The Finder was set in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and the United States.
Obsidian was set in California and Montana.
Hurry Home was set in Colorado and North Dakota.
The Historians was set in Sweden.
How a Woman Becames a Lake was set in Washington state.
I admit that I was discouraged that the five books most readers would expect were the best entrants for “Best Crime Novel” did not include a book set in Canada.
Reading the criteria for submissions I realized that books are limited to being entered in one category. I am confident the rationale is to prevent an accomplished book sweeping the Awards in multiple categories.
The restriction to one category becomes important with regard to “Best Crime Novel” for publishers and authors of books set in Canada had the choice of entry in the “Best Crime Novel” or the “Best Crime Novel Set in Canada”.
I was glad to see the importance of crime novels set in Canada being recognized through the new category.
I am sad that it means fewer books set in Canada will be entered in the “Best Crime Novel” category. This year the 29 books entered in “Best Crime Novel Set In Canada” could not be in “Best Crime Novel” which had 51 books entered.
By the limitation to one category I consider the “Best Crime Novel” category to be diminished and somewhat misleading and possibly in error for the actual “best” novel could be part of the “set in Canada” category.
I know there were novels set in Canada entered in the “Best Crime Novel” in 2021 but the shortlist illustrates it will be more difficult, potentially unlikely, that the “best” Canadian crime novel will be set inside Canada.
I view the criteria as significant because I believe the “Best Crime Novel” is considered the premiere award in a literary competition that gains the greatest recognition. In the video announcing this year’s winners it was the final award announced. I doubt many realize that the current criteria means the exclusion of many Canadian novels.
I understand the dilemma for the CWC but it would be my preference that novels set in Canada could be entered in both categories. I consider that a category titled “Best Crime Novel” should have all Canadian novels eligible.
You raise some well-taken points, Bill. It's really hard to know what the parameters of an award ought to be. If they are too strict, then a lot of excellent books get overlooked. On the other hand, if they are too broad, then there's the issue you raise, of what sort of book can qualify. And you're right that adding a new category has its own issues. It's a dilemma, as you say.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. I think those determining criteria should consider the purpose of the Award. For "Best Crime Novel" it is "Best" of all not some novels. I believe all crime novels must be included even if they are also eligible for another category.
DeleteDid you read all five and which do you recommend? Yes, it is a shame books weren't set in Canada, a country with so many cultures, provinces, cities, rural areas, etc. So much to write about.
ReplyDeleteKathy D.: Forgotten as requested.
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