Hammett Prize Winner: The Nearest Exit

The North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers announced that The Nearest Exit, by Olen Steinhauer (St. Martin's/Minotaur), has been named the winner of the organization's annual HAMMETT PRIZE for a work of literary excellence in the field of crime writing.

Mr. Steinhauer was awarded a bronze trophy, designed by West Coast sculptor, Peter Boiger. The award ceremony took place in Atlantic City, on September 20, during the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association's (NAIBA) Fall Conference.