Macavity Awards
Reader-voted awards from Mystery Readers International honoring the best in mystery fiction, named after T.S. Eliot's mystery cat.
About the Macavity Awards
The Macavity Awards are presented annually by Mystery Readers International, the largest mystery fan organization in the world. Named after the "Mystery Cat" in T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," the awards honor excellence in the mystery genre as selected by readers.
Mystery Readers International was founded in 1982 and publishes the Mystery Readers Journal, a quarterly publication covering mystery fiction. The Macavity Awards represent the voice of dedicated mystery readers who vote for their favorites each year.
Categories
- Best Mystery Novel - Outstanding mystery/crime novel
- Best First Mystery Novel - Debut mystery novel
- Best Mystery Short Story - Short mystery fiction
- Best Mystery Nonfiction - True crime and mystery-related nonfiction
- Sue Feder Memorial Award - Best historical mystery
Nomination and Voting
Members of Mystery Readers International nominate and vote for the Macavity Awards. Nominations open early in the year, with a shortlist announced in summer. Final voting takes place through the summer, with winners announced at Bouchercon each fall.
Recent Macavity Award Winners - Best Mystery Novel
| Year | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | All the Sinners Bleed | S.A. Cosby |
| 2023 | Razorblade Tears | S.A. Cosby |
| 2022 | The Maid | Nita Prose |
| 2021 | The Thursday Murder Club | Richard Osman |
| 2020 | The Boy from the Woods | Harlan Coben |
| 2019 | A Better Man | Louise Penny |
| 2018 | An Unwanted Guest | Shari Lapena |
| 2017 | Glass Houses | Louise Penny |
| 2016 | A Great Reckoning | Louise Penny |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can vote for the Macavity Awards?
Voting is open to members of Mystery Readers International. Membership includes a subscription to the Mystery Readers Journal and voting privileges for the Macavity Awards.
Why are they called "Macavity" Awards?
The awards are named after Macavity the Mystery Cat from T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." Macavity is described as a master criminal who always evades capture - "the Napoleon of Crime."
What is the Sue Feder Memorial Award?
Named after the late Sue Feder, a beloved member of the mystery community, this award specifically honors the best historical mystery novel of the year.
When are winners announced?
Macavity Award winners are traditionally announced at Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, held each fall in a different city.