The Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, bestowed annually to recognise exceptional work in mystery fiction, nonfiction, and television writing. The announcement was made during the 80th Edgar Awards Banquet, which took place on April 29 in New York City, celebrating the finest contributions to the genre from the previous year.
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Among the notable winners was Robert Crais, whose novel *The Big Empty* triumphed in the Best Novel category. The award is highly sought after in literary circles, and Crais’s triumph marks another significant achievement in his esteemed career as a mystery writer.
In an exciting twist, Jakob Kerr secured the Best First Novel by an American Author award for *Dead Money*, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent in the field. Kerr’s captivating narrative style is seen as indicative of a promising future in mystery writing, reaffirming the genre’s vibrant and evolving landscape.
The accolades did not stop there; Vikki Wakefield’s *The Backwater* was recognised as Best Paperback Original, while Caroline Fraser’s *Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers* claimed the Best Fact Crime award. These works demonstrate the diversity within mystery writing, covering both fictional narratives and factual investigations into sinister themes.
In a nod to short-form storytelling, Dave Zeltserman received the Best Short Story honour for “Julius Katz Draws a Straight Flush,” while Tiffany D. Jackson’s *Blood in the Water* was named Best Juvenile book. The Young Adult category saw Libba Bray awarded for *Under the Same Stars*, showcasing the genre’s appeal to younger audiences as well.
Television writing was also celebrated at the banquet, with Dan Fogelman acclaimed for his teleplay “Pilot” from the series *Paradise*, which won the Best Television Episode award. This recognition highlights the infusion of mystery elements into contemporary television storytelling, bridging the gap between traditional literary forms and modern media.
In addition to the category-specific awards, the MWA presented several distinguished accolades in recognition of individual contributions to the mystery genre. Billie Kay Fern earned the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for her short story “How it Happened,” published in *Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine*. Furthermore, Hank Phillippi Ryan’s *All This Could Be Yours* received the Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, reinforcing the influential legacy of Clark in shaping women’s contributions to mystery writing.
Joanna Schaffhausen’s *Gone in the Night* was awarded the G.P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award, while Gwen Florio’s *A Senior Citizen’s Guide to Life on the Run* secured the Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award. Such recognitions underline the importance of honouring both emerging and established authors within the genre.
The MWA also announced two 2026 Grand Masters, recognising the profound impact of Donna Andrews and Lee Child in shaping the landscape of mystery literature. Additionally, California’s Book Passage bookstore was celebrated with the Raven Award, and John Scognamiglio, editor-in-chief at Kensington Publishing, received the Ellery Queen Award, further acknowledging the critical roles behind the scenes in promoting mystery writing.
The full list of this year’s Edgar Award winners underscores the enduring popularity and significance of mystery fiction in the literary world. As the genre continues to flourish, the MWA remains dedicated to recognising excellence and innovation, shaping the future of mystery writing for years to come. With a blend of celebrated authors and emerging voices, the Edgar Allan Poe Awards once again highlight the diverse and captivating narratives that define this timeless genre.