The Agatha Awards have once again closed out Malice Domestic with a new set of winners, celebrating the kind of traditional mysteries that keep readers guessing without leaning on graphic violence or hard‑boiled grit. Named in honour of Agatha Christie, the awards are voted on by fans and attendees of the annual convention, which remains one of the most beloved gatherings in the mystery community.
Each year, the Agathas spotlight books and stories that follow in the footsteps of Christie’s classic approach to crime fiction: clever puzzles, strong characters, and a focus on wit and deduction. The 2025 titles were recognized at the Malice Domestic 38 ceremony, and the final ballot brought together a mix of established favourites and exciting new voices.
Below are the winners across all six categories:
2025 Agatha Award Winners
- Best Contemporary Novel: At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigley
The fifth book in the “Deep Dish Mysteries” series, At Death’s Dough has pizza chef Delilah O’Leary dating a descendant of Al Capone… But when a discovery sends shockwaves through Geneva Bay, Delilah must help Capone solve a mystery.
- Best Historical Novel: The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver
The beginning of the “Detection Club” series features Agatha Christie herself at the centre of a mystery. After a fellow author turns up dead, and Agatha goes missing, everyone assumes she’s the guilty party. Assistant to secretary Dorothy Sayers, Eliza Baker, is the only one interested in finding the truth.
- Best First Novel: Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover
After opening a literary-themed cocktail lounge in his hometown, Reece Parker finds his fresh start shaken when a customer is found dead behind the bar. Determined to clear his name and save his business, he dives into the investigation – risking far more than he expected.
- Best Non-Fiction: Vacations Can Be Murder, Volume 1 by Dawn M. Barclay
A guide for true crime enthusiasts, this book explores infamous cases across New England while highlighting the exact locations tied to them. Blending history, travel tips, and themed itineraries, it offers a unique way to experience the region’s darker side.
- Best Children’s/Young Adult: Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala
Teen sleuth Danika Dizon uses her knack for tarot and deduction to help classmates – until a client disappears after a chilling reading. As she investigates with the girl’s sister, Danika uncovers dangerous secrets that someone is determined to keep hidden.
- Best Short Story: Six-Armed Robbery by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier (in Malice Domestic: Mystery Most Humorous)
“Six-Armed Robbery” by Ashley-Ruth Bernier is a humorous mystery short story featured in the anthology Malice Domestic: Mystery Most Humorous. Like the other stories in the collection, it blends crime with comedy.
Also honoured were Donna Andrews, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Malice Domestic, and Lucy Worsley, who received the Poirot Award (for significant contributions to the genre).
Congrats to all of the winners and nominees!
This year’s winners reflect the wide range of voices writing in traditional mystery today, from cozy culinary crime to historical mystery to sharp, character‑driven short fiction. It is always a pleasure to see how the community continues to evolve while still honouring the roots of the genre.
For more on the Agatha Awards, please visit MaliceDomestic.net.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Based near Toronto, Brandon is a news writer and Book Specialist for Book Notification who covers the world of books, maintains author pages, writes a variety of content, and is an avid reader of non-fiction and biographies.