The Mystery Writers of America has announced recipients of its Grand Master, Ellery Queen, and Raven awards. They will be honored on April 29 at the 80th annual Edgar Awards Ceremony in New York City.
Donna Andrews and Lee Child are the 2026 Grand Masters, representing "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.
The Raven Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing, will be presented to Book Passage in Corte Madera, Calif. John Scognamiglio of Kensington Books will receive the Ellery Queen Award, which honors "outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry."
"Donna Andrews has given us more than 50 novels, proving the cozy subgenre is more relevant than ever," said MWA executive v-p James L'Etoile. "In addition to her significant literary accomplishments, she has given back to the community in so many ways, by mentoring aspiring mystery writers, and serving as the MWA executive v-p. I'm thrilled to see Donna named as MWA Grand Master. And Lee Child's contributions to the genre are unparalleled. Aside from his thirty critically acclaimed novels featuring the iconic Jack Reacher, Lee Child is considered one of the most thoughtful and generous members of the mystery community. Writer, mentor, and past president of MWA, he is a role model, and most deserving of being named MWA Grand Master."
Book Passage founder and president Elaine Petrocelli said the bookstore "is honored and thrilled to receive the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Many of the 10,000 or more author events that we've had over the years have featured mystery writers. During the last 30 years or so, many of these writers have given of their time to participate in our annual Mystery Writers Conference and have helped nurture new writers towards successful careers. We've found mystery writers to be resourceful, fearless, and ingenious in describing the problems of the world. More than that, they know how to keep their portrayal of the dark side of humanity on the written page. In person, they are wonderful, personable, and a pleasure to be around."
Scognamiglio commented: "As a long-time mystery reader, I'm thrilled and honored to be receiving this award." MWA's L'Etoile said: "It was gratifying to see this year's Ellery Queen Award go to Joe Scognamiglio. Few publishing industry insiders have done more to create a place where authors are valued and diverse voices have a place in the business."
---
Finalists have been selected for the Story Prize:
Other Worlds by André Alexis (FSG Originals)
Atavists by Lydia Millet (W.W. Norton)
Long Distance by Ayşegül Savaş (Bloomsbury Books)
The winner receives $20,000 and runners-up receive $5,000. The winner will be announced March 31 at a private event that will be livestreamed and will feature readings by and interviews with the finalists, before the winner is revealed.
Larry Dark, director of the Story Prize, said, "We continue to encounter artistically inspired and original work every year--even after reading thousands of entries. Books like these exemplify the vast range of potential forms a short story collection can take."