In April each year the Crime Writers Association in England releases longlists for their various award. These longlists are eventually whittled down to shortlists from which Dagger Award winners are chosen. I guess its a way to give more authors recognition for their works.

Click here to see these lists. Four of my favorites from 2021 are listed: RAZORBLADE TEARS by S. A. Cosby, THE TRAWLERMAN by William Shaw, THE KILLING HILLS by Chris Offutt and DEAD GROUND by M. W. Craven. A MAN NAMED DOLL by Jonathan Ames, THE SHADOWS OF MEN by Abir Mukherjee and THE UNWILLING by John Hart were also quite good. I hope some make the final cut.

SUNSET SWING by Ray Celestin seems to be a favorite since it appears on three longlists. I’ve got a copy on order and will read it when it arrives. I’ve heard good things about it.