Mystery Writers of America Name Laura Lippman and John Sandford Grand Masters of 2025 Edgar Awards

Mar. 15, 2025

John Sandford and Laura Lippman.Photo:Star Tribune via Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Star Tribune via Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

The Mystery Writers of America (MWA) confirmed the two writers as the special awards winners in a news release shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The writers will accept their awards at the 79th Annual Edgar Awards Ceremony on May 1 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.

The Grand Master Award celebrates the recipients' achievements in mystery writing, extensive body of work and impactful contributions to the genre.

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“Laura Lippman’s contributions to the mystery genre as a writer, a teacher and a role model for aspiring writers — especially women writers — make her a wonderful choice for Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master,” said MWA Executive Vice President Donna Andrews. “And as someone who’s been a fan of John Sandford since the first few pages ofRules of Prey, I’m overjoyed to see him getting the well-deserved recognition of being named MWA Grand Master."

Life Sentences By Laura Lippman.Amazon

Amazon

New York Timesbestselling novelist Lippman has been named one of the “essential” crime writers of the last century, having been shortlisted for several major awards for her work which includes 25 novels, two short story collections, a book of essays, a children’s book and a 2024 limited series based on her 2019 novelLady in the Lake, per the release.

The Atlanta-born writer said receiving the honor was “humbling” and a dream come true.”

“Even now that I’ve been given some time to absorb the news — it still feels like a dream come true,” said Lippman, who resides in New Orleans and Baltimore. “I have always been proud to be associated with the crime-writing community and MWA, both of which have given me so much over the past three decades. Truly — obviously — words fail me.”

Toxic Prey By John Sanford.Amazon

“Believe me when I say I’m extremely flattered to be included in the company of so many great storytellers, people I’ve read and admired for years,” said Sandford. “My thanks to the MWA and all its members.”

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MWA also announced that the 2025 Raven Award recipient is Face in a Book Bookstore & Gifts the and Ellery Queen Award recipient is Peter Wolverton of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.

MWA is an organization established for aspiring crime writers, mystery writers and professionals dedicated to the crime-writing genre and currently has 3,000 members including authors of fiction and nonfiction books, screen and television writers.

source: people.com