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 outing for the author’s more recent creation, DS Declan Miller.
It’s 25 years since Billingham’s debut novel Sleepyhead became an instant bestseller. It launched a prolific career as a novelist, with a further 18 books in the hugely popular series and a TV mini series featuring David Morrissey. The latest Thorne book, What the Night Brings, was published in June 2025 and is Billingham’s 25th book.
With such a body of work in the book bag, it seems only right that Birmingham-born Billingham has been named as the 2026 recipient of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Diamond Dagger – an award that recognises authors whose crime writing careers are marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre.
The CWA was founded in 1953 by John Creasey and the awards started in 1955 – with Winston Graham, best known for Poldark, as the first holder. Previous Diamond Dagger recipients include Mick Herron, Lynda La Plante, James Lee Burke, Walter Mosley, Lee Child, Lawrence Block, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Martina Cole, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Ruth Rendell, PD James, Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill and John le Carré.
Billingham worked as an actor and stand-up comedian before becoming a full-time author, best known for playing the role of Gary in the cult children’s TV show, Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. He is also a member of The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of bestselling crime and thriller writers (Val McDermid, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone, Stuart Neville, and Chris Brookmyre) who performed at Glastonbury in 2019 and 2024.
In 2022, Billingham won the CWA’s Dagger in the Library, voted by librarians, for his body of work. He’s also been awarded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year twice.
Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said: “Across a remarkable body of work, Mark has consistently set the bar for contemporary crime fiction, while also being generous with his time and support to emerging writers. His influence on the genre extends far beyond his own novels, shaping the crime writing community as a whole. For his outstanding contribution to crime fiction, his lasting impact on readers and writers alike, and his commitment to the genre, Mark Billingham is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Diamond Dagger.”
Billingham said, “Presuming this is not an administrative error, I could not be more thrilled or honoured. To be added to a list that features most of my literary heroes is fantastic. That so many are also friends is the icing on the cake and, for me, a mark of how very special the crime-writing community is.”
Nominations for the CWA Diamond Dagger are recommended by CWA members. Industry experts then narrow these down to a shortlist. and the winner is then voted for by a panel of past winners. It will be presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards on 2 July. Congratulations, Mr Billingham!
If you haven’t read it yet, Sleepyhead is a classic of British crime fiction. Grab a copy with our link below.
