Arthur Ellis isn’t just Canada’s most famous hangman.  He’s also the namesake behind the Arthur Ellis Awards, which has honoured the best Canadian crime writing since 1984! 

This year’s nominations cover non-fiction, mysteries, thrillers, short stories, novellas, and stories for younger readers. Each winner receives the “Arthur” award–a condemned wooden man who flails around when a string is pulled.  It’s definitely the grisliest of the literary awards…   

A full list of the nominees has been published by the Crime Writers of Canada: 
http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/awards/arthur-ellis-awards/current-contest/shortlists
 

Winners will be announced on May 25.