This year the true crime genre's most prestigious writing award is sure to go to an historical true crime title.
That's because all the finalists are historical books. I have told you how much I like nicely written historical true crime stories, right? But, sheesh, five out of five -- too much?
The five books nominated by Mystery Writers of America as the Best Fact Crime of 2008 are:
For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago
American Lightning: Terror, Mystery, the Birth of Hollywood, and the Crime of the Century
Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba and Then Lost It to the Revolution
The Man Who Made Vermeers: Unvarnishing the Legend of Master Forger Han van Meegeren
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
I can't really comment on any because I haven't read a one of them. But I am surprised that not one contemporary true crime account made it onto the list. I am surprised that a couple well-done books are absent. What do you make of this list? Who's missing?
Off to read!
(I'll have more details on other nominations in other categories later in the week.)
I've read The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, it's a worthy nomination, but I'm a little surprised by the absence of American Eve. The clear preference for historical true crime displayed in these nominations may be more a reflection of the interests and reading preferences of Mystery Writers than it is the quality of the research or writing in true crime as a whole. Is there an organization for True Crime writers and do they give out awards?
Posted by: Joan | January 19, 2009 at 11:37 AM
"Is there an organization for True Crime writers...."
Extremely good question. I would very much like to find it, if there is. MWA is an excellent organization, but there are many issues that confront the true crimer specifically and not the novelist. Sure would like to find the place where those issues take center stage.
Posted by: Camille | January 19, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Kate Summerscale???? Laura, doesn't that just hit you in the gut? Since I posted my review, the floodgates opened, all saying the same thing. And why no "American Eve", one of the best TC books of last year?
Posted by: Fiz | January 19, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I agree with those of you who missed American Eve on this list. I expected to see it on there. I also thought True Crime: An American Anthology might be on the list, but it might have slipped between categories? I thought Now the Hell Will Start was very well researched and written. Some authors I would've made sure to take a hard look at, if I were on the committee, are Ann Rule, Kathryn Casey, and Carlton Stowers, among many others.
I wish there were an organization for true crime writers, too. With our own seminars and awards. If there was enough interest, I would definitely be willing to put together a conference in the Midwest or New York. Okay, or Seattle!
Posted by: Laura James | January 20, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Ah, Laura, how quickly we forget our friends when we leave the nest. Don't forget, In Cold Blog held its first annual ICB Detective Awards which focuses strictly on true crime and is voted on directly by the readers. Several categories were awarded and among them include book, film, music, Hall of Fame book, TV series, and more.
The second annual ICB Detective Awards will be coming up very soon.
Also, as the awards grow, the intention is to host a convention and awards ceremony on an annual basis.
Posted by: Corey Mitchell | January 21, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Corey, I haven't forgotten ICB or its award - the question was whether there is a group for true crime writers. I don't know that one has ever existed but I think there would be a lot of interest.
Posted by: Laura James | January 21, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Laura, I was teasing!
Posted by: Corey Mitchell | January 21, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Ah! Well I do think there would be a lot of interest in such a group and want to follow up. Do you think it could be successful as a subchapter of MWA??
Posted by: Laura James | January 21, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Laura,
Count me in. I would support your conference. And, hey, consider the Southwest as the site. We've got some great winter weather for you Detroiters!
A subgroup of MWA would also be a fine option. I think that would work nicely. One stop shopping. Perfect.
FWIW, I'm actually less interested in awards than info-swapping. A place to explore such True Crime issues as safety, libel, public records, etc.
Posted by: Camille | January 22, 2009 at 09:53 AM
As of January 23, the Southwest sounds like a great location for a conference.
OTOH, flights to Detroit are VERY cheap! :) You might even have inbound aircraft to yourself, since the mass migration is outward right now....
Anyway, I plan to write a note to the powers-that-be at MWA to see if they have any interest in forming a subgroup devoted solely to the true crime genre.
If I hear anything promising of course I'll post it!
Posted by: Laura James | January 23, 2009 at 07:36 AM
That's fantastic, Laura. Here's me in cheerleader pleats and pom poms--Yaaaaay! L-A-U-R-A!
Posted by: Camille | January 23, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Currently reading Now The Hell Will Start and very impressed so far, though I do find the writing style a bit...... colourful ...... at times.
And why would it be a surprise to the author that Chang Kai-Shek took against the Communism when he had seen it up close and personal in Moscow for three months in 1924? Most of the people completely blinded to its excesses were never there, but only worshipped from afar.
Posted by: An Avid Reader | January 26, 2009 at 04:36 PM
CAN ANYONE TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE 1971 EDWARD PRUYN (GLENSIDE, PA.) MURDERS. I CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING ANYWHERE. WHERE DOES ONE LOOK FOR MORE DETAILS?
Posted by: wAYNE | February 06, 2009 at 05:55 PM
CAN ANYONE TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE 1971 EDWARD PRUYN (GLENSIDE, PA.) MURDERS. I CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING ANYWHERE. WHERE DOES ONE LOOK FOR MORE DETAILS?
Posted by: wayne S-B | December 02, 2009 at 08:39 PM
The Associated Press coverage can be found in www.newspaperarchive.com (subscription required). That's the only place I can think of to find details.
Posted by: laura | December 04, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Wayne,
I have some info on the Pruyn murder..Give me a way to contact you....
Carl
Posted by: Carl | December 31, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Carl,
Thank you for responding. My email is wayneasb@aol.com
Wayne
Posted by: Wayne | January 30, 2010 at 07:55 PM
My name is Susan Pruyn. It's nice to know that there are people out there who are trying to find me. Send me a note: susanpruyn@netzero.net
Posted by: Susan Pruyn | April 06, 2014 at 09:54 PM