What Makes A Crime Novel A Winner? David Goodman and Elly Griffiths Show Us How

Ever finish a book, close the cover, and just think, "Wow"? You know the feeling. The kind of story that sticks with you for days, where the twists were so good you want to tell everyone you know. But what actually makes a story not just good, but an award-winner? It’s a bit like asking for the secret recipe for the perfect chocolate cake – everyone has an idea, but only a few really nail it.

Well, we just got a massive clue from the world of crime fiction. Two brilliant authors, one a complete newcomer and the other a total legend, have just scooped up some seriously big awards. We're talking about David Goodman, who's burst onto the scene with a bang, and the incredible Elly Griffiths, who’s being honoured for her amazing career. So, grab a cuppa, and let's chat about what makes their work so special. It might just help you find your next favourite read.

The newcomer with a killer concept

Okay, let's start with the new kid on the block, David Goodman. Imagine writing your very first novel and it's so good it wins a massive award named after one of the biggest names in the business. That’s exactly what’s happened. David Goodman has just won the McDermid Debut Award. And yes, that’s McDermid as in the queen of crime herself, the one and only Val McDermid. Getting an award with her name on it is like a young filmmaker getting a 'Best New Director' trophy from Steven Spielberg. It’s a huge deal and tells you this author is one to watch.

So, what’s the book that’s got everyone talking? It’s called A Reluctant Spy. The story sounds absolutely brilliant. It’s a spy thriller, but with a twist. It’s about a tech executive – you know, one of those super-smart people who run a big tech company. He gets an offer that’s hard to refuse. An elite intelligence agency (think MI6 or the CIA, but probably way more secretive) comes to him with a proposal. They say, "Look, we need to borrow your identity for a bit. In return, we’ll give you a helping hand in life."

What would you do? It sounds a bit dodgy, but also kind of exciting. A free pass to get ahead in life, just for lending your name out? But, as you can probably guess, he gets way, way more than he bargained for. The whole thing goes sideways. That’s what makes a great spy thriller, right? When a seemingly simple plan spins into chaos, danger, and suspense. The book A Reluctant Spy clearly delivers, and winning the McDermid Debut Award proves it. It's a huge achievement for David Goodman and a fantastic start to his career in crime fiction.

Honouring a true crime fiction legend

Now, let's switch gears from the exciting debut to someone who has mastered her craft over many years. The one, the only, Elly Griffiths. She's just been given the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award. Phew, that's a mouthful! But the long name just shows how massive this honour is. This isn't an award for a single book; it’s for a whole career packed with brilliant stories and a massive dedication to the genre of crime fiction.

Think of it like a lifetime achievement award at the Oscars. It’s the industry standing up and saying, "You are amazing, and you’ve made our world so much better." And honestly, with Elly Griffiths, they’re not wrong. Get this: she has been shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year an incredible seven times. Seven! That’s like a football team reaching the FA Cup final seven times. It shows an unbelievable level of consistency and quality. Just last year, in 2023, her book The Locked Room was highly commended, which is another big tick of approval.

But her commitment goes beyond just writing books. Back in 2017, she was the Festival Programming Chair for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. What does that even mean? It means she was one of the key people organising the whole event, deciding which authors should speak and what topics should be discussed. It shows she’s not just a writer; she’s a pillar of the crime fiction community. This Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.

The queen of crime connecting it all

It’s cool to see a brand new writer and a seasoned pro both getting celebrated at the same time. But what’s really interesting is how they’re connected by one person: Val McDermid. She’s a legend in her own right, a powerhouse of crime fiction whose books are probably on your parents' shelves right now.

Her name is on the McDermid Debut Award, the prize that David Goodman won for A Reluctant Spy. This shows that she’s passionate about finding and supporting new talent. A writer like Val McDermid putting her name to an award for newcomers is her way of building a bridge for the next generation. It’s a powerful statement that the genre needs fresh voices and new ideas, like a spy thriller about a tech executive caught up with an intelligence agency.

At the same time, she’s a peer of Elly Griffiths. They are two of the titans of modern British crime fiction. While Elly is being celebrated with the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award for her amazing career, it’s a world that Val helped shape. It just goes to show that the writing community can be a really supportive place, where legends help rookies find their feet, and everyone celebrates success, whether it's for a first book or a twentieth. From the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year shortlists to the new debut prizes, it's all about honouring great storytelling.