The Death Of Us author Abigail Dean wins top crime writer award
The Death Of Us author Abigail Dean wins top crime writer award
The Death Of Us author Abigail - Abigail Dean, a former lawyer turned acclaimed author, has claimed the prestigious Gold Dagger award for her gripping crime novel The Death Of Us. The novel, which delves into the lingering effects of a violent crime on a marriage across decades, was recognized at the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Dagger Awards, held during a gala dinner on Thursday evening.
Recognizing Excellence in Crime Fiction
Dean’s win marks her third major accolade in the crime genre, following her previous works such as Girl A and Day One. Her latest novel, The Death Of Us, stands out for its exploration of how a single act of violence can unravel lives and relationships over time. The award ceremony saw her triumph over a list of formidable contenders, including Holly Jackson, Vaseem Khan, and Laura Shepherd-Robinson.
SA Cosby, the sole author shortlisted for three Dagger awards, was honored with the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for his Southern Gothic crime epic King Of Ashes. This novel, inspired by the cinematic flair of The Godfather, weaves themes of family drama, organized crime, and buried secrets into a compelling narrative. Cosby’s journey from working in construction, retail, and security to becoming a celebrated novelist began with his breakthrough work Blacktop Wasteland.
Other Notable Winners
Meanwhile, Sarah Pinborough captured the Twisted Dagger for psychological suspense with her Gothic novel We Live Here Now. Pinborough, renowned for her psychological thriller Behind Her Eyes—which was adapted into a Netflix series in 2021—has once again demonstrated her mastery of suspense, featuring a cast that includes Tom Bateman, Simona Brown, Eve Hewson, and Robert Aramayo.
The Historical Dagger was presented to Nina Allan for A Granite Silence, a mystery centered on the disappearance of a young girl in 1930s Aberdeen. The Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger went to Antti Tuomainen, hailed as one of Finland’s most internationally recognized crime writers. Tuomainen, often labeled the “King of Helsinki Noir,” was celebrated for his novel The Winter Job, which was also recognized for its translator, David Hackston.
Other standout recipients included Mel Pennant, who took home the Whodunnit Dagger for A Murder for Miss Hortense, and Ambrose Parry, the joint pen name of Scottish novelist Chris Brookmyre and his wife, former anaesthetist Marisa Haetzman, for the short story collection The Apple Falls Not Far. The Dagger in the Library, a lifetime achievement award voted by librarians, was awarded to Tim Sullivan, whose literary contributions have left a lasting impact. Sullivan is also known for his work as a screenwriter and director, notably for the 2010 film Letters to Juliet, starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.
Additional Recognitions
Emerging talent Michael Nikitin was honored with the Emerging Author Dagger for Blind Side of the Sun, while Laura McCluskey received the Creasey First Novel Dagger for The Wolf Tree. The Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction was awarded to Susannah Stapleton, whose debut book The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective had previously been shortlisted for the same category. Stapleton, who transitioned from archaeology to historical research, brought her expertise to the fore with her latest work, That Dark Spring.
CWA chair Nadine Matheson praised the caliber of this year’s winners, stating:
"It is a genuine pleasure to congratulate every winner of this year’s Daggers. The range and quality on display are a reminder of just how much vitality there is in crime fiction and how it continues to push at its own boundaries. This year’s winners are leading that charge. Congratulations."
Mark Billingham, the recipient of the CWA Diamond Dagger—a title announced earlier in the year—expressed his gratitude, saying:
"I could not be more thrilled or honored. To be added to a list that features most of my literary heroes is fantastic."
Other News Highlights
Amid the literary celebrations, other headlines captured attention. Transfer news updates revealed that Arsenal had been informed of the price for Rogers, while Manchester United expressed interest in Tchouameni. Chelsea reportedly finalized a deal, and Tonali’s medical examination was ongoing. In another dramatic event, a pop star was bitten by a snake during a performance, continuing for 45 minutes before collapsing and succumbing to the incident. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK members made headlines after exiting the London Assembly during a heated debate over a Havering ‘independence’ vote. Helen Skelton addressed rumors surrounding her dating life with Gethin Jones, clarifying the situation after months of speculation. Finally, a tech enthusiast shared their experience with Sony’s wearable air conditioner, describing it as a novel alternative to traditional portable fans.
The CWA’s Dagger Awards continue to be a cornerstone of recognition in the crime fiction world, celebrating both established and emerging voices. With each year’s ceremony, the awards highlight the genre’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. As the literary community gathers to honor these achievements, the stories of resilience, creativity, and determination behind the winners serve as a testament to the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of human experiences.
Abigail Dean’s success underscores the growing influence of women in the crime fiction sphere, with her ability to blend emotional depth with suspense-driven storytelling. The inclusion of diverse themes—from the personal toll of violence to the intersection of history and mystery—demonstrates the breadth of the genre’s reach. As the awards ceremony concluded, the spotlight remained on the winners, who collectively represented the vibrant and dynamic nature of contemporary crime writing.