Brett Snags the Dagger

The British Crime Writers’ Association announced today that Simon Brett, perhaps best known for writing a series of whodunits featuring actor-cum-amateur detective Charles Paris (A Decent Interval), will be awarded its 2014 Diamond Dagger.

CWA chair Alison Joseph has been quoted as saying: “I am delighted that the CWA Diamond Dagger for 2014 is to be awarded to Simon Brett. He is a writer of great wit and integrity, and his success over the years has been very well deserved. The Diamond Dagger is awarded not only for a writer’s work but also for their contribution to the genre, and Simon has always been a stalwart supporter of his fellow writers. I am sure I am not alone in feeling that it is entirely appropriate and merited that Simon should be receiving this award.”

The 68-year-old Brett will be presented with his new diamond-studded Dagger during a celebratory dinner to be held on June 30.

Previous Diamond Dagger winners include Val McDermid, Lindsey Davis, Frederick Forsyth, and last year’s recipient, Lee Child.