ITW THRILLER AWARDS 2026

The International Thriller Writers announced the 2026 Thriller Awards last night at ThrillerFest. 

Best Standalone Novel: Cross My Heart, by Megan Collins (Atria)

Best Series Novel: The Big Empty, by Robert Crais (Putnam)

Best First Novel: Party of Liars, by Kelsey Cox (Minotaur)
 
Best Audiobook: The White Crow, by Michael Robotham; narrated by Katy Sobey (Simon & Schuster)

Best Young Adult Novel: The Silenced, by Diana Rodriguez Wallach (Delacorte Press)

Best Short Story: “The Violent Season,” by Jessica Van Dessel (Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, July/August 2025)

There were also Special Recognitions announced during the ThrillerFest 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

HT: The Rap Sheet. Thanks, Jeff!