Edgar Awards Best Novel Novels & Stories

Jarred shouted, making everyone laugh. CEO Reyes chuckled. “Right, my bad! Rule number one in Arrow — no plagiarism!” Laughter echoed through the hall. Then he looked back at me, eyes warm. “Kidding aside — I have some good news. Our dear Sin has been nominated for the National Book Award for her debut novel, The Four Seasons of Love! For the first time in twenty years, we finally have a nominee!” Applause erupted. I blinked in disbelief. My heart pounded so hard I almost forgot to breathe.

silence filled the air as the woman slowly took the name out of the envelope. “Our winner is Elysia Alderidge, for the book ‘The woman he could never love.’” John Mickelson smiled, applauding as he watched her mount the stage again to receive it, the surprise, quite evident on his face since he knew that for the past eight years, it has always been between him and Freya. “Wow,” he muttered under his breath. “I guess there's someone new in the game. I'm impressed.” “And lastly, for this distinguished storyteller award, we have names that have won today, but surprisingly, the winner is…Emily Donovan!”

Polite applause. “Most Realistic… Lucas Davenport!” More clapping. I squeezed Eddie’s shoulder. His fingers crossed behind his back. “And finally,” Darlene smiled, “our Imagination Award goes to… Eddie Emerson for Sparkle Fang: King of the Volcano Lake!” The room burst into polite applause as Eddie’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Holy smokes!” he yelped, bolting up front. Claire whooped, and I clapped so hard my palms stung. He accepted the ribbon — a neon blue one with glittery writing — and posed beside Darlene as someone snapped a picture.