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Mystery Writers of America to Honor Mystery Loves Company and Books & Books Bookstores at 2007 Edgar® Awards
Al Roker of NBC’s “Today” to Host Awards Banquet

December 7, 2006—New York, NY—Two bookstores, which have been major supporters of fiction and non-fiction crime writers, will be honored by Mystery Writers of America with the Raven Award for 2007. Kathy and Tom Harig of Mystery Loves Company bookstore, and Mitchell Kaplan of Books & Books bookstore will be presented with the Raven at the 2007 Edgar® Awards Banquet to be hosted by Al Roker of NBC’s “Today.” Established in 1953, the Raven is awarded by MWA’s Board of Directors for outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing.

Kathy and Tom Harig are being presented with the Raven for the role that Mystery Loves Company has played in supporting the careers of hundreds of established and emerging crime writers, and in connecting mystery enthusiasts from the Maryland community with authors. Mystery Loves Company’s two stores are located in Baltimore and Oxford, Maryland.

Mitchell Kaplan of Books & Books is being presented with the award for the support that his Books & Books bookstores have given writers over the years, as well as for his leadership in founding and chairing the largest book fair in the country, Miami Book Fair International. Books & Books’ three stores are located in Florida’s Miami-Dade County.
The awards ceremony where the bookstores will be honored is being hosted for the very first time by NBC “Today” co-host and mystery novel fan, Al Roker. Of his Edgar Awards hosting duties, Roker stated, “It’s no mystery why I am honored to host the mystery writer’s awards, as I am a huge fan of mysteries. I am really excited and happy to be a part of the festivities.”
Also being honored at the Edgar Awards is international bestselling author and master of suspense, Stephen King. King will receive the coveted Grand Master Award: the highest award bestowed on an individual by the Mystery Writers of America.
The Edgar Awards, or "Edgars," as they are commonly known, are named after Mystery Writers of America's patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are awarded to authors of distinguished work in various categories. The Edgar Awards Banquet will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, NYC, on April 26, 2007. This year’s event is being chaired and produced by author P. J. Parrish (Kris Montee and Kelly Nichols).

About Mystery Writers of America
Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. MWA is dedicated to promoting higher regard for crime writing and recognition and respect for those who write within the genre. We provide scholarships for writers, sponsor MWA:Reads (our youth literacy program), sponsor symposia and conferences, present the Edgar Awards, and conduct other activities to further a better appreciation and higher regard for crime writing. With 11 chapters covering the 50 states, membership is open to the public, and you need not reside in the U.S. to join. MWA is a nonprofit organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. www.mysterywriters.org