The Dagger in the Library (Golden Handcuffs in 1992–1994) is an annual award given by the British Crime Writers' Association to a particular "living author who has given the most pleasure to readers". Yearly shortlists are drawn up of the ten authors most nominated, online, by readers, and the final decision is made by a panel of librarians. It was sponsored by Random House until 2015.
Winners
2020s
- 2025 – Richard Osman
- 2024 – Anthony Horowitz
- 2023 – Sophie Hannah
- 2022 – Mark Billingham
- 2021 – Peter May
- 2020 – Christopher Brookmyre
2010s
- 2019 – Kate Ellis
- 2018 – Martin Edwards
- 2017 – Mari Hannah
- 2016 – Elly Griffiths
- 2015 – Christopher Fowler
- 2014 – Sharon Bolton
- 2013 – Belinda Bauer
- 2012 – Steve Mosby
- 2011 – Mo Hayder
- 2010 – Ariana Franklin
2000s
- 2009 – Colin Cotterill
- 2008 – Craig Russell
- 2007 – Stuart MacBride
- 2006 – Jim Kelly
- 2005 – Jake Arnott
- 2004 – Alexander McCall Smith
- 2003 – Stephen Booth
- 2002 – Peter Robinson
- 2000 – 2001 – in abeyance
1990s
- 1997 – 1999 – in abeyance
- 1996 – Marian Babson
- 1995 – Lindsey Davis
- 1994 – Robert Barnard
- 1993 – Margaret Yorke
- 1992 – Catherine Aird
