MWA Names Grand Master, Ellery Queen Winners; Raven Goes to Face in a Book Bookstore & Gifts

The Mystery Writers of America has announced the recipients of its Grand Master, Raven, and Ellery Queen awards.

Laura Lippman and John Sandford are the 2025 Grand Masters, an honor that "represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as for a body of work that is both significant and of consistent high quality," the MWA noted. 

Face in a Book, El Dorado Hills, Calif.

The Raven Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing, will be presented to Face in a Book Bookstore & Gifts, El Dorado Hills, Calif. Peter Wolverton of St. Martin's Publishing Group, will receive the Ellery Queen Award, which honors "outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry." The presentations will be made at the 79th annual Edgar Awards Ceremony, to be held May 1 in New York City.

"Laura Lippman's contributions to the mystery genre--as a writer, a teacher, and a role model for aspiring writers--especially women writers--make her a wonderful choice for Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master," said MWA executive v-p Donna Andrews. "And, as someone who's been a fan of John Sandford since the first few pages of Rules of Prey, I'm overjoyed to see him getting the well-deserved recognition of being named MWA Grand Master."

Tina Ferguson

Face in a Book bookstore owner Tina Ferguson said, "We are utterly shocked, humbled and delighted to learn that Face in a Book is receiving the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Face in a Book is proud to celebrate over a decade of dedicated service to the literary community. Since opening its doors in 2012, the bookstore has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant, welcoming space for both mystery writers and readers. Through special events, author signings, and a curated selection of mystery novels, Face in a Book has become a hub for fans of the genre to connect, discover, and dive deep into the thrilling world of whodunits, exotic locations, and complex characters."

MWA board member James L’Etoile commented: "Independent bookstores are the backbone of the mystery community... Tina Ferguson, Janis Herbert, and the staff go above and beyond to support the writing community. Face in a Book is so much more than a bookstore--it's become a place of learning, engaging, and celebrating all things mystery."

Ferguson added: "I grew up wanting to be Nancy Drew! But I'm forever grateful that I grew up to be a bookstore owner in a community abounding with writers and readers who love a good whodunit."

Ellery Queen Award Peter Wolverton began his career 35 years ago at St. Martin's Press and is now executive editor and v-p. "Mysteries have been a part of my publishing career from the first day I joined St. Martin's and I was blessed to have Ruth Cavin and Tom Dunne as mentors," he said, adding that "35 years later it's amazing to me that I'm joining Ruth and my great colleague Kelley Ragland as a recipient of the Ellery Queen Award. Mysteries forever!"

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