Edgar Nominations: Best First Novel

So first, a big round of applause for David Mitchell on his nomination for his book, CLOUD ATLAS.

Wait, what’s that? You mean it’s not the Booker-shortlisted, mega-praised work? Really?

All kidding aside, I suppose it’s hard to be Liam Callanan, to have a debut novel published the same year that another book with pretty much the exact same title as another so much more well-known and critically acclaimed. But perhaps this Edgar nomination will be a consolation to him.

Otherwise, my other big reaction is: where are the women? The shortlist is increased to six…and still, no female authors? What’s up with that? Granted, there simply weren’t that many notable contenders. Jodi Compton’s THE 37th Hour. Naomi Hirahara’s SUMMER OF THE BIG BACHI. Margaret Dumas’s SPEAK NOW. And after that…erm…well, a lot of people knew about Jilliane Hoffman’s RETRIBUTION…

But I seem to be digressing into snarky asides yet again, so to the actual list. And you know, it’s a pretty good one as well. I’ve already praised Richard Aleas and Michael Koryta in various columns, so it’s no surprise I’m glad to see both on the list. Charles Benoit’s book has received much praise, both by trade publications and people I know, and I’m looking forward to reading it. Same with Bob Morris’s BAHAMARAMA. As for Don Lee, well, I guess it’s a crime novel, but considering he’s the editor of PLOUGHSHARES, perhaps there might be a bit of surprise he’s included amongst other, more traditional mystery-writing types.

As for who wins? Oh, just toss a bunch of sticks in the air and whichever lands first wins. Seriously.