The Barry Awards will be presented at this year’s Bouchercon in New Orleans during its Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Congratulations to all those nominated.
And thanks to the nominating committee for their expertise.

Voting is now open to subscribers and readers of Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine. Please vote for one title per each category and return your votes to george@deadlypleasures.com.
Deadline for voting is July 31, 2025.

Best Mystery Novel

THE WAITING, Michael Connelly
SPIRIT CROSSING, William Kent Krueger
THE GOD OF THE WOODS, Liz Moore
MIDNIGHT AND BLUE, Ian Rankin
CALIFORNIA BEAR, Duane Swierczynski
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, Chris Whitaker

Best First Mystery Novel

THE EXPECTANT DETECTIVES, Kat Ailes
PAPER CAGE, Tom Baragwanath
ORDINARY BEAR, C. B. Bernard
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, Jo Callaghan
FIRST LIE WINS, Ashley Elston
LISTEN FOR THE LIE, Amy Tintera

Best Paperback Original Mystery Novel

DOUBLE BARREL BLUFF, Lou Berney
ALL THE RAGE, Cara Hunter
SMOKE KINGS, Jahmal Mayfield
SOMEONE SAW SOMETHING, Rick Mofina
WORDHUNTER, Stella Sands
SIN CITY, James Swain

Best Action Thriller

ASSASSIN EIGHTEEN, John Brownlow
FIRST STRIKE, Stephen Leather
THE SEVENTH FLOOR, David McCloskey
HUNTED, Abir Mukherjee
HERO, Thomas Perry
THE PRICE YOU PAY, Nick Petrie

Thanks to Members of the Barry Award Nominating Committee:

Oline Cogdill
Larry Gandle
Jeff Popple
Ted Hertel
Meredith Anthony
“Mystery” Mike Bursaw
Mike Dillman
Ayo Onatade
George Easter
Don Longmuir
Ali Karim
Robin Agnew
Craig Sisterson
Hank Wagner