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The Dilys Award | The INDEPENDENT MYSTERY BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION

To The Nines: An action-packed mystery with lau... by Evanovich ...

For avid fans of the whodunit world, The Dilys Award represents a beacon of recognition, spotlighting outstanding works within the mystery genre. Conferred by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (IMBA), the award is a testament to reader appeal and bookseller satisfaction, marking the titles that have won over hearts and captivated minds in bookstores across the nation.

The Dilys Award

Named in honor of Dilys Winn, the founder of the first specialty bookstore for mystery readers and writers in the United States, The Dilys Award has been a cherished accolade within the suspenseful corridors of the mystery literary sphere. Since its inception, the award has not only highlighted extraordinary writing but also underscored the importance of independent booksellers in the discovery and promotion of quality reads.

Member Booksellers by Location

Bonnier Books UK: Adult Trade Catalogue July-Dec 2022 by Zaffre ...

The IMBA comprises a vast network of independent booksellers, each sharing a deep-rooted passion for mystery literature. These community pillars are spread across the country, offering an eclectic mix of mystery narratives bound to intrigue local and visiting patrons alike. The booksellers' discerning selections help shape the prestigious list of The Dilys Award nominees and winners.

The DILYS AWARD September 2004 Bestsellers at IMBA member Businesses

Hardcover:

The Dilys Award's history is rich with diverse titles, and the September 2004 bestseller list at IMBA member businesses showcases a snapshot of that variety:

  • SOMETHING ROTTEN, Jasper Fforde
  • WIFE OF MOON, Margaret Coel
  • PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
  • A TAINT IN THE BLOOD, Dana Stabenow
  • BODY DOUBLE, Tess Gerritsen
  • THE SUNDAY PHILOSOPHY CLUB, Alexander McCall Smith
  • SCARED MONEY, James Hime
  • THE PROGRAM, Gregg Hurwitz
  • VISIONS IN DEATH, J.D. Robb
  • THE GOLEM'S EYE, Jonathan Stroud TIED WITH WHISKEY SOUR, J.A. Konrath

Paperback:

Bonnier Books UK: Adult Trade Catalogue July-Dec 2022 by Zaffre ...

Not to be outshined, the paperback bestsellers also earned their esteemed spots within the crime-solving aficionados' hearts:

  • THE NIGHT OF THE DANCE, James Hime
  • CLEA'S MOON, Edward Wright
  • BLACKLIST, Sara Paretsky
  • THE MURDER STONE, Charles Todd
  • HAUNTED GROUND, Erin Hart
  • DEATH'S JEST BOOK, Reginald Hill
  • DEAD FAMOUS, Carol O'Connell
  • MAISIE DOBBS, Jacqueline Winspear
  • DEAD GUILTY, Beverly Connor
  • THE LAST LESSONS OF SUMMER, Margaret Maron

Previous Lists

Fans of the mystery genre can also look back at past lists to discover an array of readings that have made The Dilys Award's previous selections. These lists serve as thrilling guides for those seeking exquisite literary puzzles to lose themselves in.

Combining Mystery with Travel

Indeed, the allure of a good mystery novel is akin to the thrill of exploring a new destination. Just as travelers traverse foreign lands in search of hidden treasures and local secrets, mystery readers turn pages, navigating twists and turns to uncover hidden truths. In many ways, cracking open a Dilys Award-winning book is the start of an exhilarating trip—a journey through a world of suspense and intrigue without ever leaving the comfort of one's favorite reading nook.

Glasgow

Norwich

Manchester

Luton (Bedfordshire)

Birmingham

Maidstone

Crawley (West Sussex)

Camberley

Ambleside

Paphos

Aberdeen

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