Laura McCluskey’s The Wolf Tree wins the 2026 CWA John Creasey Dagger

Laura McCluskey’s bestselling novel, The Wolf Tree, has won the coveted Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Dagger, awarded to the best debut crime novel published in the UK.

Of the book, the judges’ said:

“A tense, atmospheric thriller, perfectly interweaving suspense and folk horror. This compelling story, laced with superstition, explores the dark underbelly of an isolated community to devastating effect. Laura McCluskey is a unique new voice in crime fiction.”

The Wolf Tree has been previously shortlisted for the 2026 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, and was one of the highest selling Australian debuts of 2025.

McCluskey joins a4 Literary authors Chris Hammer and Hayley Scrivenor in taking out this prestigeous award win.

A huge congratulations to Laura from all of us at a4!