The 2015 Agatha Award finalists have been announced. The Agathas recognize mysteries that best exemplify the work of Agatha Christie. Amongst the nominees you will find mysteries of the “cozy” variety, which steer clear of explicit sex, language or violence.

Among the nominees are:

Best Contemporary Novel
Long Upon the Land by Margaret Maron
The Child Garden by Catriona McPherson
Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
What You See by Hank Phillipi Ryan

Best Historical Novel
Malice at the Palace by Rhys Bowen
Dreaming Spies by Laurie R. King
Mrs Roosevelt’s Confidante by Susan Elia Macneal
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue by Victoria Thompson

Best Nonfiction
The Great Detective: the amazing rise and the immortal life of Sherlock Holmes by Zack Dundas
The Golden Age of Murder: the mystery of the writers who invented the modern detective story by Martin Edwards
The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook: wickedly good meals and desserts to die for by Kate White