2008 Edgar Award Winners and Nominees

Mystery Writers of America have announced the winners of the 2008 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction. The Edgar Awards were presented to the winners at the 62nd Gala Banquet on May 1, 2008..

Best Novel

Winner

Down River by John Hart

This thriller, by John Hart of King of Lies fame, is reminiscent of John Grisham’s early work.

hardcover, $24.95

Other Nominees

Christine Falls by Benjamin Black

John Banville moves into mystery territory under the name of Benjamin Black in this tale of pathologist Quirk in the Dublin of the Fifties.

trade paperback, $14

Priest by Ken Bruen

Galway ex-cop Jack Taylor in another hard-hitting crime novel

trade paperback, $13.95

The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon

Chabon's take on the classic crime novel with a setting that imagines a Jewish homeland in Alaska

signed hardcover, $15.95

trade paperback, $15.95, avail. May 08

Soul Patch by Reed Farrel Coleman

Moe Prager looks into the suspicious death of a former NYPD colleague.

trade paperback, $14.95

Best First Novel

Winner

In the Woods by Tana French

Compelling blend of police procedural and psychological suspense introduces Dublin police detective Cassie Maddox.

hardcover, $24.95

trade paperback, $14, avail. July 2008

Other Nominees

Missing Witness by Gordon Campbell

Lawyer takes on case of women accused of killing her husband

hardcover, $24.95

Snitch Jacket by Christopher Goffard

Combining elements of classic noir, dark comedy, and a misfits memoir Goffard brings life to the darker side of West Coast counter-culture in a literary crime novel.

hardcover, $24.95

Head Games by Craig McDonald

Yale fraternity prank puts aging pulp novelist in crossfire with Mexican nationalists in this wild caper reminiscent of James Crumley.

trade paperback, $14.95

Pryes by Derek Nikitas

Complex crime tale with a teenage girl at the center.

hardcover, $24.95

Best Paperback Original

Winner

Queenpin by Megan Abbott

Young women becomes protege of powerful, female crime boss

trade paperback, $13

Other Nominees

Blood of Paradise by David Corbett

Powerful story of American pulled into dirty politics in El Salvador

trade paperback, $9.95

Cruel Poetry by Vicki Hendricks

story of fatal attraction set in the surreal world of Southern Florida

trade paperback, $14.95

Robbie's Wife by Russell Hill

screenwriter flees to England but finds temptation that may be the death of him

paperback, $6.99

Who is Conrad Hirst? by Kevin Wignall

hit man finds retirement not so easy to arrange

trade paperback, $14

Mary Higgins Clark Award

Winner

Wild Indigo by Sandi Ault

Debut for Jessica Wild, Bureau of Land Management agent in Colorado

paperback, $6.99

Other Nominees

In Cold Pursuit by Sarah Andrews

Andrews launches a new series with geology grad student Valena Walker

hardcover, $24.95

Inferno by Karen Harper

Deadly wildfire and sparks of romantic suspense set off the latest thriller from Harper.

paperback, $6.99

The First Stone by Judith Kelman

This first-rate thriller centers on Emma Colten, who hears ghastly noises emanating from the upstairs apartment.

paperback, $7.99

Deadman's Switch by Barbara Seranella

New series features Charlotte Lyons, a corporate crisis manager.

hardcover, $23.95