Awards
The Spotted Owl is chosen by a volunteer committee of Friends of Mystery members, and is announced in the spring of the year. Judging is currently underway for the 2020 award.
Learn more about the Spotted Owl Award, including eligibility and submission requirements, here.
Spotted Owl Award news and updates continue below.
Mike Lawson Wins Spotted Owl for House Witness
The Friends of Mystery is proud to announce our 2019 Spotted Owl Award Winner, Mike Lawson for House Witness.
Ingrid Thoft wins Spotted Owl for Duplicity
The Friends of Mystery is proud to announce our 2018 Spotted Owl Award Winner, Ingrid Thoft for Duplicity.
Friends of Mystery Welcomes Robert Dugoni
Join Friends of Mystery on September 28, 2017 as we present Robert Dugoni with the 2017 Spotted Award for Best Mystery for The 7th Canon.
Friends of Mystery Welcomes Jon Talton
On September 22, 2016, Friends of Mystery welcomes Jon Talton to open our the 2016-2017 Bloody Thursday season.
Cain and Shaw Receive 2014 Spotted Owl Awards
Chelsea Cain and Johnny Shaw have been chosen as recipients of the twentieth annual Friends of Mystery Spotted Award. Cain is receiving her award for her book, One Kick, published in August 2014 by Simon & Schuster. Johnny Shaw is receiving his award for his book,...
Friends of Mystery Announces 2013 Spotted Owl Award
The winner of the 2013 Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl award is Mike Lawson for House Blood.
Friends of Mystery Announces 2012 Spotted Owl Award
The winner of the 2012 Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl award is Bill Cameron for County Line. The committee also selected Dove Season by Johnny Shaw to receive a special Stan Johnson Outstanding Debut Mystery award.
Spotted Owl Awards 2011 and Earlier
The history of the Spotted Owl Award for the years 2011 and earlier, including finalists.