About the Anthony Award for Best Novel
The Anthony Award is a literary prize for mystery fiction presented annually at Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention. Named in honor of Anthony Boucher (1911–1968), one of the co-founders of the Mystery Writers of America and a pioneering mystery critic and editor, the award has been given since 1986. Unlike juried awards, the Anthony is entirely voted on by attending Bouchercon members, giving it a strong populist character. The Best Novel category (since 2023 designated Best Hardcover Novel) has honored a wide range of crime fiction, from psychological thrillers and police procedurals to literary crime fiction and series mysteries. Bouchercon rotates its location each year across North America and beyond, and the awards ceremony is a highlight of the convention weekend. Past winners include consistently celebrated voices such as Louise Penny, S.A. Cosby (a three-time winner), Attica Locke, Lou Berney, and William Kent Krueger. The Anthony carries no cash prize but is considered one of the most prestigious fan-voted honors in crime fiction.
