We are thrilled that THE ART OF A LIE by Laura Shepherd-Robinson has been shortlisted for two Crime Writers' Association Daggers; the KAA Gold Dagger and the Historical Dagger.

The KAA Gold Dagger, sponsored by Kevin Anderson Associates, is for the best crime novel by an author of any nationality, originally written in English and first published in the UK during the judging period. The broadest definition of the crime novel applies. Eligible books include thrillers, mysteries, police procedurals, psychological suspense novels and spy fiction.

The Dagger was originally created in 1955, under the name of the Crossed Red Herrings Award. The first winner was Winston Graham for The Little Walls. It was renamed the Gold Dagger in 1960 and has been awarded ever since with variations in its name depending on sponsorship.

The Historical Dagger is for the best historical crime novel, first published in the UK in English during the judging period, set in any period up to 50 years prior to the year in which the award will be made. For novels that involve passages set later than this time period, at least three quarters of the book should be set in an earlier period.

The winner of each Dagger will be announced on Thursday 2nd July 2026.