I’m pleased to share that Hessman’s Necklace has been named a Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense: Hard-Boiled/Crime category of the 2026 American Fiction Awards. Organized each year by American Book Fest, the American Fiction Awards recognize outstanding achievements in both independent and mainstream publishing across a broad spectrum of genres. The program is known for highlighting a diverse range of voices and rewarding innovation in contemporary fiction. With hundreds of entries submitted annually, it’s gratifying to see my novel included among so many notable works.
Just a couple of months ago, Hessman’s Necklace was also selected as a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. (Read about that here.) Having the book acknowledged by both programs is a meaningful encouragement, and I’m grateful for the support and interest from readers and the mystery and suspense community.
From its early days as a short story to its evolution into a full-length novel, Hessman’s Necklace has been quite a journey. Each bit of recognition along the way, including this most recent honor, has made the effort all the more worthwhile.
You can find the full list of finalists and winners here:
https://www.americanbookfest.com/2026afafullresults.html. The novel is still available to purchase at Amazon and the publisher.