Thrillerfest XXI was just held in New York City. I’ll follow with the other award winners, but let’s start with Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen. Barbara was honored as the 2026 Thriller Legend, and she truly is. Congratulations, Barbara!
And, congratulations to all the award winners. You can order their books through the Webstore, https://store.poisonedpen.com/
Here are this year’s Thriller Award winners.
Best Standalone Novel: Cross My Heart, by Megan Collins
Best Series Novel: The Big Empty, by Robert Crais
Best First Novel: Party of Liars, by Kelsey Cox
Best Audiobook: The White Crow, by Michael Robotham; narrated by Katy Sobey
Best Young Adult Novel: The Silenced, by Diana Rodriguez
Wallach
Best Short Story: “The Violent Season,” by Jessica Van Dessel (Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, July/August 2025)
In addition, an ITW news release says the following people received “special recognition” during the convention’s awards banquet:
• 2026 ThrillerMaster, Lisa Scottoline
• 2026 ThrillerMaster, Harlan Coben
• 2026 Silver Bullet Award, Douglas Preston
• 2026 Spotlight Guest, Rachel Howzell Hall
• 2026 Spotlight Guest, Luis Alberto Urrea
• 2026 Thriller Legend, Barbara Peters
• 2026 ThrillerFan, Jordon Moblo
• 2026 Thriller Volunteer of the Year, James L’Etoile