Sandlin Scores the Hammett

Nebraska author Lisa Sandlin has captured the 2015 Hammett Prize for her first mystery novel, The Do-Right (Cinco Puntos Press). The Hammett, named of course for Sam Spade creator Dashiell Hammett, is given out annually by the North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers to “a work of literary excellence in the field of crime writing.”

Also contending for this award were 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); and The Organ Broker, by Stu Strumwasser (Arcade Publishing).

Sandlin’s win was announced at a ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 29, during the NoirCon 2016 conference.

(Hat tip to Mystery Fanfare.)