Mick Herron, the author behind the groundbreaking Slow Horses series, has been honored with the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Diamond Dagger, marking his exceptional contributions to crime writing over the years. This award, recognized as the highest accolade within the genre, emphasizes sustained excellence and significant impact on crime literature.
Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, Herron has made waves across the literary world since defining his niche with the Slough House series. The announcement of him receiving the Diamond Dagger was made public just days ago, exciting both fans of the genre and the literary community alike.
The CWA, which was founded back in 1953 by author John Creasey, has become one of the foremost societies for crime writers. The awards have been celebrated annually since 1955, with previous winners such as Lynda La Plante, James Lee Burke, and Val McDermid. The organization awards its Diamond Dagger to authors who have made lasting contributions to the crime genre. Notably, the Diamond Dagger is often regarded as the ‘Oscar’ of the crime writing field, shining light on those who have made exemplary contributions over their careers.
Herron's literary career began with his first novel, Down Cemetery Road, which was published in 2003 and kicked off his Zoë Boehm series. Since then, he has gained widespread recognition for his Slough House series, with the first installment, Slow Horses, released in 2010. This series follows the lives of MI5 agents who have been designated to Slough House—an administrative purgatory for spies deemed incompetent. The book series not only captivated readers but has also been adapted for television, premiering on Apple TV+, featuring Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman as the cynical Jackson Lamb.
Vaseem Khan, chair of the CWA, expressed his delight at Herron receiving the award, stating, “I am delighted the Diamond Dagger judges have picked Mick as their recipient this year. Few could be more deserving. Mick is the quintessential writer's writer and his Slough House novels have, by general consensus, reinvented the spy thriller, going on to delight millions on the page and onscreen.” This reinforces the sentiment surrounding Herron’s work and its transformational impact on crime fiction.
Reflecting on his recognition, Herron shared his sentiments: “I’ve spent the best part of my life – not the majority of it; just the best part – in the crime writers’ community, and to receive this accolade from these friends and colleagues is both a career highlight and a personal joy. I’m touched and thrilled beyond measure, and will try to live up to the honour.” His words encapsulate the deep appreciation and connection he feels toward the genre and his community of fellow writers.
Over the years, Herron’s work has been lauded not only for its clever narrative but also for being reflective of contemporary societal issues, setting it apart from more traditional spy thrillers. The Slough House novels, combining dark humor and intricately woven plots, have garnered him numerous accolades, including the CWA Gold Dagger for Dead Lions (2013) and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for Spook Street (2017).
Beyond the Slough House series, Herron’s Zoë Boehm novels are also being adapted for television, showcasing the breadth of his creativity and storytelling prowess. The highly anticipated adaptation includes stars such as Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, hinting at Herron’s broad appeal across both literature and screen.
Notably, Herron is set to return to the writing scene after his latest installment, Clown Town, which will be the ninth book of the Slough House series, is expected to release this September. Fans can eagerly anticipate his portrayal of the MI5 team as they navigate through new dilemmas and misadventures.
With his multiple accolades and the upcoming adaptations of his work, Herron has established himself as not just a prolific writer, but also as one of the defining voices of contemporary crime fiction. The CWA Diamond Dagger is just the latest recognition of his extensive contributions to the genre. Herron, alongside the announcement of his newest book this fall, continues to capture the imagination of readers worldwide.
Traditionally, the CWA Diamond Dagger awards are presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards ceremony—often characterized as the highlight of the crime writing calendar. This year’s ceremony is set to take place on July 3. Herron has become part of the legacy within these prestigious awards, joining the ranks of esteemed authors recognized for their exceptional storytelling.
With the genre continuously developing and redefined by voices like Herron, the future of crime fiction looks bright, promising more captivating stories and characters for readers to explore.