For the first time, the Crime Writers' Association has awarded its Diamond Dagger for lifetime contribution to crime writing to two authors after judges "almost came to blows" this year, the Guardian reported. Lynda La Plante and James Lee Burke are the joint recipients of this year's honor, which recognizes sustained excellence in the genre.
"By an extraordinary quirk of fate, due to our new voting process, this year's Diamond Dagger is, for the first time in seven decades, being awarded to two authors," said Maxim Jakubowski, chair of the CWA Daggers' committee. "If the Booker prize can do it, so can we!"
La Plante is best known for writing the Prime Suspect and Widows television and novel series. Her other series include Lorraine Page, Anna Travis, and Trial and Retribution. In 2008, she received a CBE for services to literature, drama and charity. Her memoir is expected to be released later this year, the Guardian noted.
"La Plante's Prime Suspect redefined the role of women in police procedurals and made a star of Helen Mirren, while Widows remains a talismanic--and wickedly entertaining--female-led heist caper," said CWA chair Vaseem Khan.
James Lee Burke, whose series about detective Dave Robicheaux includes more than 20 novels, said he was "honored and humbled" to receive his award. "It is also an honor to have my name among the best mystery and crime writers in the world," he added.
Khan commented: "James Lee Burke's lyrical depiction of the American South transcends crime fiction--his prose is often considered among the best to have graced the genre. For many, Dave Robicheaux is the very embodiment of the dogged, morally incorruptible detective beset by personal demons--a beautifully rendered character."