| 2020 |
Elly Griffiths — The Stranger Diaries |
| 2017 |
Noah Hawley |
| 2015 |
Stephen King — Mr. Mercedes |
| 2013 |
Dennis Lehane — Live by Night |
| 2012 |
Mo Hayder |
| 2004 |
Ian Rankin — Resurrection Men |
| 2003 |
S. J. Rozan |
| 2000 |
Jan Burke |
| 1997 |
Thomas H. Cook |
| 1996 |
Dick Francis — Q12764189 |
| 1984 |
Elmore Leonard — LaBrava |
| 1981 |
Dick Francis — Whip Hand |
| 1979 |
Ken Follett — Eye of the Needle |
| 1977 |
Robert B. Parker — Promised Land |
| 1972 |
Frederick Forsyth — The Day of the Jackal |
| 1971 |
Maj Sjöwall — The Laughing Policeman |
| 1970 |
Dick Francis — Forfeit |
| 1969 |
Michael Crichton — A Case of Need |
| 1965 |
John le Carré — The Spy Who Came in from the Cold |
| 1964 |
Eric Ambler — The Light of Day |
| 1961 |
Julian Symons — The Progress of a Crime |
| 1959 |
Stanley Ellin — The Eight Circle |
| 1958 |
Ed Lacy — Room to Swing |
| 1956 |
Margaret Millar — Beast in View |
| 1955 |
Raymond Chandler — The Long Goodbye |