Seventh Street Books® stands as a dedicated imprint of Start SF, passionately committed to publishing exceptional mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. We believe that within the pages of crime fiction lies a powerful narrative force, capable of gripping readers and exploring the depths of human nature. Our focus is unwavering: to bring you stories that are not only thrilling and suspenseful but also meticulously crafted and deeply resonant.
Our dedication to quality is reflected in the numerous accolades our titles have received. We are proud to have published award-winning books recognized by prestigious organizations within the crime fiction community. These awards underscore our commitment to seeking out and promoting authors who excel in the art of storytelling within the mystery, thriller, and crime genres. Some of our celebrated titles include:
- TURN TO STONE by James Ziskin: Winner of the 2021 Barry Award for Best Paperback Original.
- THE LIFE WE BURY: Recipient of the Left Coast Crime Rosebud Award for Best Debut Mystery and the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original. This novel was also a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award for Best Genre Novel and the Anthony Award for Best First Novel.
- THE HEAVENS MAY FALL by Allen Eskens: Winner of the 2017 Minnesota Book Award for Best Genre Novel.
- A BRILLIANT DEATH by Robin Yocum: Nominee for the Edgar® Award for Best Paperback Original in 2017.
- HEART OF STONE by James W. Ziskin: Nominee for the Edgar® Award for Best Paperback Original in 2017.
- STONE COLD DEAD by James W. Ziskin: Finalist for the 2016 Anthony and Barry Awards for Best Paperback Original.
- WOMAN WITH A BLUE PENCIL by Gordon McAlpine: Nominee for the Edgar® Award for Best Paperback Original in 2016.
- THE NECESSARY MURDER OF NONIE BLAKE by Terry Shames: Winner of the 2016 RT Book Review Contemporary Mystery Award.
- A KILLING AT COTTON HILL by Terry Shames: Winner of the 2014 Macavity Award for Best First Mystery.
- THE BLACK HOUR by Lori Rader-Day: Winner of the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and the 2015 Lovey Award For Best First Novel. It was also a finalist for multiple awards including the Mary Higgins Clark Award and the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original.
- LITTLE PRETTY THINGS by Lori Rader-Day: Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award in 2016.
- FEAR OF BEAUTY by Susan Froetschel: Finalist for the 2014 Mary Higgins Clark Award and other accolades.
The name Seventh Street Books® is deliberately chosen to honor the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, a true pioneer of the mystery genre. Poe’s groundbreaking work, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” published while he resided in Philadelphia, is widely recognized as the first detective story, laying the foundation for generations of crime fiction writers. Interestingly, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia is situated in a preserved residence located on North Seventh Street, a direct connection that inspires our imprint’s name and our commitment to innovative and impactful storytelling in the realm of mystery and crime. We strive to embody Poe’s spirit of ingenuity and suspense as we continue to publish compelling and unforgettable crime fiction for today’s readers.
