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2008 Crime Writers Association Awards

Announcement of the 2008 Crime Writers Association Awards was made last week. THD's delay in highlighting these awards has everything to do with the 8 trillion degree heat that has made its way through Western New York. In an effort to go green this year the THD offices are not air conditioned. Spending time in front of the computer was more than we could manage. That and the fact that THD has been watching the third season of Lost in and effort to catch up with the season 5 premiere in January.

We posted a few of our picks for the CWA awards about a month ago. We've linked to each of the awards and what we love about this is the inclusion of Judge's notes. Short of publishing the actual tally of votes this is fascinating insight into why the book won.

Duncan Lawrie Dagger
Blood From Stone - Frances Fyfield
The Tin Roof Blowdown - James Lee Burke
Coroner's Lunch - Colin Cotterill
Night Work - Steve Hamilton
What the Dead Know - Laura Lippman
A Vengeful Longing - RN Morris

THD did not make a pick in this category. And we are not sure why.

International Duncan Lawrie Dagger
Lorraine Connection - Dominique Manotti
The Patience of the Spider - Andrea Camilleri
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Steig Larrson
A Deal with the Devil - Martin Suter
A Night's Foul Work - Fred Vargas

We went with the high publicized The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with the Ms. Vargas as our second favorite. Oh well....

Ian Flemming Steel Dagger
Child 44 - Thom Rob Smith
The Echelon Vendetta - David Stone
Ritual - Mo Hayder
I See You - Gregg Hurwitz
Shatter - Michael Robotham

THD made no definitive pick in this category but we certainly favored the eventual winner. The judges also 'highly commended' David Stone's book.

John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger
The Bethlehem Murders - Matt Rees
The Night of the Mi'raj - Zoe Ferraris
Die With Me - Elena Forbes
Absolution - Caro Ramsay
Child 44 - Tom Rob Smith

Again THD gave a vague nod to Child 44, but we did mention Mr. Rees' fine novel.

Awards were also announced in the Non-fiction Category and Short Story Category. The Dagger in the Library is an award given for "the author of crime fiction whose work is currently giving the greatest enjoyment to library users." And finally the Debut Dagger is for unpublished works.

THD extends our congratulations to all of the nominees and winners. THD encourages everyone to read these books. Many have already been released for the US market. For those that have not Amazon UK and The Book Depository (Free Shipping Worldwide!) are available.
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