Edgar Nominations: Best Novel

Like David Montgomery, I think this is a very strong category, and fairly balanced as well. There’s really something for everybody here: the cozy written by a well-regarded author (Rhys Bowen), the breakout, panoramic novel by a well-regarded author (T Jefferson Parker), the continuation of an increasingly popular series by a well-regarded author (Julia Spencer-Fleming, Laura Lippman) and a cerebral, well-written thriller that might get some more attention now that it’s about to be out in paperback (Chris Mooney.)

Much to my surprise, there really isn’t what I call the “WTF?!” candidate — the author who so obviously doesn’t belong on this shortlist — and I’m glad of that. As for who will win? Truthfully, it’s a tough call. Parker’s already won it, but CALIFORNIA GIRL benefited from a lot of buzz and a lot of praise. Spencer-Fleming’s nomination might be seen as a mini-consolation for famously being left off the Best First Novel list a couple of years ago, but OUT OF THE DEEP I CRY is a noted improvement upon her last two books and contains some wonderful character and relationship development. And unless I’m wrong, this is Lippman’s first appearance in the flagship category after a multi-year reign aboard the PBO lists in her early days. I’d be a little more surprised if Mooney or Bowen took it, as those would be, to my mind, upset victories.

But all in all, a fairly diverse, but well-rounded shortlist.