Edgar Awards 1974: Complete list of winners

The 1974 Edgar Awards ceremony recognized another strong year for mystery and crime fiction, honoring the genre’s most compelling voices across multiple categories. Named after Edgar Allan Poe, the patriarch of detective fiction, the Edgar Awards have long served as the Mystery Writers of America’s premier distinction—a celebration of excellence in mystery, crime, and suspense writing that fans and critics alike hold in the highest regard.

This particular year saw some standout achievements, including Will Perry’s “Death of an Informer,” which earned the Edgar for Best Paperback Original. The paperback original category has always been something of a proving ground in the Edgar Awards, showcasing writers who’ve chosen to bypass traditional hardcover publication routes and go straight to the readers who devour mysteries by the armful. Perry’s win underscored the quality and legitimacy of paperback crime fiction during an era when the format was really hitting its stride with readers hungry for fast-paced, engaging stories.

The 1974 Edgar Awards winners reflected the vibrant state of mystery writing in the mid-seventies—a time when crime fiction was evolving rapidly, with new voices emerging alongside established masters. Whether you’re a devoted Edgar Awards follower or someone curious about what was resonating with crime fiction audiences nearly fifty years ago, this year’s selections offer a fascinating snapshot of the genre’s landscape.

Best Paperback Original

• Death of an Informer by Will Perry