Crime Novelist Mark Billingham Wins Diamond Dagger Award

Actor turned crime writer Mark Billingham honoured with prestigious award

The Tom Thorne creator, whose books have sold millions of copies, is named the 2026 recipient of the illustrious Diamond Dagger by the Crime Writers' Association

Crime novelist Mark Billingham wins Diamond Dagger award

Mark Billingham, who was born in Birmingham, says he is thrilled and honoured.

Mark Billingham given Diamond Dagger for ‘sustained excellence’ in crime writing

He said he ‘could not be more thrilled or honoured’ with the award from the Crime Writers’ Association.

Mark Billingham awarded Diamond Dagger for ‘sustained excellence’ in crime writing

‘Presuming this is not an administrative error, I could not be more thrilled or honoured,’ joked the author upon receiving the award

Mark Billingham wins the 2026 CWA Diamond Dagger Award

Our site’s first encounter with actor-turned-crime-writer Mark Billingham was way back in 2012, when he chatted to us about World Book Night. We’ve been reviewing his books on the site ever since – starting with the irascible police detective Tom Thorne, and continuing to 2025’s... The post Mark Billingham wins the 2026 CWA Diamond Dagger Award first appeared on Crime Fiction Lover.