So Nehr, So Far

Summer is so filled with awards presentations and nominations, that it’s easy to miss one here and there. Excuse me, then, for having failed to notice that the American Crime Writers League (ACWL) has announced this year’s contenders for the Ellen Nehr Award for Excellence in Mystery Reviewing. According to the ACWL’s Web site, this commendation is intended “to show our appreciation for mystery reviewers who demonstrate a solid knowledge of the field and give an unbiased and informed criticism of each work.” The 2006 nominees:

• Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune
• Paula L. Woods, The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times
• Adam Woog, The Seattle Times

What makes my neglect of this honor especially egregious, of course, is that I’ve known Adam Woog for quite a long time, and have had working relationships with both him and Dick Adler in the past. Either would be a deserving recipient of the Nehr prize, as I am sure would Ms. Woods.

The winner will be announced during this year’s Bouchercon convention, in Madison, Wisconsin.