Crime fiction fans, in case you missed the BIG news…The Crime Writers’ Association has revealed that Mark Billingham is the 2026 recipient of the prestigious CWA Diamond Dagger, the highest honour in the crime-writing world… and honestly, I’m buzzing.
For those new to the genre (welcome to the dark side!), the Diamond Dagger is awarded to authors who have shown sustained excellence and made a significant contribution to crime fiction. And if anyone fits that brief perfectly, it’s Mr Billingham.
It’s absolutely unbelievable to think that 25 years have passed since Sleepyhead hit the shelves (and if you haven’t read it yet, THIS IS YOUR SIGN!) introducing us to DI Tom Thorne. That debut kicked off an incredible run of 18 Thorne novels, a TV adaptation starring David Morrissey, and most recently, What the Night Brings (Billingham’s 25th book!).
Mark Billingham hasn’t slowed down. In 2023, he introduced DS Declan Miller in The Last Dance, followed by The Wrong Hands in 2024 – both recommended by me BTW! Book three, The Shadow Step, arrives this year and I know many readers (Coughs…it’s me, I’m many readers…) are already counting down.
He’s also written powerful standalones like In the Dark, Die of Shame, and Rabbit Hole, with In the Dark and Time of Death adapted for BBC1 in 2017.
So what did Mr Billingham have to say?
He joked that he hopes his win isn’t “an administrative error,” but also shared how honoured he is to join a list of writers who are not only legends in the genre, but many of whom are personal friends. If you’ve ever been around the crime-writing community, you’ll know exactly what he means… it really is something special.
CWA Chair Nadine Matheson praised Mark for setting the standard in contemporary crime fiction while generously supporting emerging writers. She highlighted his “lasting impact on readers and writers alike,” which honestly couldn’t be more spot-on. I was chuffed one year at Bute Noir when I had nervously read the prologue to Dead Inside out loud and he came over and congratulated me. Honestly, I nearly died, but that is the kind of person he is!
Mark already holds the CWA Dagger in the Library (2022), two Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year wins, and now — the crown jewel: the CWA Diamond Dagger, sponsored by Karen Baugh Menuhin.
If you’re a crime fiction nerd like me, you’ll definitely know about The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers — the crime-writing supergroup featuring Billingham, Val McDermid, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone, Stuart Neville, and Chris Brookmyre. They’ve rocked Glastonbury twice… because of course they have.
Final Thoughts: Mark Billingham’s influence on crime fiction is undeniable, and seeing him receive the genre’s highest honour feels absolutely right. Whether you came in through DI Tom Thorne, Declan Miller, or his chilling standalones, this news is a moment worth celebrating.
Huge congratulations to Mark and here’s to many more dark, twisty, unforgettable stories ahead!
