150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
Winslow
The Lost Hunters
David Francis Curran
2018 Honorable Mention
313 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Winslow: The Lost Hunters by David Francis Curran is a mystery that follows Winslow Doyle, a retired wilderness guide who has removed himself from public life following the death of his beloved wife, Lomahongva. His self-imposed exile and existence off the grid end when a father and his young daughter, both hunters, disappear into the thin wilderness air and he is called upon to help find them, whatever the outcome...and from the onset, the outcome doesn't look good. Written from the point of view of multiple characters, Winslow is a multifaceted murder mystery and suspenseful thriller, featuring a realistic main character, that takes place well off the beaten path.
David Francis Curran has done a magnificent job in bringing Winslow Doyle to life in Winslow: The Lost Hunters. There's no question this is the start of a string of mystery books featuring the namesake in a refreshing and wholly welcome new series. Winslow is so authentic and human, and my goodness, that Callie is one heck of a young woman. I loved how even the ancillary characters came to life, and the scenery and descriptions are really well done. Curran holds nothing back with a devastating introduction, but redemption for all – all right, redemption for most – comes with a set of twists and turns that will keep a dedicated reader returning for more. I'd recommend this book to any readers who enjoy quality murder mysteries with a protagonist that has all of the positive characteristics we always look for in a worthy lead.
Recommend this book:
Last Call
Phyllis Smallman
2018 Bronze Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Last Call by Phyllis Smallman is the seventh installment of Smallman’s Sherri Travis Mystery series. Last Call follows Sherri Travis and her best friend, Marley, in Key West, Florida. Sherri and Marley go out to the Rawhide to help a character called Lexi Divine figure out who has been pocketing money from the bar. It seems like your average cozy mystery, but after Marley suddenly goes missing, things take a turn. A storm is coming and as the city begins the evacuation process, chaos ensues as Sherri and Divine must find their friend before it is too late.
I don’t usually read contemporary sleuth novels, because I’ve always stuck it out with the classics such as Poirot, Marple, and Sherlock Holmes. I was also worried that I’d get lost since this was my first time reading this series. But my, oh my, this is one tremendously well-written story. Smallman knows how to build momentum. The pacing of her novel kept me reading and losing track of time, and I never found myself getting lost or confused.
Since the series revolves around a main protagonist, it should be added that Sherri Travis is wonderful. Sherri is a witty, good-natured and altogether likable character. Personally, and putting the plot aside, one of the best parts of Last Call was reading the interactions between Sherri, Marley, and Divine. Building character relationships in a series such as this is important. It made me, somebody who has never read any of the other Sherri Travis books, care about what happens to Sherri and her friends. This is easily a great choice for fans of sleuth novels.
Recommend this book:
French Vanilla & Felonies
Cambria Clyne Mysteries Book 1
Erin Huss
2018 Silver Medal
223 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
With her livelihood at risk, a novice apartment manager clumsily blunders her way through murder, exhibitionists, relationships, and cartons of ice cream in her desperation to maintain her new position in the hilarious sleuth mystery novel, French Vanilla & Felonies (Cambria Clyne Mysteries Book 1) by Erin Huss. Cambria needs to find a job and a place to live, as she and her small daughter are days away from being evicted from their home. Ignoring the fact that she knows nothing about property management, Cambria takes on the new position of apartment manager. Thrilled with having an income together with a home, Cambria figures she can Google how to run a housing complex. However, things don't go as smoothly as Cambria expects. On her first day, she falls into a dumpster while trying to retrieve a wallet and stumbles onto a dead man. From there, Cambria tackles midnight skinny-dipping, public urinating, illegal trade, and noisy lovemaking. The tenants are not impressed with her skills. They blame her for the calamities that have befallen their community and are threatening to move out. The police don't seem to be convinced of her innocence, and her boss isn't happy with the chaos. Believing the murderer is the culprit for most of her problems, Cambria sets out to unmask him.
French Vanilla & Felonies (Cambria Clyne Mysteries Book 1) by Erin Huss is a slapstick comedy involving murder and mayhem. With Cambria, the protagonist, literally stumbling from one absurd situation to the next, the story is laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end. Her personality is lovable, easy to relate to, and quirky. Cambria may be a real klutz, but her clumsy tactlessness mixed with her compassion for others gives her a genuinely human aspect, thus making her a fully fleshed-out character. The story structure is sound, the plot is well-formatted and keeps a nice pace, the story line is engaging, and the story arc is satisfying. The suspense escalates from the beginning and keeps you guessing until the disclosure. All these elements make this a stunning novel and an enjoyable read. It is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery, and will delight those who love amateur sleuth mysteries complete with humor and homicide.
Recommend this book:
Death at the Midnight Dragonfly
A Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery
Susan Boles
2018 Gold Medal
217 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Death at the Midnight Dragonfly by Susan Boles is the third book in the Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery series, a wonderful blend of murder and mystery, set in the quaint neighborhood of Mercy, Mississippi, during the Christmas season. Lily Gayle’s childhood friend, Vlad Templeton, has returned to the city where he grew up to conduct his state-sponsored sleep study. When Vlad finds one of the participants in the study, the local bank manager, Tom Hammond, dead on his front porch, he knows this means trouble. Evidence makes Jack, the husband of one of Lily’s friends, one of the top suspects. Lily is out to help Dixie clear her husband’s name. As they get closer to unveiling the mystery, they suddenly become targets — this means they have to act fast or become the next victims.
A perfect read for fans of murder mystery and sleuth, the story is crafted in crisp prose and set against a cozy backdrop. Readers get a feel for life in the community and the cultural aspects of the setting, like Christmas activities, come out beautifully in the story. This author has a great sense of realism which she uses to give life to the setting and to create relationships between the characters and the world around them. You will love this novel if you are into stories that are suspenseful, and Susan Boles knows just what it takes to make readers eagerly anticipate what happens next in the story. She makes readers care about her characters so much that they begin to worry about them. Her skilful use of red herrings coupled with the sense of mystery make this book a page-turner. Death at the Midnight Dragonfly will keep you awake all night.
Recommend this book:
A Cunning Plan
Astrid Arditi
2017 Gold Medal
312 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
I loved A Cunning Plan by Astrid Arditi. The story follows Sloane Harper who is recently divorced but still madly in love with her scumbag ex-husband. Sloane is approached by an IRS agent named Ethan Cunning, who convinces her to help spy on her ex-husband’s new girlfriend’s boss. She did not count on possibly falling for the boss. This helps Sloane to discover who she is and what she really wants in life.
In A Cunning Plan, Arditi mixes romance with humor and a side of adventure. This recipe was the perfect combination and the reason I enjoyed this book so much. Sloane was a very likeable character who had great chemistry with everyone she came in contact with. At first I thought she was going to be annoying because of her weird obsession with her ex. Those feelings for her quickly changed as I read on. It was actually the “cookie incident” that had me laughing out loud and changed my perspective of her. The “whore incident” was another thing that had me spitting out my drink. That was a good reminder to watch out what you say around children. Arditi also taught me what a WASP is.
I was surprised at how the book actually ended. I was expecting something totally different. However, I thought the ending was perfect. I really hope that this is not the end of Sloane Harper. I would love to see more books about this accidental spy. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys funny romance books.
Recommend this book:
The Body Next Door
A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2
Gay Yellen
2017 Silver Medal
285 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery is a contemporary mystery novel written by Gay Yellen. Samantha was planning to raid the refrigerator and then collapse in the Houston condo her mysterious new love interest had loaned her when she finally got home from her all-nighter road trip. She was still reeling from the sequence of events that had led to the loss of her last job and the undue and unwelcome public exposure she was subjected to, but even more so, she was shattered by the loss of yet another loved one. She was on her way back from attending her friend's funeral in Nebraska. Yes, she should have made it a two-day trip or at least pulled over at a rest stop and indulged in a snooze, but she needed the security and sanity of home. She was dodging eighteen-wheelers on the highway when her phone lit up. It was nearly 5 a.m.; an odd hour for anyone to call her -- unless it was an emergency. Pulling over to the side of the highway, she took the call and was surprised to hear Gertie's voice on the other end. Gertie wasn't quite sure what to do with Samantha's neighbor, Brandy. She was drunk and hysterical, and she was also covered in blood.
Gay Yellen's contemporary mystery novel, The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2, is an entertaining and fast-paced novel about a woman whose midlife crisis is prematurely and unexpectedly forced upon her, and the hazards she must get past to reach the next phase of her life. Samantha is fierce and determined, and she has the ability to put away an incredible amount of ice cream if the situation warrants. Yellen's plot is finely woven, and her characters are vividly portrayed, from the strange elevator companions Samantha seems doomed to spend time with to the folks on her boyfriend Carter's ranch. Yellen also admirably addresses the difficulties those coping with loss may experience in forging new relationships. Armchair sleuths will appreciate the clues and red herrings judiciously scattered throughout this breezy and romance-laced mystery. The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2 is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Big Overnight
Stella Reynolds Mystery Series Volume 3
Libby Kirsch
2017 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is an exciting suspense novel featuring a Knoxville television reporter. While Stella is reporting on an arrest, she is stunned when the suspect confesses to the shooting on live TV. A few days later, the young man's mother is found dead in a burning building. An anonymous tipster emails Stella, insisting that the shooting and the murder are connected, and urges Stella to look further into the crimes. The unidentified source indicates that the law enforcement isn't all that it seems and not to trust them. But how can that be? Crime statistics have never been lower. As she delves into the murder, the FBI is following her, and gang members are threatening her life. When police members who are her friends have dropped out of her life and aren't answering her calls, and the local authorities are quite possibly corrupt, Stella doesn't know whom to trust. With all the new murders, it seems that there may have been an error made in the poll on the criminal element in Knoxville. With no one to turn to for help, Stella has to make a stand for herself. Will Stella survive or will she be another statistic in the growing crime rate in the city?
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is a thrilling suspense murder mystery. The aspect of crime solving from a reporter's point of view piqued my interest. The story has a marvelous plot and delivers a satisfying conclusion. As this is the third book in a series, I found all the characters and how they correlated to be confusing in the beginning, but as the story progressed, I was able to connect their relationships and discern their dynamics. I enjoyed this book very much and am now a Stella Reynolds fan. I am looking forward to reading more about Stella's exploits and her amateur sleuthing. This novel is an excellent read for those who are fans of suspenseful murder mysteries.
Recommend this book:
Fade Out
Behind the Mic Mysteries Book 1
Laurie Fagen
2017 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Fade Out: Behind the Mic Mysteries Book 1 by Laurie Fagen is three mysteries in one. Lisa is a young radio journalist trying to make a name for herself by investigating the crimes she reports on. We follow Lisa as she helps a daughter and son search for their missing father by working with the police and never giving up on finding him alive. Lisa is also busy looking for answers in the suspicious death of a woman found in her burned mansion. She also will not stop until she uncovers the answers as to why a bank executive was found murdered. Lisa finds herself in several scary situations, but never says quit. Adding some lightness to the story are the two orphaned baby kittens she takes home in an effort to keep them alive. When Lisa is not busy searching for clues, she is presenting a mystery podcast about two people who enter a very unusual fun house at the carnival and find fear and death as they search for a way out.
The best part of Fade Out was following Lisa, the radio journalist, and getting a real life glimpse into her world. While I did enjoy Fade Out, it was hard to follow at times. There was a lot going on at once, but it lacked a real element of suspense. I am not sure how much value the podcast added, though it had some good mysterious elements. I found this book to be entertaining and will continue to follow the Behind the Mic Mysteries. I look forward to sharing in Lisa’s next adventure in book 2.
Recommend this book:
Land Sharks
A Swindle in Sumatra
Nancy Raven Smith
2017 Honorable Mention
282 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Suspense, intrigue, mystery, excitement and romance, Land Sharks: A Swindle in Sumatra has it all and more. Lexi is a fraud investigator for an exclusive Beverly Hills bank and the heroine of the story. She is sent on an assignment to Sumatra to bring back a client’s rich daughter. Steve is the boss’s son and is sent along on the journey to learn from Lexi. As Lexi and Steve arrive in Sumatra and find Karista, the rich daughter, they realize that the task of separating her from Javier, her new boyfriend, will not be easy. It quickly becomes apparent that Javier is a bad guy who has done many bad things and is simply interested in Krista’s money and nothing more. Steve and Lexi find themselves in life threatening situations several times. Much to Lexi's surprise, she discovers that Andre, her old boyfriend, is also in Sumatra and may be there intentionally to keep her out of harm’s way. There are several twists and turns before the case is concluded and everyone can go back home.
Land Shark is everything it claims to be and more. I read it very quickly because I just couldn’t stand the suspense and was really anxious to find out what would happen next. Nancy Raven Smith is a master with words and made the story come alive and the characters very real. This is a must-read book for all mystery, suspense and detective lovers - men, women, young and old. Please do not pass up the chance to read a really well written, exciting story.
Recommend this book:
The Maltese Pigeon
A Matt Kile Mystery
David Bishop
2017 Honorable Mention
380 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
The Maltese Pigeon by David Bishop is the most current installment in the successful Matt Kile Mystery novels. And although this is the fifth book in the series, those readers only just jumping aboard need not worry; The Maltese Pigeon reads very well as a stand-alone novel and will have many furiously searching out the first four while salivating over the release of a sixth.
Bishop’s creation, Matt Kile, is a wise-cracking ex-homicide cop, ex-con, part-time private investigator and wanna-be author. In The Maltese Pigeon, Kile is hired by Catherine Martin, who has just inherited an original and priceless Faberge egg from her grandmother, to both find a buyer and to provide protection. Enter, stage left, a shady character (and requisite muscle) that will do anything to add the egg to their private collection. Add a subtle link to the last of the Romanov family, the last Czar of Russia, and a backup team employed by Kile of mischievous ex-cons. The rollicking adventure quickly builds up a good head of steam.
David Bishop’s Matt Kile is a light-hearted homage to the gritty L.A. noir books of the 1950s, featuring a delicious dash of humor that keeps the storyline moving swiftly along like an L.A. county culvert after a heavy downpour. Needless to say, all is not how it seems, and a clever plot twist leaves Kile with a weighty decision to ponder. At just over 180 pages, The Maltese Pigeon is a quick read and will have the reader thirsting for more.