor's Blade, Aladdin (Simon & Schuster)
The style and language create an immersive atmosphere of the time while also being accessible to the modern reader. Historical elements were educational without interrupting the flow of the story. The fully-developed, endearing characters and many twists in the plot were compelling, creating a fast-paced and exciting read.
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by Simpson & Wellenreiter LLP, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Nate Hendley, The Beatle Bandit, Dundurn Press
The Beatle Bandit is an engaging and fascinating read on many levels. On top of the writing being excellent, the story is a universally human one at it’s core. Not only did the author cover the true-crime aspect of twenty-four-year-old Mathew Kerry’s 1964 crime spree, it also covers mental health, gun laws, and whether or not the death penalty changes anything.
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
sponsored by ECW Press, with a $500 prize
Renee Lehnen, Elmington
The judge’s commented on Lehnen’s writing style calling it “very engaging” and stated that Elmington had great dialogue. One judge remarked: “Great dark humour and social commentary, and well written.”
2022 SHORTLISTS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Linwood Barclay, Find You First, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Daniel Kalla, Lost Immunity, Simon & Schuster
Dietrich Kalteis, Under the Outlaw Moon, ECW Press
Shari Lapena, Not a Happy Family, Doubleday Canada
Roz Nay, The Hunted, Simon & Schuster
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Writers First, with a $500 prize
Ashley Audrain, The Push, Viking Canada
Fiona King Foster, The Captive, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Byron TD Smith, Windfall: A Henry Lysyk Mystery, Shima Kun Press
Katherine Walker, All Is Well, Thistledown Press
David Whitton, Seven Down, Rare Machines an imprint of Dundurn Press
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery
sponsored by Jane Doe, with a $500 prize
Candas Jane Dorsey, What’s the Matter with Mary Jane?, ECW Press
Alice Bienia, Three Dog Knight, Cairn Press
Jackie Elliott, Hell's Half Acre, Joffe Books
Catherine Macdonald, So Many Windings, At Bay Press
Vicki Delany, Murder in a Teacup, Kensington Publishing Corp
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by The Engel Family, with a $500 prize
C. S. Porter, Beneath Her Skin, Vagrant Press / Nimbus Publishing Inc.
Cathy Ace, Corpse with an Iron Will, Four Tails Publishing Inc.
Alice Walsh, Death on Darby’s Island, Vagrant Press / Nimbus Publishing Inc.
Sam Wiebe, Hell and Gone, Harbour Publishing Co. Inc.
Kevin Major, Three for Trinity, Breakwater Books
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $200 prize
Marcelle Dubé, Identity Withheld, Falcon Ridge Publishing
Brenda Gayle, Murder in Abstract (A Charly Hall Mystery, book 6), Bowstring Books
Wayne Ng, Letters From Johnny, Guernica Editions
Elvie Simons, Not So Fast, Dr. Quick, Dell Magazines
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Magazine, with a $300 prize
Pam Barnsley, What can You Do?, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
Hilary Davidson, Weed Man, Dell Magazines
Elizabeth Elwood, Number 10 Marlborough Place, Dell Magazines
Charlotte Morganti, All My Darlings, Die Laughing: An Anthology of Humorous Mysteries
Melissa Yi, Dead Man's Hand, Dell Magazines
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Roxanne Bouchard, Le murmure des hakapiks, Libre Expression
Marc-André Chabot, Dis-moi qui doit vivre… Libre Expression
Guillaume Morrissette, Conduite dangereuse, Saint-Jean
Patrick Senécal, Flots, Editions Alire
Richard Ste-Marie, Stigmates, Editions Alire
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury, with a $500 prize
Karen Bass, Blood Donor, Orca Book Publishers
Rachelle Delaney, Alice Fleck's Recipes for Disaster, Puffin Canada
Cherie Dimaline, Hunting By Stars, Penguin Teen
Kevin Sands, The Traitor's Blade, Aladdin (Simon & Schuster)
Jordyn Taylor, Don't Breathe a Word, HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishers)
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by Simpson & Wellenreiter LLP, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Sarah Berman, Don't Call it a Cult, Viking Canada
Aaron Chapman, Vancouver Vice: Crime and Spectacle in the City's West End, Arsenal Pulp Press
Catherine Fogarty, Murder on the Inside: The True Story of the Deadly Riot at Kingston Penitentiary, Biblioasis
Nate Hendley, The Beatle Bandit, Dundurn Press
Lorna Poplak, The Don: The Story of Toronto's Infamous Jail, Dundurn Press
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript sponsored by ECW Press, with a $500 prize
Delee Fromm, The Strength to Rise
Pam Isfeld, Captives
Renee Lehnen, Elmington
Katie Mac, Ken's Corner
Mark Thomas, Part Time Crazy
2021 WINNERS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Will Ferguson, The Finder, Simon & Schuster Canada
"An unusual, entertaining, and absolutely addictive crime novel, The Finder is well worthy of Best Crime Novel of the Year."
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Writers First, with a $500 prize
Guglielmo D’Izza, The Transaction, Guernica Editions
"Guglielmo
D’Izzia does a masterful job bringing people and places alive in what,
at first, seems to be a parallel universe - but it's not."
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by The Engel Family with a $500 prize
Katrina Onstad, Stay Where I Can See You, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
"Onstad
controls the story’s pace to a startling climax and a conclusion that
leaves readers satisfied and thinking about relationships in our modern
world. A compelling read from a talented wordsmith."
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $200 prize
Sam Wiebe, Never Going Back, Orca Book Publishers
"A
gritty little thriller that packs a satisfying punch, Never Going Back
opens with the intensity of a rifle blast and never lets up."
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $300 prize
Marcelle Dubé, Cold Wave, Sisters in Crime - Canada West
"Marcelle Dubé’s Cold Wave is a mini masterpiece."
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Roxanne Bouchard, La mariée de corail, Libre Expression
"Roxanne Bouchard’s creative opening plunges us irretrievably into the story."
"La créativité de Roxanne Bouchard plonge irrémédiablement le lecteur dans l'histoire."
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury with a $500 prize
Frances Greenslade, Red Fox Road, Puffin Canada, an imprint of Penguin Random House
"This beautifully crafted novel engaged our judges from the start."
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by Simpson & Wellenreiter LLP, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Justin Ling, Missing From the Village: The Story of Serial
Killer Bruce McArthur, the Search for Justice, and the System That
FailedToronto's Queer Community, McClelland & Stewart
"Written with fury and precision, Missing from The Village is a feat of urgency and empathy."
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
sponsored by ECW Press with a $500 prize
The Future by Raymond Bazowski
“This entry
had a terrific combination of writing quality and a unique story;
delving into the Cuban expat community and its second-generation
children with great style.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS
Sincere thanks to our sponsors.
And thank you to the publishers and authors that support the CWC Awards of Excellence.
2021 SHORTLISTS
Best Crime Novel
sponsored by Rakuten Kobo, with a $1000 prize
Marjorie Celona, How a Woman Becomes a Lake, Hamish Hamilton Canada; Penguin Canada
Cecilia Ekbäck, The Historians, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Will Ferguson, The Finder, Simon & Schuster Canada
Thomas King, Obsidian, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Roz Nay, Hurry Home, Simon & Schuster Canada
Best Crime First Novel
sponsored by Writers First, with a $500 prize
Raye Anderson, And We Shall Have Snow, Signature Editions
Chris Patrick Carolan, The Nightshade Cabal, Parliament House Press
Guglielmo D’Izza, The Transaction, Guernica Editions
Russell Fralich, True Patriots, Dundurn Press
Emily Hepditch, The Woman in the Attic, Flanker Press
The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
sponsored by The Engel Family with a $500 prize
Randall Denley, Payback, Ottawa Press and Publishing
Helen Humphreys, Rabbit Foot Bill, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Ann Lambert, The Dogs of Winter, Second Story Press
Kevin Major, Two for The Tablelands, Breakwater Books
Katrina Onstad, Stay Where I Can See You, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Best Crime Novella
sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $200 prize
C.C. Benison, The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford, At Bay Press
Vicki Delany, Coral Reef Views, Orca Book Publishers
Winona Kent, Salty Dog Blues, Sisters in Crime - Canada West
Sam Wiebe, Never Going Back, Orca Book Publishers
Best Crime Short Story
sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $300 prize
Marcelle Dubé, Cold Wave, Sisters in Crime - Canada West
Twist Phelan, Used to Be, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
Zandra Renwick, Killer Biznez, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
Sylvia Maultash Warsh, Days Without Name, Carrick Publishing
Sarah Weinman, Limited Liability, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine
Best French Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Roxanne Bouchard, La mariée de corail, Libre Expression
Stéphanie Gauthier, Inacceptable, Éditions Québec Amérique
Christian Giguère, Le printemps des traîtres, Héliotrope NOIR
Guy Lalancette, Les cachettes, VLB éditeur
Jean Lemieux, Les Demoiselles du Havre-Aubert, Éditions Québec Amérique
Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book (Fiction and Nonfiction)
sponsored by Shaftesbury with a $500 prize
Frances Greenslade, Red Fox Road, Puffin Canada, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Janet Hill, Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House, Tundra Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Sheena Kamal, Fight Like a Girl, Penguin Teen, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Kelly Powell, Magic Dark and Strange, Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc.
Tom Ryan, I Hope You're Listening, Albert Whitman & Co.
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
sponsored by Simpson & Wellenreiter LLP, Hamilton, with a $300 prize
Jeff Blackstock, Murder in the Family: How the Search For My Mother's Killer Led to My Father, Viking Press
Norm Boucher, Horseplay: My Time Undercover on the Granville Strip, NeWest Press
Silver Donald Cameron, Blood in the Water: A True Story of Revenge in the Maritimes, Viking Press
Justin Ling, Missing From the Village: The Story of Serial Killer Bruce McArthur, the Search for Justice, and the System That FailedToronto's Queer Community, McClelland & Stewart
Michael Nest with Deanna Reder and Eric Bell, Cold Case North: The Search for James Brady and Absolom Halkett, University of Regina Press
The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
sponsored by ECW Press with a $500 prize
The Future by Raymond Bazowski
Predator and Prey by Dianne Scott
Notes on Killing your Wife by Mark Thomas
A Nice Place to Die by Joyce Woollcott
Cat with a Bone by Susan Jane Wright
The winners will be announced across Canada on Thursday, 27 May 2021.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS
Sincere thanks to our sponsors.
And thank you to the publishers and authors that support the CWC Awards of Excellence.
View the Shortlist Presentation on YouTube.
2020 Arthur Ellis Awards for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
WINNERS
Best Novel sponsored by Rakuten Kobo with a $1000 prize
Michael Christie, Greenwood, McClelland & Stewart
The Best First Novel with a $500 prize
Philip Elliott, Nobody Move, Into the Void Press
Best Novella sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $200 prize
Wayne Arthurson, The Red Chesterfield, University of Calgary Press
Best Short Story sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $300 prize
Peter Sellers, Closing Doors, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
Best French Book
Andrée A. Michaud, Tempêtes, Éditions Québec Amériques
Best Juvenile or YA Book sponsored by Shaftesbury with a $500 prize
Tom Ryan, Keep This to Yourself, Albert Whitman & Company
Best Nonfiction Book
Charlotte Gray, Murdered Midas: A Millionaire, His Gold Mine, and a Strange Death on an Island Paradise, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
The Unhanged Arthur Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript sponsored by Dundurn Press with a $500 prize
Liz Rachel Walker, The Dieppe Letters
2020 Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Best Novel
Sponsored by Rakuten Kobo with a $1000 prize
Michael Christie, Greenwood, McClelland & Stewart
Ian Hamilton, Fate, House of Anansi Press
Nicole Lundrigan, Hideaway, Penguin Random House Canada
Marissa Stapley, The Last Resort, Simon & Schuster Canada
Loreth Anne White, In the Dark, Montlake Romance
The Best First Novel with a $500 prize
Philip Elliott, Nobody Move, Into the Void Press
Denis Coupal, Blindshot, Linda Leith Publishing
Nicole Bross, Past Presence, Literary Wanderlust
Best Novella
Sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $200 prize
Wayne Arthurson, The Red Chesterfield, University of Calgary Press
Barbara Fradkin, Blood Ties, Orca Book Publishers
Brenda Chapman, Too Close to Home, Grass Roots Press
Melodie Campbell, The Goddaughter Does Vegas, Orca Book Publishers
Devon Shepherd, The Woman in Apartment 615, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine
Best Short Story
Sponsored by Mystery Weekly with a $300 prize
Y.S. Lee, In Plain Sight, Life is Short and Then You Die, Macmillan Publishers
Peter Sellers, Closing Doors, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
Zandra Renwick, The Dead Man's Dog, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine
Best French Book
Louis Carmain, Les offrandes, VLB Éditeur
Andrée Michaud, Tempêtes, Éditions Québec Amériques
Martin Michaud, Ghetto X, Libre Expression
Guillaume Morrissette, Le tribunal de la rue Quirion, Guy Saint-Jean Éditeur
Félix Ravenelle-Arcouette, Le cercle de cendres, Héliotrope
Best Juvenile or YA Book
Sponsored by Shaftesbury with a $500 prize
Liam O'Donnell & Mike Dean, Tank & Fizz: The Case of the Tentacle Terror, Orca Book Publishers
Jo Treggiari, The Grey Sisters, Penguin Teen
Tom Ryan, Keep This to Yourself, Albert Whitman & Company
David A. Robertson, Ghosts, HighWater Press
Best Nonfiction Book
Katie Daubs, The Missing Millionaire: The True Story of Ambrose Small and the City Obsessed with Finding Him, MacClelland & Stewart
Kevin Donovan, The Billionaire Murders, Penguin Random House
Debra Komar, The Court of Better Fiction, Dundurn Press
Vanessa Brown, The Forest City Killer: A Serial Murderer, a Cold-Case Sleuth, and a Search for Justice, ECW Press
Charlotte Gray, Murdered Midas: A Millionaire, His Gold Mine, and a Strange Death on an Island Paradise, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
The Unhanged Arthur Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
Sponsored by Dundurn Press with a $500 prize
B.L. Smith, Bert Mintenko and the Serious Business
K.P. Bartlett, Henry's Bomb
Max Folsom, One Bad Day After Another
Liz Rachel Walker, The Dieppe Letters
Pam Barnsley, The River Cage
2019 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Announced at the Arts & Letters Club, Toronot on
Thursday 23 May, 2019
BEST CRIME NOVEL
Anne Emery, Though the Heavens Fall, ECW Press
BEST FIRST CRIME NOVEL
Sponsored by Rakuten Kobo
A.J. Devlin, Cobra Clutch, NeWest Press
BEST CRIME NOVELLA
The Lou Allin Memorial Award
John Lawrence Reynolds, Murder Among the Pines, Orca Book Publishers
BEST CRIME SHORT STORY
Sponsored by Mystery Weekly Magazine
Linda L. Richards, Terminal City, Vancouver Noir, Akashic Books
BEST CRIME BOOK IN FRENCH
Hervé Gagnon, Adolphus - Une enquête de Joseph Laflamme, Libre Expression
BEST JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT CRIME BOOK
Linwood Barclay, Escape, Puffin Canada
BEST NONFICTION CRIME BOOK
Sarah Weinman, The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World, Alfred A. Knopf Canada
BEST UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT (aka The Unhanged Arthur)
Sponsored by Dundurn Press
Liv McFarlane, The Scarlet Cross
2019 Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
BEST CRIME NOVEL
Ron Corbett, Cape Diamond, ECW Press
Anne Emery, Though the Heavens Fall, ECW Press
Lisa Gabriele, The Winters, Doubleday Canada
Louise Penny, Kingdom of the Blind, Minotaur Books
Loreth Anne White, The Girl in the Moss, Montlake Romance
BEST FIRST CRIME NOVEL
Sponsored by Rakuten Kobo
A.J. Devlin, Cobra Clutch, NeWest Press
Helen C. Escott, Operation Wormwood, Flanker Press
Beverley McLachlin, Full Disclosure, Simon & Schuster Canada
Bill Prentice, Why Was Rachel Murdered?, Echo Road
Nathan Ripley, Find You in the Dark, Simon & Schuster Canada
BEST CRIME NOVELLA
The Lou Allin Memorial Award
Melodie Campbell, The B-Team: The Case of the Angry First Wife, Orca Book Publishers
Vicki Delany, Blue Water Hues, Orca Book Publishers
John Lawrence Reynolds, Murder Among the Pines, Orca Book Publishers
BEST CRIME SHORT STORY
Sponsored by Mystery Weekly Magazine
Melodie Campbell, A Ship Called Pandora, Mystery Weekly Magazine
Therese Greenwood, The Power Man, Baby It's Cold Outside, Coffin Hop Press
Twist Phelan, Game, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
Linda L. Richards, Terminal City, Vancouver Noir, Akashic Books
Sam Wiebe, Wonderful Life, Vancouver Noir, Akashic Books
BEST CRIME BOOK IN FRENCH
Jean-Philippe Bernié, Un dernier baiser avant de te tuer, Libre Expression
Hervé Gagnon, Adolphus - Une enquête de Joseph Laflamme, Libre Expression
André Jacques, Ces femmes aux yeux cernés, Éditions Druide
Guillaume Morissette, Deux coups de pied de trop, Guy Saint-Jean Éditeur
Johanne Seymour, Rinzen la beauté intérieure, Expression noir
BEST JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT CRIME BOOK
Linwood Barclay, Escape, Puffin Canada
Michelle Barker, The House of One Thousand Eyes, Annick Press
Kevin Sands, Call of the Wraith, Aladdin
Tim Wynne-Jones, The Ruinous Sweep, Candlewick Press
E.R. Yatscoff, The Rumrunner's Boy, TG & R Books
BEST NONFICTION CRIME BOOK
Patrick Brode, Dying for a Drink: How a Prohibition Preacher Got Away With Murder, Biblioasis
Thomas Giacomaro and Natasha Stoynoff, The King of Con: How a Smooth-Talking Jersey Boy Made and Lost Billions,
Baffled the FBI, Eluded the Mob, and Lived to Tell the Crooked Tale, BenBella Books, Inc
Nate Hendley, The Boy on the Bicycle: A Forgotten Case of Wrongful Conviction in Toronto, Five Rivers Publishing
Eve Lazarus, Murder by Milkshake: An Astonishing True Story of Adultery, Arsenic, and a Charismatic Killer, Arsenal Pulp Press
Sarah Weinman, The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World, Alfred A. Knopf Canada
BEST UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT (aka The Unhanged Arthur)
Sponsored by Dundurn Press
Jim Bottomley, Hypnotizing Lions
Don Macdonald, Omand’s Creek
Liv McFarlane, The Scarlet Cross
Heather McLeod, One for the Raven
Darrow Woods, The Book of Answers
2018 Arthur Ellis Awards for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
WINNERS
BEST CRIME NOVEL
Sleeping in the Ground, by Peter Robinson, publisher McClelland & Stewart
BEST FIRST CRIME NOVEL sponsored by Rakuten Kobo
Full Curl, by Dave Butler, publisher Dundurn Press
BEST CRIME NOVELLA – The Lou Allin Memorial Award
How Lon Pruitt Was Found Murdered in an Open Field with No Footprints Around,
by Mike Culpepper, published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, by Dell
BEST CRIME SHORT STORY
The Outlier, by Catherine Astolfo, published in 13 Claws by Carrick Publishing
BEST NONFICTION CRIME BOOK
The Whisky King, by Trevor Cole, publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
BEST JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT CRIME BOOK
Chase - Get Ready to Run, by Linwood Barclay, publisher Penguin Random House Puffin Canada
BEST CRIME BOOK IN FRENCH
Les tricoteuses, by Marie Saur, publisher Héliotrope Noir
BEST UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT sponsored by Dundurn Press
Destruction in Paradise by Dianne Scott
Click here for the 2017 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
For details of the 2018 Awards Gala: click here.
Click here for past finalists and winners.
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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2018 Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
The shortlists were announced across Canada on
Wednesday, 18 April, 2018
BEST CRIME NOVEL
The Winners’ Circle, by Gail Bowen, publisher McClelland & Stewart
The Party, by Robyn Harding, publisher Gallery/Scout Press
The White Angel, by John MacLachlan, publisher Gray Douglas and McIntyre
Sleeping in the Ground, by Peter Robinson, publisher McClelland & Stewart
The Forgotten Girl, by Rio Youers, publisher St. Martin’s Press
BEST FIRST CRIME NOVEL sponsored by Rakuten Kobo
Puzzle of Pieces, by Sally Hill Brouard, publisher FriesenPress
Full Curl, by Dave Butler, publisher Dundurn Press
Ragged Lake, by Ron Corbett, publisher ECW Press
Flush, by Sky Curtis, publisher Inanna Publications
Our Little Secret, by Roz Nay, publisher Simon & Schuster Canada, Inc.
BEST CRIME NOVELLA – The Lou Allin Memorial Award
Snake Oil, by M.H. Callway, published in 13 Claws by Carrick Publishing
How Lon Pruitt Was Found Murdered in an Open Field with No Footprints Around,
by Mike Culpepper, published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, by Dell
Blood & Belonging, by Vicki Delany, publisher Orca Book Publishers
Dead Clown Blues, by R. Daniel Lester, publisher Shotgun Honey
Money Maker, by Jas R. Petrin, published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, by Dell
BEST CRIME SHORT STORY
The Outlier, by Catherine Astolfo, published in 13 Claws by Carrick Publishing
There be Dragons, by Jane Petersen Burfield, published in 13 Claws by Carrick Publishing
Jerusalem Syndrome, by Hilary Davidson, published in Passport to Murder Bouchercon Anthology 2017
by Down & Out Books
The Ranchero’s Daughter, by Sylvia Maultash Warsh, published in 13 Claws by Carrick Publishing
The Sin Eaters, by Melissa Yi, published in Montreal Noir by Akashic Noir
BEST NONFICTION CRIME BOOK
Murder in Plain English, by Michael Arntfield and Marcel Danesi, publisher Prometheus Books
The Whisky King, by Trevor Cole, publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Blood, Sweat and Fear, by Eve Lazarus, publisher Arsenal Pulp Press
The Dog Lover Unit, by Rachel Rose, publisher St. Martin's Press
Police Wife: The Secret Epidemic of Police Domestic Violence, by Alex Roslin, publisher Sugar Hill Books
BEST JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT CRIME BOOK
Missing, by Kelley Armstrong, publisher Penguin Random House Doubleday Canada
Chase - Get Ready to Run, by Linwood Barclay, publisher Penguin Random House Puffin Canada
The Disappearance, by Gillian Chan, publisher Annick Press Ltd.
Thistlewood, by Donna Chubaty, publisher Grasmere Publishing
The Lives of Desperate Girls, by MacKenzie Common,
publisher Penguin Random House Penguin Teen Canada
BEST CRIME BOOK IN FRENCH
Amqui, by Éric Forbes, publisher Héliotrope Noir
La vie rêvée de Frank Bélair, by Maxime Houde, publisher Éditions Alire Inc.
Les clefs du silence, by Jean Lemieux, publisher Québec Amérique
La mort en bleu pastel, by Maryse Rouy, publisher Éditions Druide
Les tricoteuses, by Marie Saur, publisher Héliotrope Noir
BEST UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT sponsored by Dundurn Press
The Alibi Network by Raimey Gallant
Finn Slew by Ken MacQueen
Destruction in Paradise by Dianne Scott
Dig, Dug, Dead by Sylvia Teaves
Condemned by Kevin Thornton
Click here for the Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlist Announcement Media Release
Click here for past finalists and winners
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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2017 Arthur Ellis Awards for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Winners
Best Novel
Donna Morrissey, The Fortunate Brother, Viking Canada
Best First Novel sponsored by Rakuten Kobo
Elle Wild, Strange Things Done, Dundurn Press
Best Novella The Lou Allin Memorial Award
Rick Blechta, Rundown, Orca Book Publishers
Best Short Story
Susan Daly, A Death at the Parsonage, The Whole She-Bang 3, Toronto Sisters in Crime
Best Book in French
Marie-Ève Bourassa, Red Light: Adieu, Mignonne, Groupe Ville-Marie Littérature, vlb éditions
Best Juvenile/YA Book
Gordon Korman, Masterminds: Criminal Destiny, Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
Best Nonfiction Book
Jeremy Grimaldi, A Daughter's Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story, Dundurn Press
Unhanged Arthur for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel sponsored by Dundurn Press
S.J. Jennings, The Golkonda Project
Check out the 2017 Gala Photo Album on Facebook
The winners of the 2017 Arthur Ellis Awards were announced at the Arthur Ellis Awards Gala at the Arts & Letters Club, Toronto on May 25th 2017.
For details of the shortlisted works: click here
For details of the Awards Gala: click here
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2017 Arthur Ellis Awards for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Shortlisted Works
Best Novel
Kelley Armstrong, City of the Lost, Penguin Random House of Canada
Michael Helm, After James, McClelland & Stewart
Maureen Jennings, Dead Ground In Between, McClelland & Stewart
Janet Kellough, Wishful Seeing, Dundurn Press
Donna Morrissey, The Fortunate Brother, Viking Canada
Best First Novel sponsored by Ratuken Kobo
Ryan Aldred, Rum Luck, Five Star Publishing
R.M.Greenaway, Cold Girl, Dundurn Press
Mark Lisac, Where the Bodies Lie, NeWest Press
Amy Stuart, Still Mine, Simon & Schuster Canada
Elle Wild, Strange Things Done, Dundurn Press
Best Novella The Lou Allin Memorial Award
Rick Blechta, Rundown, Orca Book Publishers
Brenda Chapman, No Trace, Grass Roots Press
Jas. R. Petrin, The Devil You Know, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Dell Publishing
Linda L. Richards, When Blood Lies, Orca Book Publishers
Peter Robinson, The Village That Lost Its Head, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Dell Publishing
Best Short Story
Cathy Ace, Steve’s Story, The Whole She-Bang 3, Toronto Sisters in Crime
Susan Daly, A Death at the Parsonage, The Whole She-Bang 3, Toronto Sisters in Crime
Elizabeth Hosang, Where There’s a Will, The Whole She-Bang 3, Toronto Sisters in Crime
Scott Mackay, The Ascent, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Dell Publishing
David Morrell, The Granite Kitchen, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Dell Publishing
Best Book in French
Marie-Eve Bourassa, Red Light: Adieu, Mignonne, Groupe Ville-Marie Littérature, vlb éditions
Chrystine Brouillet, Vrai ou faux, Éditions Druide
Guillaume Morrissette, Terreur domestique, Guy Saint-Jean Éditeur
Johanne Seymour, Rinzen et l’homme perdu, Expression Noire
Richard Ste-Marie, Le Blues des sacrifiés, Éditions Alire
Best Juvenile/YA Book
Gordon Korman, Masterminds: Criminal Destiny, Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
Norah McClintock, Trial by Fire, Orca Book Publishers
John Moss, The Girl in a Coma, The Poisoned Pencil- Poisoned Pen Press
Caroline Pignat, Shooter, Tundra Books
Eva Wiseman, Another Me, Tundra Books
Best Nonfiction Book
Christie Blatchford, Life Sentence: Stories from Four Decades of Court Reporting — or, How I Fell Out of Love with the Canadian Justice System, Doubleday Canada
Joe Friesen, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe: Life of a Modern Outlaw, Signal McClelland & Stewart
Jeremy Grimaldi, A Daughter's Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story, Dundurn Press
Debra Komar, Black River Road: An Unthinkable Crime, an Unlikely Suspect, and the Question of Character, Goose Lane Editions
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon, Shadow of Doubt: The Trial of Dennis Oland, Goose Lane Editions
Unhanged Arthur for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel sponsored by Dundurn Press
Mary Fernando, An Absence of Empathy
S.J. Jennings, The Golkonda Project
Charlotte Morganti, Concrete Becomes Her
Ann Shortell, Celtic Knot
Mark Thomas, The Last Dragon
2016 Arthur Ellis Awards for
Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Winners
Best Novel:
Peter Kirby, Open Season, Linda Leith Publishing
Best First Novel:
Ausma Zehanat Khan, The Unquiet Dead, Minotaur
The Lou Allen Memorial Award for Best Novella*:
Jeremy Bates, Black Canyon, Dark Hearts,
Ghillinnein Books
Best Short Story:
Scott Mackay, The Avocado Kid, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine
Best Book in French:
Luc Chartrand, L'Affaire Myosotis, Québec Amérique
Best Juvenile/YA :
Stephanie Tromly, Trouble is a Friend of Mine, Kathy Dawson Books
Best Nonfiction:
Dean Jobb, Empire of Deception, Harper Collins Publishers
The Dundurn Unhanged Arthur for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel:
Jayne Barnard, When the Flood Falls
*The Lou Allin Memorial Award of $200 for the Arthur Ellis Novella Category
Sponsored by the 2011 Bloody Words Conference Committee, this award will be given in honour of Lou Allin. Lou was a board member of CWC, a co-chair of the 2011 Bloody Words Conference, an award-winning writer, and a mentor to many. This award is particularly fitting, as she was the winner of the first Arthur Ellis Novella Award. We miss you dearly, Lou.
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2016 Arthur Ellis Awards
for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing
Shortlists
Best Novel
Peggy Blair, Hungry Ghosts, Simon & Schuster
John Farrow, The Storm Murders, Minotaur
Andrew Hunt, A Killing in Zion, Minotaur
Peter Kirby, Open Season, Linda Leith Publishing
Inger Ash Wolfe, The Night Bell, McClelland & Stewart
Best First Novel
J. Mark Collins, Hard Drive, iUniverse
David Hood, What Kills Good Men, Vagrant Press
Ausma Zehanat Khan, The Unquiet Dead, Minotaur
Alexis Koetting, Encore, Five Star
Brian R. Lindsay, Old Bones, Volumes Publishing
Best Novella
Jeremy Bates, Black Canyon, Dark Hearts, Ghillinnein Books
Alison Bruce, Deadly Season, Imajin Books
M.H. Callway, Glow Glass, Carrick Publishing
Barbara Fradkin, The Night Thief, Orca Book Publishers
Brian Harvey, Beethoven’s Tenth, Orca Book Publishers
Best Short Story
Karen Abrahamson, With One Shoe, Playground of Lost Toys, Exile Editions
Hilary Davidson, The Seige, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine
Sharon Hunt, The Water Was Rising, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine
Scott Mackay, The Avocado Kid, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine
S. G. Wong, Movable Type, AB Negative Anthology, Coffin Hop Press
Best Book in French
Luc Chartrand, L'Affaire Myosotis, Québec Amérique
Jean-Louis Fleury, L'affaire Céline, Éditions Alire
André Jacques, La bataille de Pavie, Druide
Jean Lemieux, Le mauvais côté des choses, Québec Amérique
Guillaume Morrissette, L'affaire Mélodie Cormier, Guy Saint-Jean éditeur
Best Juvenile/YA Book
Robert Hough, Diego’s Crossing, Annick Press
Jeff Ross, Set You Free, Orca
Kevin Sands, The Blackthorn Key, Aladdin
Allan Stratton, The Dogs, Scholastic
Stephanie Tromly, Trouble is a Friend of Mine, Kathy Dawson Books
Best Nonfiction Book
Gary Garrison, Human on the Inside: Unlocking the Truth about Canada’s Prisons, University of Regina Press
Dean Jobb, Empire of Deception, Harper Collins Publishers
Debra Komar, The Bastard of Fort Stikine: The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Murder of John McLoughlin Jr., Goose Lane Editions
Jerry Langton, Cold War, Harper Collins Publishers
Colleen Lewis and Jennifer Hicks, Mr. Big: The Investigation into the Deaths of Karen and Krista Hart, Flanker Press
The Dundurn Unhanged Arthur for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel
Jayne Barnard, When the Flood Falls
Alice Bienia, Knight Blind
Pam Isfeld, Brave Girls
J.T. Siemens, Better the Devil You Know
J.G. Toews, Give Out Creek
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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2015 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
And the winners are...
Best Novel
C.C. Humphreys
Plague
Best First Novel
Steve Burrows
Siege of Bitterns
Best Novella
Jas. R. Petrin
A Knock on the Door
Best Short Story
Margaret Atwood
Stone Mattress
Best Juvenile/YA
Sigmund Brouwer
Dead Man's Switch
Best Nonfiction
Charlotte Gray
The Massey Murder
Unhanged Arthur
Elle Wilde
Strange Things Done
Crime Writers of Canada
2015 Derrick Murdoch Award
Sylvia McConnell
*CWC announces the Lou Allin Memorial Award of $200 for the Arthur Ellis Novella Category
Sponsored by the 2011 Bloody Words Conference Committee, this award will be given in honour of Lou Allin. Lou was a board member of CWC, a co-chair of the 2011 Bloody Words Conference, an award-winning writer, and a mentor to many. This award is particularly fitting, as she was the winner of the first Arthur Ellis Novella Award. We miss you dearly, Lou.
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2015 Arthur Shortlists
Announcing the 2015 Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists for Crime Writing
Best Novel
Brenda Chapman, Cold Mourning, Dundurn Press
Barbara Fradkin, None so Blind, Dundurn Press
C.C. Humphreys, Plague, Doubleday Canada
Maureen Jennings, No Known Grave, McClelland & Stewart
Alen Mattich, Killing Pilgrim, House of Anansi
Best First Novel
Janet Brons, A Quiet Kill, Touchwood Editions
Steve Burrows, Siege of Bitterns, Dundurn Press
M.H. Callway, Windigo Fire, Seraphim Editions
Eve McBride, No Worst, There Is None, Dundurn Press
Sam Wiebe, Last of the Independents, Dundurn Press
Best Novella*
Rick Blechta, The Boom Room, Orca Book Publishers
Vicki Delany, Juba Good, Orca Book Publishers
Ian Hamilton, The Dragon Head of Hong Kong, House of Anansi
Jas. R. Petrin, A Knock on the Door, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine
Best Short Story
Margaret Atwood, Stone Mattress, McClelland & Stewart
Melodie Campbell, Hook, Line and Sinker, Your McMurray Magazine, North Word
Peter Clement, Therapy, Belgrave House
Madona Skaff, First Impressions, The Whole She-Bang 2, Sisters in Crime
Kevin P. Thornton, Writers Block, World Enough and Crime, Carrick Publishing
Best Book in French
Hervé Gagnon, Jack: Une enquête de Joseph Laflamme, Expression noir / Groupe librex
Andrée Michaud, Bondrée, Editions Québec Amérique
Maryse Rouy, Meurtre à l’hôtel Despréaux, Éditions Druide
Richard Ste Marie, Repentirs, Alire
Best Juvenile/YA Book
Michael Betcherman, Face-Off, Penguin Canada
Sigmund Brouwer, Dead Man's Switch, Harvest House
S.J. Laidlaw, The Voice Inside My Head, Tundra Books
Norah McClintock, About That Night, Orca Book Publishers
Jeyn Roberts, The Bodies We Wear, Knopf Books for Young Readers
Best Nonfiction Book
Bob Deasy (with Mark Ebner), Being Uncle Charlie, Penguin Random House
Charlotte Gray, The Massey Murder, HarperCollins
Joan McEwen, Innocence on Trial: The Framing of Ivan Henry, Heritage House
Bill Reynolds, Life Real Loud: John Lefebvre, Neteller and the Revolution in Online Gambling, ECW Press
Paula Todd, Extreme Mean, McClelland & Stewart
Unhanged Arthur for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel
Rum Luck by Ryan Aldred
Full Curl by Dave Butler
Crisis Point by Dwayne Clayden
Afghan Redemption by Bill Prentice
Strange Things Done by Elle Wild
CWC announces the 2015 Derrick Murdoch Award Winner, Sylvia McConnell
In 1998, Sylvia McConnell began RendezVous Crime, a publishing house with the mandate to publish crime novels written by Canadians set in Canada. Over the next thirteen years she published 80 works of crime fiction, many of which were nominated for or won prestigious awards. For her belief in the value of Canadians telling Canadian stories, for her encouragement of new Canadian authors, and for her recognition of talent with staying power, we are proud to present Sylvia McConnell with the Derrick Murdoch award for 2015.
*CWC announces the Lou Allin Memorial Award of $250 for the Arthur Ellis Novella Category
Sponsored by the 2011 Bloody Words Conference Committee, this award will be given in honour of Lou Allin. Lou was a board member of CWC, a co-chair of the 2011 Bloody Words Conference, an award-winning writer, and a mentor to many. This award is particularly fitting, as she was the winner of the first Arthur Ellis Novella Award. We miss you dearly, Lou.
The
2015 winners will be announced at the Arthur Ellis Awards gala dinner
on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Arts & Letters Club in downtown
Toronto.
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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Crime Writers of Canada would like to thank everyone in the Canadian publishing community
for making the Arthur Ellis Awards such a success through the years.
2014 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
And the winner is...
Best Novel
Seán Haldane, The Devil’s Making, Stone Flower Press
Best First Novel
J. Kent Messum, Bait, Penguin Canada
Best Novella
Melodie Campbell, The Goddaughter’s Revenge, Orca Books
Best Short Story
Twist Phelan, Footprints in Water, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
Best Book in French
Maureen Martineau, L’enfant promis, La courte échelle
Best Juvenile/YA
Elizabeth MacLeod, Bones Never Lie, Annick Press
Best Unpublished First Novel (Unhanged Arthur)
Rachel Greenaway, Cold Girl
Find out more about these books in the CCC Shortlist Special
This is the inaugural year of the CWC Grand Master Award, intended to recognize Canadian crime writers who have a substantial body of work that has garnered national and international recognition.
This year’s winner of the CWC Grand Master Award is Howard Engel, the author of the award winning Benny Cooperman detective series. A mainstay of the Canadian crime writing scene for many years, Mr. Engel helped put Canadian crime writing on the map at a time when few mysteries were set in this country.
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2014 Arthur Shortlists
Best Novel
John Brooke, Walls of a Mind, Signature Editions
Seán Haldane, The Devil’s Making, Stone Flower Press
Lee Lamothe, Presto Variations, Dundurn
Howard Shrier, Miss Montreal, Vintage Canada
Simone St. James, An Inquiry into Love and Death, Penguin Books
Best First Novel
E.R. Brown, Almost Criminal, Dundurn
A.S.A. Harrison, The Silent Wife, Penguin Books Canada
Axel Howerton, Hot Sinatra, Evolved Publishing
J. Kent Messum, Bait, Penguin Canada
S.G. Wong, Die on Your Feet, Carina Press
Best Novella
Melodie Campbell, The Goddaughter’s Revenge, Orca Books
Brenda Chapman, My Sister’s Keeper, Grassroots Press
James Heneghan, A Woman Scorned, Orca Books
Best Short Story
Donna Carrick, Watermelon Weekend, Thirteen,
Carrick Publishing
Jas. R. Petrin, Under Cap Ste. Clare, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, October 2013,
Dell Magazines
Twist Phelan, Footprints in Water, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, July 2013,
Dell Magazines
Sylvia Maultash Warsh, The Emerald Skull, Thirteen,
Carrick Publishing
Sam Wiebe, The Third Echo, Girl Trouble: Malfeasance Occasional,
MacMillan/St Martin’s Press
Best Book in French
Chrystine Brouillet, Saccages, La courte échelle
Jacques Côté, Et à l'heure de votre mort, éditions Alire
Maureen Martineau, L’enfant promis, La courte échelle
Jacques Savoie, Le fils emprunté, Éditions Libre Expression
Best Juvenile/YA
Karen Autio, Sabotage, Sono Nis Press
Gail Gallant, Apparition, Doubleday Canada
Elizabeth MacLeod, Bones Never Lie: How Forensics Helps Solve History’s Mysteries,
Annick Press
Ted Staunton, Who I’m Not, Orca Books
Unhanged Arthur
L.J. Gordon, Death at the Iron House Lodge
Rachel Greenaway, Cold Girl
Charlotte Morganti, The Snow Job
Kristina Stanley, Descent
Kevin Thornton, Coiled
The 2014 winners will be announced at the Arthur Ellis Awards gala dinner on Thursday, June 5, at the Arts & Letters Club in downtown Toronto.
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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Crime Writers of Canada would like to thank everyone in the Canadian publishing community
for making the Arthur Ellis Awards such a success through the years.
2013 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
Best First Novel — Best Novel — Best Novella — Best Short Story
Best Juvenile — Best Unpublished — Derrick Murdoch Winner
And the winner is...
Best Crime First Novel
Simone St. James, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, NAL
Best Crime Novel
Giles Blunt, Until the Night, Random House Canada
Best Crime Novella
Lou Allin, Contingency Plan, Orca Books
Best Crime Short Story
Yasuko Thanh, "Switch-blade Knife" in Floating Like the Dead, McClelland & Stewart
Best Crime Nonfiction
Steve Lillebuen, The Devil's Cinema: The Untold Story behind Mark Twitchell's Kill Room, McClelland & Stewart
Best Crime French Book
Mario Bolduc, La Nuit des albinos: Sur les traces de Max O'Brien, Libre Expression
Best Crime Juvenile/YA Book
Shane Peacock, Becoming Holmes, Tundra Books
Best Unpublished Crime First Novel, aka The Unhanged Arthur
Coleen Steele, Sins Revisited
Derrick Murdoch Award
Lyn Hamilton
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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This year marks the 29th anniversary of the Arthurs. This year we’ve added a new published-book category: the novella, making eight published categories. In addition, the CWC has an award for yet-to-be-published crime writers – the Unhanged Arthur for the best unpublished first crime novel.
Best Crime First Novel
- Peggy Blair, The Beggar’s Opera, Penguin Canada
- Deryn Collier, Confined Space, Simon & Schuster
- Peter Kirby, The Dead of Winter, Linda Leith Publishing
- Chris Laing, A Private Man, Seraphim
- Simone St. James, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, NAL
Best Crime Novel
- Linwood Barclay, Trust Your Eyes, Doubleday Canada
- Giles Blunt, Until the Night, Random House Canada
- Sean Chercover, The Trinity Game, Thomas & Mercer
- Stephen Miller, The Messenger, Delacorte Press
- Carsten Stroud, Niceville, Knopf
Best Crime Novella
- Lou Allin, Contingency Plan, Orca Rapid Reads
- Vicki Delany, A Winter Kill, Orca Rapid Reads
- Barbara Fradkin, Evil behind that Door, Orca Rapid Reads
- Christopher G. Moore, "Reunion", Phnom Penh Noir, Heaven Lake Press
Best Crime Short Story
- Melodie Campbell, “Life without George” in Over My Dead Body Mystery Magazine, August 2012
- Sandy Conrad, “Sins of the Fathers” in Daughters and Other Strangers, The Brucedale Press
- Scott MacKay, “Cruel Coast” in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, July 2012
- Jas R. Petrin, “Mad Dog” in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, October 2012
- Yasuko Thanh, “Spring-blade Knife” in Floating Like the Dead, McClelland & Stewart
Best Crime Nonfiction
- Anita Arvast, Bloody Justice: The Truth behind the Bandidos Massacre at Shedden, John Wiley & Sons
- Guy Lawson, Octopus: Sam Israel, the Secret Market, and Wall Street’s Wildest Con, Crown Books/Random House
- Steve Lillebuen, The Devil’s Cinema: The Untold Story behind Mark Twitchell’s Kill Room, McClelland & Stewart
- Bruce Livesey, Thieves of Bay Street: How Banks, Brokerages and the Wealthy Steal Billions from Canadians, Random House Canada
Best Crime Juvenile/YA Book
- Lisa Harrington, Live to Tell, Cormorant Books
- Y.S. Lee, The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel, Candlewick Press
- Sylvia McNicoll, Crush Candy Corpse, James Lorimer & Company
- Shane Peacock, Becoming Holmes, Tundra Books
- Elizabeth Stewart, The Lynching of Louie Sam, Annick Press
Best Crime French Book
- Mario Bolduc, La Nuit des albinos: Sur les traces de Max O’Brien, Libre Expression
- André Jacques, De pierres et de sang, Druide
- Jean Lemieux, L’homme du jeudi, La courte échelle
- Martin Michaud, Je me souviens, Goélette
- Richard Ste Marie, L’inaveu, Alire
Best Unpublished First Crime Novel: The Unhanged Arthur
- William Hall, Cold Black Tide
- Ilonka Halsband, The Raffle Baby
- Coleen Steele, Sins Revisited
The winners will be announced at the Arthur Ellis Awards gala dinner on Thursday, May 30, at the Arts & Letters Club in downtown Toronto. We hope to see you there. For information on the dinner or to order tickets, please contact Melodie Campbell, info@crimewriterscanada.com.
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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Crime Writers of Canada would like to thank everyone in the Canadian publishing community
for making the Arthur Ellis Awards such a success through the years.
2012 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
Best Novel — Best First Novel — Best Crime Non-fiction — Best Crime French —
Best Juvenile — Best Short Story — Best Unpublished — Derrick Murdoch Winner
And the winner is...
| Best Crime Novel Before the Poison by Peter Robinson, McClelland and Stewart The Jury reached a unanimous but very close decision among the five final nominations. Each nominated novel demonstrated many of the inherent qualities that make up an Ellis award winning best novel. Clear, concise story telling, compelling characters shaped by dialogue and action, all carefully drawn in settings that supported the action and plot. In each case the climaxes were exciting and satisfying. The chosen novel, Before the Poison by Peter Robinson was our choice in a photo finish. |
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| Best First Novel The Water Rat of Wanchai by Ian Hamilton, House of Anansi Press Inc. Ian Hamilton's The Water Rat of Wan Chai is a smart, action-packed thriller of the first order, and Ava Lee, a gay Asian-Canadian forensics accountant with a razor-sharp mind and highly developed martial arts skills, is a protagonist to be reckoned with. We were impressed by Hamilton's tight plotting; his well-rendered settings, from the glitz of Bangkok to the grit of Guyana; and his ability to portray a wide range of sharply individualized characters in clean but sophisticated prose. |
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Best Crime Book in French La chorale du diable by Martin Michaud, Les Editions Guélette In this well-written crime novel, two main plotlines are intertwined with so many twists and turns that it becomes almost impossible to predict any outcome. The characters are complex and interesting, and we hope to see many of them continue to develop in other stories. Michaud, in only his second novel, shows a lot of maturity and confidence in his writing. He takes the reader on a ride across the province, from one era to another, with the utmost respect for chronology and history but mostly with a vivid depiction of “his” city, Montreal. |
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| Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones, Candlewick Press Rich characterization, well-crafted language, intriguing use of voice, and a compelling plot make Blink & Caution an intense yet enjoyable story that’s hard to put down. Pacing and tension build steadily through the first half of the book, creating a strong connection with the reader. An uplifting conclusion gives us hope for the future of the two main characters, Blink and Caution. |
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| Best Crime Nonfiction Hot Art: Chasing Thieves and Detectives Through the Secret World of Stolen Art by Joshua Knelman, Douglas & McIntyre Hot Art is a very readable, extremely well researched and written look at the world of art theft full of well drawn colourful characters of art thieves and cops who specialize art theft cases. Knelman succeeds in spades in presenting an inside look as how and why art is stolen and how it is then disposed of through a complex network of dealers (some in the know as to its origins; some not) and criminals. Joshua Knelman is an excellent story teller and Hot Art is a pleasure to read from page one to the end. |
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| Best Crime Short Story What Kelly Did by Catherine Astolfo, North Word Magazine The art of the Canadian crime story is flourishing! We were very impressed with the quality and originality of the submissions. Developing the list of the five finalists meant that we had to make some tough decisions. The winning story, What Kelly Did, particularly impressed us with its emotional resonance, deft plotting, strong suspense and vivid characters. It is not only a gripping crime story, but a work that explores and illuminates human and social issues. |
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| Best Unpublished First Novel - “Unhanged Arthur” Last of the Independents by Sam Wiebe A thoroughly satisfying read. An opening that grabs you, fast-moving and at times very funny with snappy dialogue, nice writing and intriguing plot. Very professional, and almost ready for publication. Last of the Independents was our unanimous choice as winner of the Unhanged Arthur Award. |
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Derrick Murdoch Award to Don Graves From planning Crime Writer events at Casa Loma in earlier days, to the countless reviews of member books that Don has written for The Hamilton Spectator – Don has been instrumental in promoting crime writing in Canada. And most outstanding: Don has been a frequent Jury member for the Arthur Ellis awards. Without people like Don who selflessly commit their time and knowledge to selecting our short listed authors and winners, we wouldn’t have national crime writing awards in Canada. Don has served the Crime Writing community well these past several years, and I am delighted to tell you that he is coming on the Board of Directors of Crime Writers of Canada for the coming year. Thank you, Don! |
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Derrick Murdoch Award to Catherine Astolfo It is with great personal pleasure for me tonight that I am presenting this Derrick Murdoch award to Cathy Astolfo. Many of you know Cathy as our President from last year. What you may not know is that Cathy guided our association through an extremely tumultuous time, when she herself was facing serious health issues. Most people would have quit: Cathy did not. In fact, under Cathy’s leadership, CWC grew in leaps and bounds. Our new website was launched. Our membership climbed to over 300. And – this is truly outstanding – Cathy negotiated our media sponsorship arrangement with National Post. Cathy remained on the board this year as Past President, and continued to lead the National Post initiative. In addition to that, she has negotiated a deal for us with CARP. We are extremely fortunate that she has agreed to stay on the board for another year, in the role of Toronto NVP. Thank you, Cathy! |
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
The Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists
Best Crime Novel
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny, St. Martin’s Press
Before the Poison by Peter Robinson, McClelland and Stewart
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley, Doubleday Canada
I'll See you in My Dreams by William Deverell, McClelland and Stewart
The Guilty Plea by Robert Rotenberg, Simon&Schuster
Best First Novel
The Man Who Killed by Fraser Nixon, Douglas & McIntrye
The Survivor by Sean Slater, Simon&Schuster
The Water Rat of Wanchai by Ian Hamilton, House of Anansi Press Inc.
Tight Corner by Roger White, BPS Books
Watching Jeopardy by Norm Foster, XLibris
Best Crime Book in French
La chorale du diable by Martin Michaud, Les Editions Guélette
Pwazon by Diane Vincent, Editors Triptyque
Pour Ne Pas Mourir ce soir by Guillaume Lapierre-Desnoyers, Lévesque Éditeur
Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book
Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones, Candlewick Press
Charlie's Key by Rob Mills, Orca Book Publishers
Empire of Ruins by Arthur Slade, HarperCollins Publishers
Held by Edeet Ravel, Annick Press
Missing by Becky Citra, Orca Book Publishers
Best Crime Nonfiction
A Season in Hell by Robert Fowler, Harper Collins
Hot Art: Chasing Thieves and Detectives Through the Secret World of Stolen Art by Joshua Knelman, Douglas& McIntyre
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Steven Laffoley, Pottersfield
The Pirates of Somalia by Jay Bahadur, Harper Collins
The Weasel: A Double Life in the Mob by Adrian Humphreys, Wiley
Best Crime Short Story
A New Pair of Pants by Jas. R. Petrin, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
Beer Money by Shane Nelson, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
The Girl with the Golden Hair by Scott Mackay, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
The Perfect Mark by Melodie Campbell, Flash Fiction Magazine
What Kelly Did by Catherine Astolfo, North Word Magazine
Best Unpublished First Novel - “Unhanged Arthur”
Gunning for Bear by Madeleine Harris-Callway
Last of the Independents by Sam Wiebe
Snake in the Snow by William Bonnell
The Rhymester by Valerie A. Drego
Too Far to Fall by Shane Sawyer
Crime Writers of Canada offers sincere thanks to our sponsors...
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2011 Arthur Ellis Awards Winners
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Louise Penny |
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Avner Mandleman |
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Jacques Côté |
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Best Juvenile/Young Adult Crime Book Alice Kuipers |
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Stevie Cameron |
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Mary Jane Maffini |
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Best Unpublished First Crime Novel The Unhanged Arthur John Jeneroux |
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"Lou’s insightful, wise and thoughtful advice, guidance and over the years in committee, Board or regional work have been invaluable..." more |
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Derrick Murdock Award Winners "I don’t have time to enumerate all the committees that Nancy has left her legacy upon, but the Mentorship Program, Special Events, Grants and the Website are among the most indelible. Particularly with the website..." more |
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Sponsor for Best Novel |
Media Sponsor for the 2011 Arthur Ellis Awards! |
Sponsor for Unhanged |
Arthur Ellis 2011 Shortlists
Best Crime Novel
A Criminal to Remember, Michael Van Rooy, Turnstone Press
Bury Your Dead, Louise Penny, Little, Brown UK
In Plain Sight, Mike Knowles, ECW Press
Slow Recoil, C.B. Forrest, RendezVous Crime
The Extinction Club, Jeffrey Moore, Penguin Group
Best First Crime Novel
The Damage Done, Hilary Davidson, Tom Doherty Associates
The Debba, Avner Mandelman, Random House of Canada
The Penalty Killing, Michael McKinley, McClelland & Stewart
The Parabolist, Nicholas Ruddock, Doubleday Canada
Still Missing, Chevy Stevens, St. Martin's Press
Best French Crime Book
Cinq secondes, Jacques Savoie, Libre Expression
Dans le quartier des agités, Jacques Côté, Éditions Alire
La société des pères meurtriers, Michel Châteauneuf, Vent d’Ouest
Quand la mort s'invite à la première, Bernard Gilbert, Québec Amerique
Vanités, Johanne Seymour, Libre Expression
Best Crime Nonfiction
Northern Light, Roy MacGregor, Random House
On the Farm, Stevie Cameron, Alfred A. Knopf Canada
Our Man in Tehran, Robert Wright, HarperCollins Canada
Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book
Borderline, Allan Stratton, HarperCollins
Pluto's Ghost, Sheree Fitch, Doubleday Canada
The Vinyl Princess, Yvonne Prinz, HarperCollins
The Worst Thing She Ever Did, Alice Kuipers, HarperCollins
Victim Rights, Norah McClintock, Red Deer Press
Best Crime Short Story
In It Up To My Neck, Jas R. Petrin, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
So Much in Common, Mary Jane Maffini, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
The Big Touch, Jordan McPeek, Thuglit.com
The Piper's Door, James Powell, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
The Bust, William Deverell, Whodunnit: Sun Media’s Canadian Crime Fiction Showcase
Best First Unpublished Novel
(Unhanged Arthur)
Better Off Dead, John Jeneroux
Uncoiled, Kevin Thornton
When the Bow Breaks, Jayne Barnard
And the 2010 Arthur Ellis Award Winners are... |
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Best Novel: High Chicago Author: HOWARD SHRIER |
Best First Novel: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Author: ALAN BRADLEY |
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Best Crime Non‑Fiction: Murder Without Borders Author: TERRY GOULD |
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Best Crime Writing in French: Le mort du chemin des Arsene Author: JEAN LEMIEUX |
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Best Juvenile: Haunted Author: BARBARA HAWORTH‑ATTARD |
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Best Short Story: Prisoner in Paradise Author: DENNIS RICHARD MURPHY |
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Best Unpublished First Crime Novel: The Corpse Flower Author: GLORIA FERRIS |
Our annual Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to the crime genre was presented to PETER ROBINSON |
Arthur Ellis 2010 Shortlists
Shortlist for the Best Crime Novel |
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From Pacific to Prairie, a teasing treasure hunt turns into a frightening game of cat and mouse. P.I. Russell Quant is plunged into the vagaries of a shocking hometown murder and the blasphemous blackmail of one of the literary world's most esteemed writers.
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Meg Harris’s father’s plane went missing in the Arctic. He was never seen again. Thirty-six years later, her mother receives strange Inuit drawings that suggest he might have survived. Meg travels to Iqaluit and soon finds herself sucked into the world of Inuit art forgery and murder.
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Charles and Elodie are hired to investigate a bombing attempt at the Ontario legislature, purportedly committed by an anarchist group called The Black Bloc. While the city drops into paranoia fuelled by the police and the mayor, Charlie and Elodie try to keep the black sheep daughter of a prominent family from a certain prison sentence.
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Returning home a hero, celebrated WWII fighter pilot Wilf McLauchlin is immediately plunged into a series of bizarre murders, which he tries to solve. But when the trail leads back to Wilf, he must face those last days of the war before he can make a shattering connection.
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Toronto investigator Jonah Geller has opened his own agency, World Repairs, with best friend and partner Jenn Raudsepp. Asked to investigate the apparent suicide of a young woman, they’re drawn into the high-stakes world of construction and development on a long-neglected parcel of Toronto’s waterfront.
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Shortlist for Best First Crime Novel |
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Flavia de Luce has a taste for poison. It is 1950 and eleven year-old Flavia, armed with a Victorian chemistry lab, is out to solve a murder - unafraid and morbidly fascinated. Agatha nominee and winner of the 2009 Dilys Award.
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The Welsh town of Llanelen is shocked when posh bride Meg Wynne Thompson goes missing on her wedding day. The last person believed to have seen her is manicurist Penny Brannigan, an expatriate Canadian. With her new friend, Victoria, Penny sets out to find the killer.
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Detective Charlie McKelvey is nearing the end of his career, but his life has been stuck on pause since the murder of his runaway teenage son. McKelvey has fingered a biker named Pierre Duguay for the murder. But is Duguay the right man or has McKelvey become blinded by his grief?
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When the scalped remains of a Jane Doe are discovered, Detective Jake Fry is assigned the task of hunting down Calgary’s most disturbed murderer. Working against a rising body count and police department politics, Fry must relentlessly pursue a murderer with an agenda no one but he can comprehend.
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As twenty-four hours of darkness falls on a remote Arctic Island, two mysterious deaths reveal a mystery with international implications. Published posthumously.
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Shortlist for the Best French Crime Book |
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"I count the dead" is the first novel by veteran screen writer, director and translator, Genevieve Lefebvre.
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As
he prepares to leave his post in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Detective
Sergeant Andrew Surprenant finds the corpse of a man. A rifle resting on
his egs, the doors locked, everything suggests he committed suicide. A
detective story full of twists and humour, featuring a gallery of
colourful characters.
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The hunger for land is the final episode of the series Managers of the Apocalypse, a plot where the future of humanity is played against a backdrop of eco-terrorism.
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Josette
Marchand, masseuse, and Vincent Bastianello, an inspector with the
Montreal Police, have strange friends. A work of art looted, a
vandalized workshop, teens and missing patches of skin found here and
there, launch Marchand and Bastianello on the trail of the elusive, the
guilty, and the cruel.
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Shortlist for the Best Juvenile Crime Book |
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Like
her Gran, Dee has “the sight,” an ability not only to see spirits from
the afterlife but also to experience their deaths -- a quality that
becomes more horrifying as the story takes darker turns. Dee is drawn
into a deepening mystery that soon strikes terrifyingly close to home.
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Thanks
to her mother—the internationally beloved talk show host Mimi
Schwartz—Robin’s got the money, the means and the connections to make
even her wildest dreams come true. so why, then, does she choose to sit
alone in a dark room watching endless reruns?
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Ryan
Dooley continues to struggle against circumstances that would defeat
most teenagers, let alone kids who have been in serious trouble with the
law. Dooley (as he prefers to be known) was involved in a break and
enter a few years ago, served his time, and is now living with his
hard-nosed uncle, a former cop.
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There
are rumours that a hunchback infant in a gypsy freak show has the power
to transform his appearance. This comes to the attention of Mr.
Socrates, a member of the shadowy Permanent Association. Naming him
Modo, Mr. Socrates keeps the boy indoors and never lets him see his
deformity, while putting him through training to be a secret agent.
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Mimi
Shapiro had a disturbing freshman year at NYU. So when her artist
father offers the use of his remote Canadian cottage, she’s glad to
drive up north. The house is fairy-tale quaint, and the key is hidden
right where her dad said it would be, so she’s shocked to find someone
already living there.
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Shortlist for the Best Crime Nonfiction |
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As
the city of Windsor celebrated the end of World War II and the return
of its troops with parades and public revelry, the industrial city was
shaken by a series of brutal stabbings.
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Having
once infiltrated the Bandidos for three years in a landmark police
operation, Alex Caine is uniquely positioned to reveal the untold story
of the Hells Angels’ fiercest rivals.
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What
makes a poor, small-town journalist stay on a story even though
threatened with certain death and offered handsome rewards for looking
the other way?
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Forbidden
love. Lycanthropy. Death metal. Murder. Runaway Devil is the true story
of Canada's youngest multiple killer: a middle-class, 12-year-old
honour roll student from the suburbs who murdered her family with the
help of her 23-year-old boyfriend, an aspiring death metal songwriter
and self-professed werewolf.
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In
April 2001, a jogger finds a human skeleton. The jogger phones 911, and
homicide investigators from the police service in Hamilton, report to
the scene, setting in motion an incredible investigation, a “true CSI
story” in which detectives must first find the victim before they can
find the killer.
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Shortlist for the Best Crime Short Story |
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"I looked back at my mom and now she looked like she was crying and I could see the TV and it was all shaky like looking down from a helicopter. And I was freaking out because a voice in my head was shouting at me like ?Do something!"..."
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"Dennis Richard Murphy had his fiction debut in EQMM in 2003, won an Arthur Ellis Award for the 2006 EQMM story "Fuzzy Wuzzy" and became a friend to us all at Dell Magazines. It was with great sadness that we learned of his death in June 2008..." EQMM, January, 2009
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"Halifax rocked with one headline grabber after another. Ernie Caul, pulled out of the harbour... Joe Proulx, crushed under a steel plate at the container dock...Tommy Jakes and Hector Sappota, a double whack."
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"Lauren Winslow swept into my office a half hour after my secretary left, twenty minutes before Security came on duty downstairs. As slim as fading hope , she wore a long sapphire sheath that was sexy and modest at the same time."
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"Chief Inspector Bozo of the Clowntown Homicide Squad stepped from his office wearing a fedora between his side-tufts of bright orange hair, hair which had turned purple at the temples giving him a distinguished look."
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Best Unpublished Novel Unhanged Arthur |
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Author: Pam Barnsley Title: This Cage of Bones Pam Barnsley is a former newspaper reporter and snowboard instructor whose work has appeared in magazines, ad copy, and on CBC television and radio. Harbour Publishing published her non-fiction book Hiking Trails of the Sunshine Coast. Her short mystery stories have appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Storyteller Canada. She has just completed her mystery novel This Cage of Bones, set in Whistler in the world of Paralympic athletes, and she is working on the next in the series, Bed of Lies. |
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Author: Deryn Collier Title: Confined Space Deryn Collier has had more jobs than she’d care to admit. She’s worked in 5-star restaurants, at a government inquiry, in a log yard and at a brewery. So when she started writing Confined Space, it only made sense to write about occupational safety – and murder. Deryn is originally from Montreal and has a BA from McGill University. She now lives in the interior of BC with her husband and two sons. She works as a freelance writer and physician recruiter by day, and writes mysteries in the wee hours of the morning. |
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Author: Gloria Ferris Title: Corpse Flower Formerly a technical writer and editor, Gloria now works part-time as a senior editor with Warner Ferris Editorial Services in Guelph. Her first novel, Cheat the Hangman, was short-listed for the Unhanged Arthurs in 2009. She describes her books as amateur sleuth mysteries for readers who enjoy a happy ending, a dash of romance and humour, some tragedy, and a shot of the paranormal. |
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Author: Blair Hemstock Title: Bait of Pleasure Blair Hemstock began life when he learned to read at the age of four. Nobody would pay him for reading mysteries, so he earned a PhD from McMaster University and now teaches college in Fort McMurray, Alberta. He analyzes James Joyce by day and enjoys Rex Stout by night. Happily, wife Jennifer is also a writer and a reader and together they publish NorthWord: A Literary Magazine of Canada’s North with friends. A Bait of Pleasure is his first novel.“If I ever write an autobiography, it will simply list all the books I’ve read.” |
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Author: Peter Kirby Title: Putting Them Down Peter Kirby was born in Ireland and grew up in Brixton, one of South London’s poorest neighbourhoods. After high school he cooked in greasy spoons in New York City, Toronto and Montreal, often serving breakfasts to cops, criminals and assorted lowlifes. In Montreal, Peter got serious, went to university and studied law at McGill University. He now practices international trade law and international arbitration in one of Canada’s largest law firms and sometimes writes sleep-inducing articles on arcane points of international law. In his spare time, he writes crime and mystery short stories. "Putting Them Down" is his first novel. |
ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS WINNERS 2009
| Once a year in the spring, Crime Writers of Canada presents the Arthur Ellis Awards for the best in Canadian crime writing of the previous year. The awards competition is open to any writer living in Canada, regardless of nationality, and to Canadian writers living outside Canada. There are six categories for published books and stories: · Best crime novel · Best first crime novel · Best non-fiction crime writing · Best juvenile crime book · Best crime short story · Best crime book in the French language We also have an Arthur Ellis award for best unpublished first crime novel (aka the Unhanged Arthur). Part of the CWC's mandate is to encourage developing new crime writing in Canada, and what better way to do it than to have an award for the best unpublished manuscript. For a list of past winners, go to http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/awards/arthur-ellis-awards/past-winners. The CWC would like to express our gratitude to Sleuth of Baker Street mystery book store in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best novel, to Book City in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best first novel, and to McArthur & Company for donating the cash prize for the Unhanged Arthur and for reading the winning manuscript with an eye to possibly publishing it. And now the envelopes have been opened and we have our winners... |
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Best Novel Promise Falls isn’t the kind of community where a family is shot to death in their own home. No one is more shocked than their next-door neighbours, Jim and Ellen Cutter. They visited for the occasional barbecue and their son, Derek, was friends with their boy, Adam. Suddenly, the Cutters must face the unthinkable: that a murderer isn’t just stalking too close to home...but is inside it already. |
Hardcover Bantam ISBN: 978-0-553805567 September 2008 $25.00 Too Close to Home will be coming out in mass market paperback at the end of July. |
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Best First Novel |
Trade paperback Vintage Canada ISBN: 978-0-307-35606-2 June 2008 $19.95 |
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Best Non-Fiction |
Hardcover Penguin Canada Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-670067480 September 2008 $34.00 |
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Best Juvenile |
Hardcover Penguin Canada ISBN: 978-0-670067848 September 2008 $20.00 |
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| Best Short Story Pasha Malla, “Filmsong” in Toronto Noir About Toronto Noir: A multicultural nexus, Toronto's Indian, Portuguese, African, Italian, and Chinese neighbourhoods are backdrops for Toronto Noir's corrosive exposes. In tales of stressed Beaches yuppies, jazz musicians stuck in the limbic Humber Loop, and high-rollers committing lurid acts in Rosedale mansions, sixteen of the city's best literary and crime fiction writers lay bare the scars of a city that loves to hate itself. |
Trade paperback Akashic Books ISBN: 978-1-933354-50-7 May 2008 $17.50 |
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Best Crime Writing in French
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Editions Alire Mass market paperback ISBN: 978-2896150274 May 2008 $14.95 |
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| Best Unpublished First Crime Novel (the Unhanged Arthur) Douglas A. Moles, Louder |
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The award, the Arthur, is an articulated wooden jumping-jack figure on a scaffold with a noose around his neck. Arthur "dances" when the string is pulled -- a fitting tribute to Canada's former official hangman, Arthur Ellis, after whom the award was named. Every Arthur is hand-carved from hard maple by artisan Barry Lambeck. The award is based on a design and prototype by artist Peter Blais. |
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ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS WINNERS 2008
| Once a year in the spring, Crime Writers of Canada presents the Arthur Ellis Awards for the best in Canadian crime writing of the previous year. The awards competition is open to any writer living in Canada, regardless of nationality, and to Canadian writers living outside Canada. There are six categories for published books and stories: · Best crime novel · Best first crime novel · Best non-fiction crime writing · Best juvenile crime book · Best crime short story · Best crime book in the French language This year is also the second year for the Arthur Ellis award for best unpublished first crime novel (aka the Unhanged Arthur). Part of the CWC's mandate is to encourage developing new crime writing in Canada, and what better way to do it than to have an award for the best unpublished manuscript. For a list of past winners, go to http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/cwc/pages/pastawards.html. The CWC would like to express our gratitude to Sleuth of Baker Street mystery book store in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best novel, to Book City in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best first novel, and to McArthur & Company
for donating the cash prize for the Unhanged Arthur and for reading the
winning manuscript with an eye to possibly publishing it. And now the envelopes have been opened and we have our winners... |
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Best Novel Jon Redfern, Trumpets Sound No More Arthur Ellis award-winning author Jon Redfern’s new novel is a Victorian historical set in 1840s London. A young theatre entrepreneur is found murdered, and Inspector Owen Endersby of the recently formed London Detective Police must find the culprit. The book is an atmospheric thriller, treating readers to a view of old London from the stalls of Covent Garden market to the mansions of the rich to the backstage world of Drury Lane Theatre. |
RendezVous Crime (Napoleon & Company) |
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Best First Novel Liam Durcan, Garcia's Heart Neurologist Patrick Lazerenko travels to The Hague to witness the war crimes trial of his beloved mentor, Hernan García, a Honduran doctor accused of involvement in torture. Driven by his own youthful memories of the man and his family, Lazerenko is determined to get to the truth behind the shocking accusations, even as the prosecution and a relentless journalist suspect Patrick of hiding information. |
McClelland & Stewart |
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Best Non-Fiction Julian Sher, One Child at a Time: The Global Fight to Rescue Children from Online Predators The Internet has helped make child abuse terrifyingly common. One Child at a Time goes behind the headlines to show how law officers are fighting back against this tide of abuse, from daring rescues in homes to the seizures of millions of dollars in the offshore bank accounts of the porn merchants. In riveting detail, Julian Sher shows how investigators are turning the technology of the Internet against the perpetrators as they race to find and rescue the victims – children who otherwise have no voice. |
Vintage Canada Trade paperback ISBN: 978-0-679-31393-9 April 2008 (originally published in hardcover March 2007) $22.00 |
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Best Juvenile Shane Peacock, Eye of the Crow Sherlock Holmes, just thirteen, is a misfit, but his keen powers of observation are already apparent. He loves to amuse himself by constructing histories from the smallest detail for everyone he meets. Partly for fun, he focuses his attention on a sensational murder to see if he can solve it. But his game turns deadly serious when he finds himself the accused — and in London, they hang boys of thirteen. |
Tundra Books |
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Best Short Story Leslie Watts, “Turners” in Kingston Whig-Standard (July 7, 2007) A little girl with Turner’s Syndrome enters a painting of a garden in a local painting contest. The painting is stolen and the only person who pays attention to the child is the cop. What’s the value of a kid’s painting? Perhaps a lot…to a murderer. |
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Best Crime Writing in French Mario Bolduc, Tsiganes Les tsiganes forment un peuple originaire de l'Inde, qu'ils ont quitté vers l'an 1000 pour se répandre à travers l'Europe, surtout en Roumanie, voire même au Canada. Mario Bolduc a suivi leur destin jusqu'à ce jour, en éclairant toutes les facettes de leur ramification. Les assises de son roman bien documenté sont d'ordre historique. Oeuvre instructive qui renseigne brillamment sur le sort d'un peuple qui a servi de bouc émissaire à tous les péchés du monde. |
Editions Libre Expression |
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| Best Unpublished First Crime Novel (the Unhanged Arthur) D.J. McIntosh, The Witch of Babylon |
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The award, the Arthur, is an articulated wooden jumping-jack figure on a scaffold with a noose around his neck. Arthur "dances" when the string is pulled -- a fitting tribute to Canada's former official hangman, Arthur Ellis, after whom the award was named. Every Arthur is hand-carved from hard maple by artisan Barry Lambeck. The award is based on a design and prototype by artist Peter Blais. |
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ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS WINNERS 2007
| Once a year in the spring, Crime Writers of Canada presents the Arthur Ellis Awards for the best in Canadian crime writing of the previous year. The awards competition is open to any writer living in Canada, regardless of nationality, and to Canadian writers living outside Canada. There are six categories for published books and stories: · Best crime novel · Best first crime novel · Best non-fiction crime writing · Best juvenile crime book · Best crime short story · Best crime book in the French language This year saw the creation of a new category -- Best unpublished first crime novel (aka the Unhanged Arthur). Part of the CWC's mandate is to encourage developing new crime writing in Canada, and what better way to do it than to have an award for the best unpublished manuscript. For a list of past winners, go to http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/cwc/pages/pastawards.html. The CWC would like to express our gratitude to Sleuth of Baker Street mystery book store in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best novel, to Book City in Toronto for donating the cash prize for best first novel, and to McArthur & Company for donating the cash prize for the Unhanged Arthur and for reading the winning manuscript with an eye to possibly publishing it.
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Best Novel
Barbara Fradkin, Honour Among Men: An Inspector Green Mystery A dead woman, a Halifax train ticket, and a Medal for Bravery from a 1993 peacekeeping mission in Yugoslavia draw Inspector Green into the murky past of a peacekeeping unit as well as the high-stakes present of a federal election race. Fifth Son, the previous book in this series, won the 2005 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel. |
Trade paperback September 2006 |
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Best First Novel
Anne Emery, Sign of the Cross |
Hardcover |
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Best Non-Fiction Brian O'Dea, High: Confessions of a Pot Smuggler This funny, perceptive, and alarming book traces how a favoured son of Newfoundland became one of the world's most efficient marijuana traffickers -- and survived to know a better life. |
Random House Canada Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-679-31278-9 April 2006 $34.95 Trade paperback |
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Best Juvenile Sean Cullen, Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates Hamish X is the scourge of orphanages everywhere -- he's never found one that can hold him. He's busy breaking out when the orphanage is attached by the dreaded pirate Cheeseboard, leading to a fantastic and deadly adventure. |
Penguin Canada |
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Best Short Story Dennis Richard Murphy, "Fuzzy Wuzzy" in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (August 2006) "Fuzzy Wuzzy" takes crime off the streets and into the hidden residential ravines of a city in which no one, including the homeless, is who they seem in an unknown underground where jealousies threaten exposure and revelation results in murder. |
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| Best Crime Writing in French
No award this year |
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| Best Unpublished First Crime Novel (the Unhanged Arthur) Phyllis Smallman, Margarita Nights |
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The award, the Arthur, is an articulated wooden jumping-jack figure on a scaffold with a noose around his neck. Arthur "dances" when the string is pulled -- a fitting tribute to Canada's former official hangman, Arthur Ellis, after whom the award was named. Every Arthur is hand-carved from hard maple by artisan Barry Lambeck. The award is based on a design and prototype by artist Peter Blais. |
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ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS WINNERS 2006
| Once a year in the spring, Crime Writers of Canada presents the Arthur Ellis Awards for the best in Canadian crime writing of the previous year. The awards competition is open to any writer living in Canada, regardless of nationality, and to Canadian writers living outside Canada. There are six categories: · Best crime novel · Best first crime novel · Best non-fiction crime writing · Best juvenile crime book · Best crime short story · Best crime book in the French language The CWC would like to express our gratitude to Sleuth of Baker Street mystery book store in Toronto for donating the cash prize for Best Novel and to Book City in Toronto for donating the cash prize for Best First Novel. |
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Best NovelWilliam Deverell, April Fool As this sequel to Trial of Passion opens, Arthur is married to Margaret, happily – except she is 50 feet up on a platform on an old-growth Douglas fir, saving the rain forest. Meantime, Arthur must journey to Vancouver to defend his long-time and quirkily engaging client, Nick (the Owl) Faloon, ex-jewel thief (once ranked number seven in the world), accused of murdering an attractive Ann Landerish pop-therapist. |
Hardcover |
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Best First Novel Louise Penny, Still Life |
Trade paperback |
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Best Non-FictionRebecca Godfrey, Under the Bridge:The True Story of the Murder of Reena Virk It has been a long road to justice for Reena Virk, beaten and murdered at the hands of her teenage peers. The murder of this girl is one of the most notorious and heartbreaking cases in Canadian history. Here, for the first time, acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey reveals the stunning truth about a Canadian tragedy that captured international headlines. |
Hardcover HarperCollins Canada ISBN: 0002000679 August 2005 $32.95 |
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Best JuvenileVicki Grant, Quid Pro QuoQuid Pro Quo is a high-stakes, fast-moving legal thriller about real people, and funny people at that. Cyril MacIntyre’s mother is a twenty-eight-year-old ex-street kid who drags her son to all her law school classes, then proceeds to get herself kidnapped. Cyril’s life isn’t too different from that of other thirteen-year-olds. He has all the usual adolescent issues to deal with. He just has legal problems too. And he’s got to solve them if he wants to save his mother’s life. |
Orca Book Publishers |
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Best Short StoryRick Mofina, “Lightning Rider” in Murder in VegasLas Vegas. Lost Wages. Sin City. An artificial oasis of pleasure, spectacle, and entertainment, the gambling capital of America has reinvented itself so many times that it's doubtful that anyone knows for sure what's real and what isn't in the miles of neon and scorching heat. Now the International Association of Crime Writers and New York Times-bestselling author Michael Connelly have gathered twenty-two crime and mystery stories about the ultimate playground, Las Vegas, and what can happen behind the glitz and glamour. |
Hardcover Forge Books ISBN: 0765307391 February 2005 $34.95 |
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Best Crime Writing in FrenchGérald Galarneau, Motel Riviera Un soir de pluie torrentielle et de grand brouillard, Pierre Vaugeois rentre d’un séjour à Québec pour affaires. Seul au volant, il aperçoit soudain la Ford Tempo de sa femme qui passe devant lui sur la route 116. Par curiosité malsaine, il décide de la suivre, mais il n’arrive pas à bien identifier la conductrice. La Ford Tempo ne roule pas longtemps. Elle tourne dans le parking du motel Riviera. Un homme en descend et court jusqu’à la réception. Il ouvre la porte et fait des signes pour qu’on le rejoigne. La femme descend de la Ford Tempo, attrape un parapluie. Il n’y a plus aucun doute: Ce parapluie est celui que Vaugeois a lui-même offert à sa femme pour son anniversaire de naissance. Il est cocu. Lui, Pierre Vaugeois, est trompé. Brouillard, pluie, rage démente: cocktail puissant pour une nuit fatale… |
Livre broche |
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The award, the Arthur, is an articulated wooden jumping-jack figure on a scaffold with a noose around his neck. Arthur "dances" when the string is pulled – a fitting tribute to Canada's former official hangman, Arthur Ellis, after whom the award was named. Every Arthur is hand-carved from hard maple by artisan Barry Lambeck. The award is based on a design and prototype by artist Peter Blais. | ||
1984-2005
1984
Best Novel: Eric Wright, The Night the Gods Smiled (Scribner's: New York, 1983)
1985
Best Novel: Howard Engel, Murder Sees the Light (St. Martin's: New York, 1984)
Best Nonfiction: Martin Friedland, The Trials of Israel Lipsky (Beaufort: New York, 1984)
1986
Best Novel: Eric Wright, Death in the Old Country (Scribner's: New York, 1985)
Best Nonfiction: Maggie Siggins, A Canadian Tragedy (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1985)
1987
Best Novel: Edward O. Phillips, Buried on Sunday (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1986)
Best First Novel: Medora Sale, Murder on the Run (PaperJacks: Toronto, 1986)
Best Nonfiction: Elliott Leyton, Hunting Humans (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1986)
1988
Best Novel: Carol Shields, Swann: A Mystery (Viking: Toronto, 1987)
Best First Novel: Laurence Gough, The Goldfish Bowl (Gollancz: London, 1987)
Best Short Story: Eric Wright, "Looking For an Honest Man" in Cold Blood (Mosaic Press: Oakville, ON, 1987)
Best Nonfiction: Gary Ross, Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Moloney (McClelland & Stewart:
Toronto, 1987)
1989
Best Novel: Chris Scott, Jack (Macmillan: Toronto, 1988)
Best First Novel: John Brady, A Stone of the Heart (Collins: Toronto, 1988)
Best Short Story: Jas. R. Petrin, "Killer in the House", in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, 1988
Best Nonfiction: Mick Lowe, Conspiracy of Brothers (Macmillan of Canada: Toronto, 1988)
Best Novel: Laurence Gough, Hot Shots (Gollancz: London, 1989)
Best First Novel: John Lawrence Reynolds, The Man Who Murdered God (Viking: Toronto, 1989)
Best Short Story: Josef Skvorecky, "Humbug" in The End of Lieutenant Boruvka (Lester & Orpen Dennys: Toronto, 1989)
Best Nonfiction: Lisa Priest, Conspiracy of Silence (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1989)
1991
Best Novel: L.R. Wright, A Chill Rain in January (Macmillan: Toronto, 1990)
Best First Novel: Carsten Stroud, Sniper's Moon (Viking Penguin: Toronto, 1990)
Best Short Story: Peter Robinson, "Innocence" in Cold Blood III (Mosaic Press: Oakville, ON, 1990)
Best Nonfiction: Susan Mayse, Ginger: The Life and Death of Albert Goodwin (Harbour: Madiera Park,
BC, 1990)
Best Criticism/Reference: Donald A. Redmond, Sherlock Holmes Among the Pirates: Copyright and Conan Doyle in America (Greenwood Press: Westport, CT, 1990)
1992
Best Novel: Peter Robinson, Past Reason Hated (Viking Penguin: Toronto, 1991)
Best First Novel: Paul Grescoe, Flesh Wound (Douglas & McIntyre: Vancouver, 1991)
Best Short Story: Eric Wright, "Two in the Bush" in Christmas Stalkings (Mysterious Press: New York, 1991)
Best Nonfiction: William Lowther, Arms and the Man: Dr Gerald Bull, Iraq and the Supergun (Doubleday Canada: Toronto, 1991)
Best Criticism/Reference: Wesley A. Wark, Spy Fiction: Spy Films and Real Intelligence (Frank Cass:
London, 1991)
1993
Best Novel: Carsten Stroud, Lizardskin (Bantam: New York, 1992)
Best First Novel: Sean Stewart, Passion Play (Beach Holme: Victoria, BC, 1992)
Best Short Story: Nancy Kilpatrick, "Mantrap" in Murder, Mayhem and the Macabre (Mississauga Arts Council: Mississauga, ON, 1992)
Best Nonfiction: Kirk Makin, Redrum the Innocent (Viking Penguin: Toronto, 1992)
1994
Best Novel: John Lawrence Reynolds, Gypsy Sins (HarperCollins: Toronto, 1993)
Best First Novel: Gavin Scott, Memory Trace (Cormorant: Dunvegan, ON, 1993)
Best Short Story: Robert J. Sawyer, "Just Like Old Times" in On Spec: The Canadian Magazine of Speculative Writing, Vo1. 5, No.2, 1993
Best Juvenile/YA: John Dowd, Abalone Summer (Raincoast: Vancouver, 1993)
Best Nonfiction: David R. Williams, With Malice Aforethought (Sono Nis: Victoria, BC, 1993)
Best Play: Timothy Findley, The Stillborn Lover (Blizzard: Winnipeg, 1993)
Best Novel: Gail Bowen, A Colder Kind Of Death (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1994)
Best First Novel: Sparkle Hayter, What's A Girl Gotta Do? (Soho Press: New York, 1994)
Best Short Story: Rosemary Aubert, "The Midnight Boat To Palermo" in Cold Blood V (Mosaic Press, Oakville,
ON, 1994)
Best Juvenile/YA: James Heneghan, Torn Away (Viking: Toronto, 1994)
Best Nonfiction: Michael Harris, The Prodigal Husband (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1994)
1996
Best Novel: L R. Wright, Mother Love (Doubleday: Toronto, 1995)
Best First Novel: (Tie) John Spencer Hill, The Last Castrato (Constable: London, 1995)
D.H. Toole, Moonlit Days and Nights (Cormorant: Dunvegan, ON, 1995)
Best Short Story: Mary Jane Maffini, "Cotton Armour" in The Ladies' Killing Circle (General Store: Burnstown, ON, 1995)
Best Juvenile/YA: Norah McClintock, Mistaken Identity (Scholastic: Richmond Hill, ON, 1995)
Best Nonfiction: Lois Simmie, The Secret Lives of Sgt. John Wilson (Greystone Books: Vancouver, 1995)
1997
Best Novel: Peter Robinson, Innocent Graves (Viking: Toronto, 1996)
Best First Novel: C. C Benison, Death At Buckingham Palace (Bantam: New York, 1996)
Best Short Story: Richard K. Bercuson, "Dead Run" in Storyteller, Winter Issue, 1996
Best Juvenile/YA: Linda Bailey, How Can A Frozen Detective Stay Hot On The Trail? (Kids Can Press:
Toronto, 1996)
Best Nonfiction: Jean Monet, The Cassock And the Crown (McGill/Queen's University Press:
Montreal/Kingston, 1996)
1998
Best Novel: William Deverell, Trial of Passion (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1997)
Best First Novel: Kathy Reichs, Déja Dead (Scribner's: New York, 1997)
Best Short Story: Sue Pike, "Widow's Weeds" in Cottage Country Killers (General Store Publishing House: Ottawa, 1997)
Best Juvenile/YA: Norah McClintock, The Body in the Basement (Scholastic: Toronto, 1997)
Best Nonfiction: Patricia Pearson, When She was Bad (Random House: Toronto, 1997)
1999
Best Novel: Nora Kelly, Old Wounds (HarperCollins: Toronto, 1998)
Best First Novel: Liz Brady, Sudden Blow (Second Story Press: Toronto, 1998)
Best Short Story: Scott Mackay, "Last Inning" in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, 1998
Best Juvenile/YA: Norah McClintock, Sins of the Father (Scholastic: Toronto, 1998)
Best Nonfiction: Derek Finkle, No Claim to Mercy (Penguin: Toronto, 1998)
Best Novel: Rosemary Aubert, The Feast of Stephen (BridgeWorks Publishing: Toronto, 1999)
Best First Novel: Andrew Pyper, Lost Girls (HarperCollinsCanada: Toronto, 1999)
Best Short Story: Matt Hughes, “One More Kill” in Blue Murder Magazine, 1999
Best French: Lionel Noël, Louna (Éditions de Beaumont: Montréal, QC 1999)
Best Juvenile/YA: Linda Bailey, How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark? (Kids Can Press:
Toronto, 1999)
Best Nonfiction: Gordon Sinclair, Jr., Cowboys and Indians (McClelland & Stewart: Toronto, 1999)
2001
Best Novel: Peter Robinson, Cold Is the Grave (Penguin Canada: Toronto, 2000)
Best First Novel: Mark Zuehlke, Hands Like Clouds (Dundurn Group: Toronto, 2000)
Best Short Story: Peter Robinson, “Murder in Utopia” in Crime through Time III (Berkley Prime Crime:
New York, 2000)
Best French: Norbert Spehner, Le roman policier en Amérique française (Éditions Alire: Québec, 2000)
Best Juvenile/YA: Tim Wynne-Jones, The Boy in the Burning House (Groundwood Books: Toronto, 2000)
Best Nonfiction: A.B. McKillop, The Spinster and the Prophet (Macfarlane Walter & Ross: Toronto, 2000)
2002
Best Novel: Michelle Spring, In the Midnight Hour (Ballantine: New York, 2001)
Best First Novel: Jon Redfern, The Boy Must Die (ECW Press: Toronto, 2001)
Best Short Story: Mary Jane Maffini, “Sign of the Times” in Fit to Die (RendezVous Press: Toronto, 2001)
Best French: Anne-Michèle Lévesque, Fleur Invitait au Troisième (Vents d’Ouest: Gatineau, QC 2001)
Best Juvenile/YA: Norah McClintock, Scared to Death (Scholastic Canada: Toronto, 2001)
Best Nonfiction: (Tie) Stevie Cameron & Harvey Cashore, The Last Amigo (Macfarlane Walter & Ross: Toronto, 2001) and Andrew Nikiforuk, Saboteurs (Macfarlane Walter & Ross: Toronto, 2001)
2003
Best Novel: Rick Mofina, Blood of Others (Kensington Publishing: New York, 2002)
Best First Novel: James W. Nichol, Midnight Cab (Knopf Canada: Toronto, 2002)
Best Short Story: James Powell, “Bottom Walker” in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, May 2002
Best French: Jacques Côté, Le Rouge idéal(Éditions Alire: Québec, 2002)
Best Juvenile/YA: Norah McClintock, Break and Enter (Scholastic Canada: Toronto, 2002)
Best Nonfiction: Andrew Mitrovica, Covert Entry (Random House Canada: Toronto, 2002)
2004
Best Novel: Giles Blunt, The Delicate Storm (Berkley, 2004)
Best First Novel: Jan Rehner, Just Murder (Sumach Press, 2003)
Best Nonfiction: Julian Sher and William Marsden, The Road to Hell (Knopf Canada, 2003)
Best Short Story: Gregory Ward, "Dead Wood", in Hard Boiled Love (Insomniac Press, 2003)
Best Juvenile: Graham McNamee, Acceleration (Random House, 2003)
Best French: Jean Lemieux, On finit toujours par payer (La Courte Echelle, 2003)
2005
Best Novel: Barbara Fradkin, Fifth Son (Napoleon and Co, 2004)
Best First Novel: Jon Evans, Dark Places (HarperPB, 2004)
Best Nonfiction: Matthew Hart, The Irish Game (Walker Books, 2004)
Best Short Story: Leslie Watts, "Crocodile Tears", in Revenge: A Noir Anthology (Insomniac Press, 2004)
Best Juvenile: Carrie Mac, The Beckoners (Orca Book Publishers, 2004)
Best French: Ann Lamontagne, Les douze pierres (Vents d'Ouest, 2004)
