Eugenio Fuentes Wins 2026 Ciudad de Santa Cruz Criminal Novel Award for 'Wendy'
Eugenio Fuentes’ novel Wendy has been awarded the 2026 Ciudad de Santa Cruz Criminal Novel Award, marking a significant recognition for the work's psychological depth and contribution to Spanish crime fiction.
Spanish crime fiction has a new standard-bearer. This week, the Tenerife Noir Festival announced that the 2026 Ciudad de Santa Cruz Criminal Novel Award has been granted to Wendy, a novel by Eugenio Fuentes published by Tusquets. The award, which will be formally presented this October, celebrates a story that moves beyond traditional genre tropes to explore deeper psychological and social themes.
The prize includes 3,000 euros—the largest cash award for this category in Spain—and remains the longest-running competition for previously published works. This year, the jury reviewed 52 entries, highlighting the enduring popularity of the genre. The panel was chaired by Javier Rivero Grandoso, director of the Antonio Lozano Chair at the University of La Laguna, and included experts Eduardo García Rojas, Iñaki Valdés, Erminda Pérez, and Charo González, with Alejandro Martín serving as secretary.
Festival organizers noted that Fuentes’ work successfully balances suspense with a humanistic touch, proving that crime fiction can continue to evolve with greater literary depth. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council also used the announcement to reaffirm its support for the arts, positioning the city as a key hub for literature and critical thinking.
The announcement was particularly poignant due to the recent passing of Beatriz de Moura, a legendary figure at Tusquets Editores. The jury dedicated the award to her memory, noting that the success of Wendy reflects the lasting legacy she left on contemporary Spanish literature. By honoring this work, the competition continues to serve as a vital gauge for the health and future of the noir genre in Spain.