The Hammett Prize nominees

The North American Branch of the International Crime Writers’ Association has announced the shortlist for the prize as follows:

Colin Harrison, The Havana Room (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

Chuck Hogan, Prince of Thieves: A Novel (Scribner)
John Katzenbach, The Madman’s Tale: A Novel (Ballantine)
T. Jefferson Parker, California Girl: A Novel (William Morrow)

Peter Robinson, Playing with Fire: A Novel of Suspense (William Morrow)

The winner will be announced during the opening night bash at Bouchercon. Congratulations to all the nominees.

A couple of things leap out at me: I find it rather amusing to see Colin Harrison and Chuck Hogan on the list. Fine writers, both, but when was the last time someone made the shortlist as a writer and as editor (as Harrison’s day job is at Scribner)?

And also, for anyone wondering why the Hammetts have been moved to that night, displacing the Barrys, all one needs to do is to hit the link above and see who was on the judging committee.