Edgar Awards 1979: Complete list of winners

The 1979 Edgar Awards ceremony celebrated another year of exceptional mystery and crime fiction, honoring the genre’s finest works and writers. Named after Edgar Allan Poe, the Edgars have long stood as the mystery community’s most prestigious recognition, and this particular year’s selections reflected the vibrant diversity of crime writing that was flourishing throughout the late 1970s. The awards, presented by the Mystery Writers of America, continue to be the gold standard for identifying the year’s most compelling mysteries, thrillers, and detective novels—whether in hardcover, paperback, or any other format.

Among the standout selections that year was Frank Bandy’s Deceit and Deadly Lies, which took home the Edgar for Best Paperback Original. This recognition was particularly significant, as the paperback original category has always been a crucial proving ground for mystery writers, often highlighting fresh voices and innovative storytelling that might not have found their way into traditional hardcover releases. Bandy’s win demonstrated that exceptional crime fiction could emerge from any market segment, and that the Mystery Writers of America’s judging panel remained committed to recognizing quality storytelling regardless of a book’s initial publication format.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of 1979 Edgar Award winners and finalists, showcasing the breadth of talent the mystery genre celebrated that year.

Best Paperback Original

• Deceit and Deadly Lies by Frank Bandy