On May 1, Jerry Ohrbach, Broadway veteran and current star of TV's Law & Order, hosted the Mystery Writers of America's 57th annual Edgar Awards banquet at New York City's Grand Hyatt Hotel. The customarily convivial event was attended by more than 700 authors, editors, agents and other publishing professionals. In contrast with last year, the proceedings moved along smoothly and swiftly ("I was told I have 90 seconds," quipped newly elected MWA president Michael Connelly in his introductory remarks). An unexpected musical interlude was provided by Peter Duchin, pianist and fledgling mystery author, whose Blue Moon was published last fall by Berkley Prime Crime. Syndicated columnist Liz Smith brought down the house with her sung (well, sort of) rendition of the pop fave "Blue Moon," with lyrics amusingly tailored to suit the evening.
The winners in some 20 categories included Winter and Night (St. Martin's Minotaur) by S.J. Rozan (Best Novel), The Blue Edge of Midnight (Dutton) by Jonathon King (Best First Novel by an American) and Out of Sight (Pinnacle) by T.J. MacGregor (Best Paperback Original). Ira Levin was inducted as a Grand Master, while Dick Wolf, Law & Order creator, received a Special Edgar Award.
