The Deutscher Krimipreis 2024, one of Germany’s most prestigious awards for crime fiction, announced its winners on December 27. Once again, this prize highlights groundbreaking works that combine suspense, social commentary, and striking character portraits. In both the “national” and “international” categories, authors have pushed the boundaries of the genre.
National category
1st place: Thomas Knüwer, Das Haus in dem Gudelia stirbt (Pendragon)
Thomas Knüwer’s striking debut, Das Haus in dem Gudelia stirbt, takes readers to the fictional village of Unterlingen, devastated by a storm. The narrative, spanning three timelines – 1984, 1998, and today – follows Gudelia Krol, an elderly woman whose dark past remains unshaken by time. Refusing to leave her home despite the encroaching floods, Gudelia clings steadfastly to her most harrowing secret.
Knüwer’s writing impresses with its narrative depth and dramatic tension. Tobias Gohlis of Deutschlandfunk Kulturhailed the work as bold and compelling, placing Gudelia among the great figures of world literature. Knüwer showcases a remarkable ability to blend psychological insight with gripping storytelling.
2nd place: Matthias Wittekindt, Hinterm Deich (Kampa)
In Hinterm Deich, Matthias Wittekindt immerses readers in the daily life of Manz, a young police intern in the coastal village of Sandesiel. With fatal accidents, rumors of a farmer’s abuse, and suspicions of pesticide poisoning, the story weaves a complex web of intrigue that questions the boundaries between justice and truth.
Wittekindt, an architect, playwright, and seasoned author, is praised for his narrative virtuosity and finely crafted dialogues. Joachim Feldmann of CulturMag commends his ability to elevate the mundane into a stage for universal human conflicts.
3rd place: Karina Urbach, Das Haus am Gordon Place (Limes)
Urbach delivers a captivating novel spanning two eras: Vienna in 1948 and London in 2024. With a plot centered around an MI6 agent and a historian investigating a murder, the story explores historical secrets and their modern repercussions. Based on true events, Das Haus am Gordon Place invites readers to delve into the gray areas of history.
International category: global perspectives on crime
1st place: Jake Lamar, Das schwarze Chamäleon (Edition Nautilus)
Translated from English by Robert Brack, Jake Lamar’s novel, originally published in 2001, remains strikingly relevant. Following Clay Robinette, a former journalist turned professor, the plot critiques identity politics and academic rivalries with sharp wit. When Clay becomes embroiled in a murder involving a student he once had an affair with, the tension escalates, leaving readers on edge.
Critic Kirsten Reimers (der Freitag) highlights the novel’s satirical force and social depth, as it incisively questions dynamics of power, race, and class.
2nd place: Lavie Tidhar, Maror (Suhrkamp)
In Maror, Lavie Tidhar delves into Israel’s history through the eyes of two contrasting police officers. By shedding light on corruption, power, and crime, Tidhar paints a dark and nuanced portrait of Israeli society. The fast-paced and brutal narrative illustrates the sacrifices made to maintain a precarious state balance.
Sonja Hartl of SWR applauds Tidhar’s provocative approach, which transcends genre conventions to deliver incisive critique without moralizing.
3rd place: Lisa Cody, Die Schnellimbissdetektivin (Ariadne/Argument)
With a touch of dark humor and vibrant writing, Lisa Cody portrays Hannah Abram, a former police officer turned amateur detective working at a shabby snack bar. Between quirky investigations and reflections on social inequalities, the novel offers both a critical and entertaining look at precarious lives.
Sylvia Staude (Frankfurter Rundschau) praises Cody’s talent for writing dialogues that feel natural yet impactful, addressing sensitive topics with lightness and acuity.
