The 2017 Anthony Awards, named after the late Anthony Boucher (William Anthony Parker White), well-known writer and critic for the New York Times who helped found the Mystery Writers of America (MWA), were given out on October 15 at Bouchercon in Toronto. Bouchercon is the MWA’s annual World Mystery Convention where readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun!
This year we’re publishing two of the winners in large print:
BEST NOVEL
A GREAT RECKONING
A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Louise Penny
Another great entry (four starred reviews and a #1 LibraryReads Pick) in the Three Pines Series, like Penny’s previous novels this one hit #1 on the New York Times list. In it, we get to visit with Penny’s wonderful characters and setting and learn a lot more about their history. Gamache comes out of retirement to head the Surete academy, which has recently been plagued by scandal. An old map hidden in the walls of the bistro leads us to chapters in the village’s history and an explanation of one of its mysteries.
Publishers Weekly’s starred, boxed review said: “This complex novel deals with universal themes of compassion, weakness in the face of temptation, forgiveness, and the danger of falling into despair and cynicism over apparently insurmountable evils.” Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries.
Louise Penny was Bouchercon’s Canadian Guest of Honour this year. For those new to the Chief Inspector Gamache books, Thorndike Press has the whole series available if you want to start at the beginning.
A Great Reckoning is available as a standalone title or as part of our Mystery Plan!
BEST FIRST NOVEL
IQ
by Joe Ide
The LAPD is barely keeping up with the East Long Beach high crime rate. Murders go unsolved, lost children unrecovered. But someone from the neighborhood has taken it upon himself to help solve the cases the police can’t or won’t touch. They call him IQ. He charges his clients whatever they can aff ord, which might be a set of tires or a homemade casserole. He’s sometimes forced to take on clients who can pay. This time, it’s a rap mogul whose life is in danger. The deeper Isaiah digs, the more far reaching and dangerous the case becomes.
This Indie Next Pick was also nominated for the Edgar, Shamus, and Macavity awards and is considered on of the Best Books of 2016 by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times Book Review, and Amazon. Booklist’s starred review said: “This is one of those rare debuts that leaves us panting for more — and soon.” Publishers Weekly called it “a gripping and moving debut.”
IQ is available as a standalone title or as part of our Peer Picks Plan!Nike News