At a reception at the British Library on Saturday 17 June, Mari Hannah was revealed as the winner of this year’s CWA Dagger in the Library.
The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by a crime writer that users of libraries particularly admire. In 2017 we worked alongside the CWA to involve reading groups in reaching the shortlist and winner stages. However, the Dagger in the Library is unique among crime-writing awards in that only library staff are able to make the original author nominations.
Martin Edwards, Chair of the CWA, said:
“At a time when the CWA is expanding its support for public and independent libraries, I am delighted to congratulate Mari. Her DCI Kate Daniels books, set in the North East, are tremendously popular and we know they’re eagerly devoured by library goers and book groups. Congratulations also to the quintet of superb shortlisted authors: Kate Ellis, James Oswald, Tara French, CJ Sansom and Andrew Taylor on reaching the shortlist stage of what is a highly competitive award.”
Mari Hannah
When an assault on duty ended her career as a Probation Officer, award-winning author Mari Hannah turned to scriptwriting, creating a number of projects, most notably the pilot episode of a crime series for the BBC based on the characters in her debut The Murder Wall. The Kate Daniels series is in development with Stephen Fry’s production company, Sprout Pictures. She is reader-in-residence for Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
The full shortlist
Andrew Taylor
C J Sansom
James Oswald
Kate Ellis
Mari Hannah
Tana French
Get involved
We have more information about the authors and their books, as well as discussion questions on our resources page.
Do you agree with the judges? What’s your favourite Mari Hannah book? Comment below or share your thoughts with us on Twitter using #CWA2017 or on the CWA’s Facebook.
Sign up to our free monthly Reading Groups for Everyone newsletter, to make sure you never miss the latest news and opportunities.
