New International Crime Novel Prize Launched in Honor of Editor Ángeles Alonso

The launch of the Ángeles Alonso International Crime Novel Prize is a major boost for Spanish-language crime fiction and a fitting tribute to one of the Canary Islands' most influential cultural figures. The initiative is a partnership between the publisher Baile del Sol, the Wine & Cheese Bar, and Producciones Mirmidón, created to honor the memory of the late editor, who passed away earlier this year.

Announced on Book Day, the award celebrates a career that was essential to shaping the Canary Islands' publishing scene since the 1990s. As a co-founder of Baile del Sol, Alonso’s influence reached far beyond the islands. She was instrumental in organizing the International African Book Fair (SILA) and worked closely with organizations like Casa África to promote African authors and foster connections between Hispanists. Her leadership in establishing the first association of publishers in the region was also a turning point for the professionalization of the local industry.

The prize offers a 3,000-euro award, and the winning manuscript will be published by Baile del Sol. Submissions open on June 15 and close on October 1, with the winner to be announced on April 23, 2027.

This award arrives as crime fiction continues to gain popularity as a powerful tool for social commentary. By linking this genre to a woman who spent 30 years breaking down geographical barriers and championing diverse voices, the organizers hope to keep alive the spirit of an editor who believed in literature without borders—a medium capable of connecting different worlds through the written word.