Edgar Awards 1978: Complete list of winners

The Mystery Writers of America have been honoring the finest in detective fiction, espionage thrillers, and crime novels since 1946, and the 1978 Edgar Awards proved to be a landmark year for recognizing excellence across the genre. Named after Edgar Allan Poe himself, the Edgars remain one of the most prestigious accolades in mystery and crime writing, celebrated by authors and readers alike as the true measure of quality storytelling in the field. The 1978 ceremony highlighted the diversity of talent working in crime fiction at the time, from established masters to rising stars proving themselves in the paperback original category.

One of the standout honors that year went to Mike Jahn for The Quark Maneuver, which took home the Edgar for Best Paperback Original. This recognition underscored an important truth about the awards: that thrilling, expertly crafted crime fiction didn’t need a hardcover pedigree to earn the Mystery Writers of America’s respect. Jahn’s win reflected the growing vitality of the paperback market and the caliber of writers willing to take risks in that format. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the Edgar Awards winners or just discovering the legacy of mystery fiction’s greatest honors, the 1978 recipients offer a fascinating snapshot of what captivated readers and critics during that particular moment in crime literature.

Below, explore the full list of 1978 Edgar Award winners and finalists:

Best Paperback Original

• The Quark Maneuver by Mike Jahn