Who Will Win the Hammett?

This morning also brings an announcement by the North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers of its nominees for the 2015 Hammett Prize. That commendation is given annually for “a work of literary excellence in the field of crime writing by a U.S. or Canadian author.” The five nominees are as follows:

• The Stranger, by Harlan Coben (Dutton)
• Sorrow Lake, by Michael J. McCann (Plaid Raccoon Press)
• The Whites, by Richard Price, writing as Harry Brandt (Henry Holt)
• The Do-Right, by Lisa Sandlin (Cinco Puntos Press)
• The Organ Broker, by Stu Strumwasser (Arcade)

I’m particularly pleased to see Price’s The Whites on this list, as it is one of my own favorite crime novels from last year.

The recipient of this award will be announced during the NoirCon literary conference to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from October 26 to 30. Congratulations to all of the contenders!

(Hat tip to Mystery Fanfare.)