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Edgar Report 2008

The Edgars got handed out last night and once again THD was not in attendance. Forgive the quick digression because it is one that I feel that I have made before.

At this point in the life of the internet and the invaluable tool it has become for all things Crime Fiction, I am incredulous that that the MWA can't post video highlights of the Award Ceremony. I don't need the whole show (although I'd be cool with that too), just the winner and the little speech they may provide would be wonderful content for the MWA website. I'll take the less cynical route and write that this probably has been discussed and shot down to due certain rights and author release issues.

Excuse me for a moment while I get off my high horse and take off these chaps. Ok. All better.

I've listed the four the categories that I covered in depth on Sunday. Winners are in red. The Complete list of winners is here.

Best Novel
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
Priest by Ken Bruen
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
Soul Patch by Reed Farrel Coleman
Down River by John Hart

John was nominated last year in the Best First Novel Category so he seems to have Edgar's number. And it was for this reason I had Down River as the second favorite. However, I thought if Soul Patch was not going to win voters would turn to Priest, but then again what do I know if I can't even trust my own odds.

Best First Novel by an American Author
Missing Witness by Gordon Campbell
In the Woods by Tana French
Snitch Jacket by Christopher Goffard
Head Games by Craig McDonald
Pyres by Derek Nikitas

On Sunday I wrote that the In the Woods seemed the safe bet and as luck would have it I was right. I think I also gave the slight impression that the only reason it was nominated was that the book had a healthy PR push. I do think this book received the largest push, but it also received some pretty wonderful reviews.

Best Paperback Original
Queenpin by Megan Abbott
Blood of Paradise by David Corbett
Cruel Poetry by Vicki Hendricks
Robbie's Wife by Russell Hill
Who is Conrad Hirst? by Kevin Wignall

I felt this was the strongest of all of the categories, and the toughest call. I am happy that Queenpin won, but I am also really bummed that Corbett or Wignall missed out in this category.

Best Motion Picture Screen Play
Eastern Promises, Screenplay by Steven Knight
The Lookout, Screenplay by Scott Frank
Michael Clayton, Screenplay by Tony Gilroy
No Country for Old Men, Screenplay by Coen Bros., based on the book by Cormac McCarthy
Zodiac, Screenplay by James Vanderbilt, based on the book by Robert Graysmith

I felt the No Country juggernaut would pick this award up as well, but no Tony Gilroy for Michael Clayton are this year's recipient. I wanted Zodiac, but I am hardly disappointed that Michael Clayton picked up this award. If memory serves Zodiac was No. 3 on my Top ten and Michael Clayton was No. 4.

I successfully picked Young Adult and Young Juvenile. And in the close but no cigar category, I wanted to pick Reclaiming History for Best Fact Crime, but felt the book was just not timely.

Congratulations to all the winners. Enjoy your moment in the sun!

Finally, I just want to thank The Rap Sheet for the plug earlier in the week. It is always fun to see my Google analytic numbers spike!
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