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Celebrating CamCat Books’ 2022 Benjamin Franklin Award Winners!

Celebrating CamCat Books’ 2022 Benjamin Franklin Award Winners!

By Meredith Lyons Date: May 04, 2022 Tags: Company News

We’re so proud to share the following CamCat Books titles that are 2022 Benjamin Franklin Award Winners. 

The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award program, which includes fifty-six categories recognizing excellence in book editorial and design, is regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.

The awards are administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), with help from over 160 book publishing professionals including librarians, bookstore owners, reviewers, designers, publicity managers, and editors.

CamCat Books showed the highest number of nominations (nine) winning across the most categories (six).

See the complete list of the 34th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award winners here.

 

2022 Winners for Mystery & Thriller:

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the FICTION: MYSTERY & THRILLER category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH: SILVER

“Readers will have fun spotting the real-life inspirations for the characters, and the authentically described fight scenes will please martial arts enthusiasts.” —Publishers Weekly

“J. A. Crawford's debut is a pitch-perfect combination of action, mystery, and humor.” —Anthony Award-winning author Gigi Pandian

“Witty banter and whiz-bang plotting distinguish J. A. Crawford’s rollicking debut . . . Expertly choreographed fight sequences and spectacular set pieces amplify the story’s inherently cinematic feel, and the gratifying close will leave readers clamoring for a sequel.” —Mystery Scene Magazine, a 2021 Editor's Pick

 

THE WAYWARD SPY: SILVER

 

“Susan Ouellette has written a well-crafted page-turner that benefits not only from her imagination and way with words—but from her experience.” —Dr. Mark M. Lowenthal, Former CIA Assistant Director for Analysis; Former Staff Director, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

 “[A] gripping debut and series launch . . . Ouellette, a former CIA analyst, brings plenty of authenticity to this fast-paced spy thriller. Readers will look forward to Maggie’s further adventures.” —Publishers Weekly

“Every once in a decade you read a book like The Wayward Spy, which is thrilling, addictive, and sends you reading more thrillers, but you’ll go back to this stunning book by Susan Ouellette and reread this tour de force.” —The Strand Magazine, a Top 12 Book of the Year

 

2022 Winner for Science Fiction & Fantasy:

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the FICTION: SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

THE BRASS QUEEN: GOLD

“With a satisfying bite, this steampunk venture includes an insightful twist on the British Empire, making frequent nods to Queen Victoria's bloodthirstiness and the era's inequitable treatment of women. Best of all, Constance stays center stage: a feisty, lovable heroine who is capable of rescuing herself, thank you very much.” —Foreword Reviews

 

“I loved The Brass Queen: hilarious, with a very tongue-in-cheek dry wit and delightful imagery. One of those books that you don't want to put down because they're just so much fun.” —Genevieve Cogman, author of the Invisible Library series

 

2022 Winner for Audiobook: Fiction:

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the AUDIOBOOK: FICTION category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

 

THE GIRL IN THE CORN: GOLD

“[An] unholy mash-up of creepy, high-body-count paranormal thrills . . . Readers will find themselves well sated before the end.” —Publishers Weekly

“This was an outstanding blend of horror, speculative fiction, and apocalyptic fantasy topped with madness . . . The Girl in the Corn is one of the first great horror novels of 2022.” —Horror DNA

“Norse mythology gives this story . . . a unique touch [with] an exhilarating conclusion.” —Booklist

 

2022 Winners for Best New Voice: Fiction:

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the BEST NEW VOICE: FICTION category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

THE GHOSTS OF THORWALD PLACE: GOLD

“[An] enticing debut . . . Distinctive characters complement the original plot.” —Publishers Weekly

“By turns dark, funny, suspenseful, and shocking, Power's assured debut nimbly probes the shadows that shroud human hearts . . . The pace motors, the story twists, and Kae's terror, frustration, and rage are positively palpable.” —Mystery Scene Magazine, a 2021 Editor's Pick

“A creative, compulsively readable mystery . . . I couldn’t put it down.” —Jo Kaplan, author of It Will Just Be Us

 

DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING: SILVER

“. . . an unforgettable fantasy novel about love, freedom, and the discovery of self-worth.” —Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

“The heat and romance of the desert, the push and the pull of Emel’s desperation, and the magic and humanity of a caustic jinni make Daughter of the Salt King an irresistible ride.” —Amy Harmon, New York Times bestselling author

“This riveting debut novel will leave readers eagerly awaiting Thornton’s future works.” —Booklist

2022 Winner for Teen Fiction (13-18 Years):

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the TEEN: FICTION (13-18 YEARS) category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

 

THE LADY OR THE LION: SILVER

“Aamna Qureshi writes of a world steeped in rich culture and tumultuous politics with an expert hand. The Lady or The Lion is a gorgeous read.” —Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

“VERDICT A clever twist on a classic tale, this is one to purchase for library shelves as readers will be eager to know what happens next.” —School Library Journal

2022 Winners for Audiobook: Children's/Young Adult:

See below for the list of 2022 winners in the AUDIOBOOK: CHILDREN'S/YOUNG ADULT category, for books with a copyright date of 2021.

GOLD SPUN: SILVER

“June shines in this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin . . . with memorable characters that will appeal to a broad range of fantasy readers.” —School Library Journal

“Unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections . . .” —Midwest Book Review

“Gold Spun was a delightful retelling worthy of the genre . . . I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the sequel!” —YA Books Central

 

THE LADY OR THE LION: SILVER

“Qureshi sets up a world in which readers can easily lose themselves . . . this is a notable debut with an original point of view and a riveting plot.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections . . .” —Midwest Book Review