The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) of the United Kingdom announced the 2022 Dagger Awards on June 29.

The Daggers were first given in 1955, but for the first five years CWA called its top honor the Crossed Red Herring Award.

GOLD DAGGER

This award is for the best crime novel by an author of any nationality.

• SUNSET SWING by RAY CELESTIN (Pan Macmillan • Mantle)

IAN FLEMING STEEL DAGGER

Eligible books in this category are thrillers set in any period and include, but are not limited to, spy fiction, psychological thrillers and action/adventure stories.

• DEAD GROUND by MW CRAVEN (Little, Brown • Constable)

JOHN CREASEY (NEW BLOOD) DAGGER

This award is for the best crime novel by a first-time author of any nationality.

• THE APPEAL by JANICE HALLETT (Profile Books • Viper Books)

CRIME FICTION IN TRANSLATION DAGGER

This award is for a crime novel not originally written in English and which has been translated into English for UK publication.

• HOTEL CARTAGENA by SIMONE BUCHHOLZ Translated by RACHEL WARD (Orenda Books)

ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION

This award is for any non-fiction work on a crime-related theme by an author of any nationality.

• THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LYDIA HARVEY: A TRUE STORY OF SEX, CRIME AND THE MEANING OF JUSTICE by JULIA LAITE (Profile Books)

HISTORICAL DAGGER

This award is for the best historical crime novel, set in any period up to 50 years prior to the year in which the award will be made.

• SUNSET SWING by RAY CELESTIN (Pan Macmillan • Mantle)

SHORT STORY DAGGER

This award is for any crime short story first published in the UK in English in a publication that pays for contributions, or broadcast in the UK in return for payment.

• FLESH OF A FANCY WOMAN by PAUL MAGRS in Criminal Pursuits: Crime Through Time; Editor: Samantha Lee Howe (Telos Publishing)

PUBLISHERS’ DAGGER

This prestigious Dagger is awarded annually to the Best Crime and Mystery Publisher of the Year.

• FABER & FABER

DEBUT DAGGER

A competition for the opening of a crime novel and synopsis.

• THE 10:12 by ANNA MALONEY

DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY

The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by an established crime writer who has long been popular with borrowers from libraries, and who has supported libraries and their users.

• MARK BILLINGHAM

DIAMOND DAGGER

For a lifetime contribution to crime writing in the English language.

• CJ SANSOM

CWA RED HERRING

Awarded for services to the Association.

• THALIA PROCTOR