2019 ITW Thriller Award Finalists Announced

In recent #MysteryMonth news, the International Thriller Writers (ITW) announced the finalists for the 2019 Thriller Awards. The awards celebrate the best in the thriller genre, which, unlike a conventional whodunit, keeps readers at the very edge of their seat or, at least, losing sleep to find out what happens in the next energetic chapter. We are obviously thrilled about this year’s group of finalists. All awards will be presented at the International Thriller Writers’ gala banquet held in New York City on July 13.

Below is the list of adult and YA book-length finalists, linked to their Booklist reviews when available. For a complete list of nominees, visit the ITW website.

Best Hardcover Novel

★ The Cabin at the End of the World, by Paul Tremblay

Jar of Hearts, by Jennifer Hillier

★ November Road, by Lou Berney

Paper Ghosts, by Julia Heaberlin

★ Pieces of Her, by Karin Slaughter

Best First Novel

Caged, by Ellison Cooper

The Chalk Man, by C. J. Tudor

★ Need to Know, by Karen Cleveland

Something in the Water, by Catherine Steadman

The Terminal List, by Jack Carr

Best Paperback Original Novel

Gone Dark, by Kirk Russell

The Good Samaritan, by John Marrs

The Lost Man, by Jane Harper

★ Mister Tender’s Girl, by Carter Wilson

The Naturalist, by Andrew Mayne

Best Young Adult Novel

Girl at the Grave, by Teri Bailey Black

The Lies They Tell, by Gillian French

People like Us, by Dana Mele

The Perfect Candidate, by Peter Stone

Warcross, by Marie Lu

Best E-Book Original Novel

Executive Force, by Gary Grossman

The Memory Detective, by T. S. Nichols

Murder on the Marshes, by Clare Chase

Pray for the Innocent, by Alan Orloff

The Reunion, by Samantha Hayes