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:
The Greater Good
Dr. Frank J. Sapienza
2024 Finalist
262 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
His region was doing well, but the Gordon incident had spooked the directors. Dr. Stone had dedicated his life to Goodell's vision of saving the country and the human species. But how did they intend to do it? Dr. Morrison has many things going on in his life: separation from his wife, Mike's diagnosis, and his cluster headaches. Immediately after Mike's diagnosis, he became involved with the Advanced Genomic Research Company in the hope of helping his son and many other people suffering from similar conditions. Dr. Stone was able to convince him that the information he would provide was anonymous and for the greater good. Unfortunately, his participation has put everything he cares for in danger. To find out how events unfold, get a copy of The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza.
The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza is a medical thriller must-read. It is a page-turner, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. The author utilized suspense to great effect, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the subsequent chapters. He was also very effective in capturing the imagination of the reader through the vivid descriptions of events and the emotions of the well-developed characters. I also found the plot to be thought-provoking on relevant issues, such as ethics in research, especially now that technology is advancing at a terrific speed in fields such as genetics and biochemistry. I cannot wait to read something more by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
Terror Bay
Lisa Towles
2024 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Terror Bay is a work of fiction in the psychological thriller, suspense, and crime subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers and contains explicit language throughout. Penned by author Lisa Towles, the story follows Kurt Farin, a San Francisco homicide detective who survives a gunshot wound to the head, only to find himself haunted by vivid visions of a woman named Genevieve Lucas. Driven by an unshakable intuition, he embarks on a quest to find Genevieve and unravel the truth behind their connection. As Kurt delves deeper into the mystery, the lines between reality and illusion blur, creating an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
Author Lisa Towles has crafted a compelling work that really excels in all the areas you need for stirring crime thriller fiction, from its moody, tense atmosphere to its breakneck-twisting plot and the realistic characters who suffer at every sinister twist. For me, the character development is a particularly noteworthy feature as the close narration makes everyone feel so fully realized. Kurt Farin is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, and his journey of self-discovery keeps readers deeply attached to him and hoping for his survival. The supporting characters are equally intriguing, each with their own secrets and motivations, and I enjoyed the distinct dialogue style that gives each person a unique presence on the page. As the plot unfolds, it takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking climax that left all my questions answered but still managed a great sting in the tail. Overall, I found Terror Bay to be a real rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and psychological tension that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. If you enjoy crime fiction with a psychological edge, this book is a highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Cage Life
Miles Watson
2024 Bronze Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Michael ‘Mickey’ Watts, a mixed martial arts fighter in New York, was on the brink of a breakthrough in his career as a professional cage fighter when one mistake changed everything. His girlfriend Anne had warned him countless times of Clean, Mickey’s childhood friend and kin to a mafia family, that Clean was more trouble than good, but Mickey kept his company anyway. While celebrating a win on one of his fight nights, Mickey is forced to punch unconscious an assailant who was after Clean. The knocked-out assailant was the son of a feared Mafia boss. To spare Mickey from the kingpin’s wrath, Clean negotiates a deal with Gino, the head of Queen’s racketeering mob. Gino straightens out the brewing problem and, in exchange, Mickey is supposed to work for Gino in one of his gambling dens. Mickey begins paying off his "debt" as one of Gino’s muscle men, something he believes will be a short stint, but he finds himself drowning in the mobster life, slowly losing everything that matters to him, from the woman he loves to his freedom. Is there a way out for Mickey in Miles Watson’s Cage Life?
This page-turner is going to have you hooked from cover to cover. If you are looking for a gripping, action-packed, crime novel, Miles Watson’s Cage Life is a must-read for you. An ingenious plot features an intriguing, dynamic cast. The sharp conversations, spell-binding plot twists, and subtle tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The evocative depictions brought New York into full color, giving me a glimpse into the world of a cage fighter and gangster where blood, money, women, sex, and brawls are the norm of the day. The author brings out the cast’s emotions well, juxtaposing their complex traits. Mickey hails from a bloodline of fighters. Born a fighter, he believes he can fight his way through or out of anything, but perhaps not everything. The more he tries, the deeper he sinks into a life of crime, becoming trapped in a purgatory he can only escape by death. Miles Watson is undoubtedly a gifted author with a one-of-a-kind voice. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
Recommend this book:
Protective Instinct
A Thriller
Joy York
2024 Silver Medal
287 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Maximillian Fontana is a billionaire businessman and suspected underworld kingpin. Sebastian "Bash" Bartoli rejects any attempt to have him write Fontana's biography, unwilling to become entangled in any possible illicit activities. Despite Sebastian's refusal, Fontana is adamant that he fulfill this strange request, so Sebastian and his friends devise a clever plan to get out of this by making the renowned author vanish. Believing he has dodged a bullet, nothing prepares Sebastian for the sequence of events that follow when the ravishing Morgan Skylar shows up at his doorstep in Joy York's Protective Instinct.
In Protective Instinct, Joy York emphasizes the difficulties of trusting someone you do not know. Using the principal characters' origin stories, her clever manipulation of their conversations makes them appear counterintuitive to their motivations. The growing chemistry between Bash and Morgan is a prime example; romance readers will swoon over it despite the obvious red flag. Bash's plans may be affected negatively by Morgan's deceased grandfather's past activities. York carefully considered every tiny detail, as evidenced by the clever and masterfully written dialogue between the characters and the detailed explanation of Maximillian's complicated business empire. Fans of action will enjoy the fight scenes and the breathtaking pace of the later chapters of the novel. Thanks to York's unique storytelling technique, readers will fall in love with this adventure that requires thinking outside the box when deciphering strategically placed clues. Protective Instinct is the perfect book if you are searching for a slow-burning thriller with enough intrigue to awaken your inner Sherlock Holmes.
Recommend this book:
Faulty Bloodline
An AJ Docker Medical Thriller
Gary Gerlacher
2024 Gold Medal
273 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Faulty Bloodline by Gary Gerlacher is an AJ Docker and Banshee thriller. AJ Docker has moved to the mountains for a quiet life with his ex-police dog, Banshee. All he wants is peace, and as he settles into his new life, he thinks he’s found it. He’s got a great job as an ER doctor, new friends, and a new woman in his life. But things are never quite what they seem, and this town has plenty of dirty secrets. A serial killer is stalking the woods, and the town is flooded with dirty money. Doc and Banshee start their search for the truth, but not everyone wants the truth to be known. These are powerful people who will stop at nothing to prevent Doc from exposing them, and his life is on the line. Can he and his trusty sidekick save the day, or is it the end for them? Join Doc on his trail of justice from the ER to the courtroom.
Faulty Bloodline by Gary Gerlacher is the second book in the AJ Docker and Banshee series. I haven’t read the first one, but I would highly recommend it to get a handle on the main characters in this amazing book. This is a combination of crime/courtroom and medical thriller, and it’s one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time. First off, Docker is the type of doctor everyone wants to treat them. Second, he has an amazing sidekick in the form of a retired police dog, Banshee. This is a thrilling story that will hook you from the start and it will keep you reading all the way through. The descriptive writing lands you right in the middle of the story, and it’s a fast-paced adventure that will leave you breathless. The characters are incredibly likable, and you’ll fall in love with both Doc and Banshee. The plot takes you on a twisty journey that will both chill and thrill you and take you to places you never imagined going. This fantastic story is the very definition of a page-turner, and I’m looking forward to reading the first one now and then the next one in the series.
Recommend this book:
1 Last Betrayal
Angeline Porter Series Book 3
Valerie J. Brooks
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Valerie J. Brooks's 1 Last Betrayal follows the gripping journey of the protagonist Angeline Porter, a former criminal defense lawyer, as she is thrust back into the dangerous world of organized crime to protect her sister, Bibi, from the clutches of a cunning and ruthless mob boss named Shawn. From the bustling streets of Portland to the sun-soaked shores of Hollywood, Florida, the tension rises as Angeline races against time to unravel the secrets and dangers lurking within the criminal underworld. Readers are immersed in the gritty world of mobsters, where loyalties are fragile, and trust is a rare commodity. Angeline evolves from a conservative lawyer into a determined and fearless protector as she contends with internal struggles and an unwavering determination to keep her sister safe.
Valerie J. Brooks's attention to detail shines through, bringing each scene to life and creating a palpable sense of danger that permeates the narrative. The pacing of 1 Last Betrayal is expertly crafted, with the skillful balancing of moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes that allow readers to delve deeper into the psyches of the characters. The narrative unfolds precisely, building suspense and keeping readers guessing at every turn. The author's ability to maintain high tension throughout is commendable, creating a sense of urgency that propels the plot forward. One of the novel's greatest strengths is exploring themes such as trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Through the intricate web of relationships and alliances, the story delves into the complexities of human nature, highlighting the moral dilemmas the characters face and the sacrifices they must make in their fight against the mob. Overall, 1 Last Betrayal is a stellar thriller that will captivate fans of the genre from beginning to end.
Recommend this book:
A Shot at Justice
A Vigilante Story
Karla M Jay
2023 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Wyatt Dardin spends time teaching art to young boys and girls. During his classes, he notices a young boy with a broken arm who displays the silently suffering presence that Wyatt recognizes all too well. Memories of his abuse play around the edges of his mind, prompting him to reach out to the little boy in a way that would have been good for him during his traumatic childhood. Unfortunately, a brawl gone wrong leaves the boy’s abusive father dead, and Wyatt tries to figure out if the accidental murder was right or wrong. The event leaves Wyatt wanting to do more to help victims under abusive people's control. Will his talent for vigilante justice, combined with the flashbacks from his tortured past, be his motivation or downfall? Find out more in A Shot at Justice: A Vigilante Story by Karla M Jay.
A Shot At Justice by Karla M. Jay is a suspenseful story that tells of the pain and torment abuse victims face. Jay’s uncanny ability to understand the motivations and internal conflicts of the victims and the villains keeps you on every page, wondering if Wyatt and his need for vigilante justice will ever be discovered. In addition, I love the way Jay goes into detail about the murderer himself. This impressive move leaves us wondering who they are rooting for; the bad guys, the good guys, or the killer. I recommend this story to anyone who loves action-packed thrillers that keep the gore to a decent minimum, and I look forward to more stories like this one from the author.
Recommend this book:
On Lonesome Roads
Dan Flanigan
2023 Bronze Medal
376 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
On Lonesome Roads by Dan Flanigan is the third novel in the Peter O’Keefe series. Private Detective Peter O’Keefe was still recovering from the burns he received from a car bomb blast. While the media was sure the bomb was planted by the notorious mafia group called The Outfit, the police and Peter thought otherwise. There was someone else out there hoping to kill Peter and end his story once and for all. But finding that person was proving to be more troublesome than Peter anticipated. To add salt to his wounds, his ex-wife Annie was refusing to let him meet his daughter without a bodyguard. While Peter understood, it still stung. All Peter needed was to figure out who was after him and wanted to kill him. He was ready to do whatever it took to end this issue, even if it meant making a deal with The Outfit. But that deal might cost him more than his life.
Peter was such a complicated character who demanded attention instead of sympathy. He was still kicking and screaming, even though he was badly injured. The suspense was alive in this story, and I felt as if it was a constant companion to Peter. The pace was fast, the characters were developed, and the overall feel of the plot was great. You could not guess what would happen next. I have to admit, I, too, had my money on The Outfit, but Dan Flanigan surprised me. There were new shifts in the story when I least expected it and I was amazed when something equally thrilling happened again. I wanted to know who tried to kill Peter, why wasn’t the person out in the open, and what would Peter do to get out of this mess. On Lonesome Roads is a great new addition to the series! Entertaining and consuming!
Recommend this book:
High Risk
T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally
2023 Silver Medal
118 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
High Risk by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally is a thrilling journey through the high-stakes world of corporate finance and personal redemption. A successful executive, Jim Sloane finds himself hanging by a thread on the edge of a skyscraper, reflecting on how he ended up in this precarious situation. As the story unfolds, Jim navigates a web of deceit, greed, and ambition, making daring choices to protect himself and those he cares about. The gripping narrative culminates in a climactic showdown that tests Jim’s courage and forces him to confront his past. He’s torn between his personal ambitions and moral choices. With themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and second chances, High Risk delivers a pulse-pounding tale of survival and redemption in the face of immense danger.
The authors, T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally, have crafted a gripping thriller that blends action, suspense, and human drama. The vivid descriptions of Jim’s harrowing predicament on the skyscraper’s ledge evoke a sense of vertigo and urgency, drawing readers into his desperate struggle. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with unexpected directions that turn the story on its head and keeps readers guessing. Each character is well-developed and has motives and secrets. Jim Sloane is a flawed protagonist who adds relatable characteristics. The supporting characters, like Robert and Frank, add depth to the story with their complex relationships and hidden agendas. With its well-drawn characters, a high-stakes plot, and themes of redemption, High Risk delivers a satisfying reading experience.
Recommend this book:
Bobby Truax
Denise Cassino
2023 Gold Medal
191 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Bobby Truax by Denise Cassino follows a former Vietnam War veteran who lives a solitary life on a remote mountain in Colorado. Life hasn't been quite the same for Robert Livingston Truax (Bobby) ever since he got divorced from his beloved wife, Sandy. Carrying guilt over the death of their ten-year-old son, who died in a tragic gun accident, Bobby distracts himself with copious amounts of alcohol and marijuana and obsesses over UFO conspiracy theories. He also harbors a severe hatred for law enforcement and the IRS, who confiscated all of his equipment due to unpaid taxes. As the days go by, Bobby becomes increasingly unhinged, and when an unfortunate IRS agent trespasses on his property, an escalating chain of chaotic events ensues, making sure Bobby finally gets to use the arms and ammunition he has collected over the years.
With a narrative filled to the brim with suspense and tension, author Denise Cassino keeps your eyes glued to the pages in this captivating tale about a former Vietnam War veteran. Bobby Truax is the story of a man suffering from PTSD who has never been the same after he lost his brother in the war. A couple of tragic events in his life only make him more deranged with the passing years. Bobby is a fascinating character because, despite his flaws, you can't help but feel pity for him. Cassino also brings a sense of levity to the story by adding a decent amount of humor to the narrative. Recommended to readers who like character-driven tales full of dark humor.