Kay A. Oliver Clinches Gold Award at The BookFest® Awards for Mystery Novel

Kay A. Oliver has been honored with the Gold First-Place award in the inaugural Book Series Category at The BookFest® Awards Spring 2025, recognizing her exceptional literary work 'Before the Next Kill'. The novel, the third installment in the award-winning Shaws Investigation Series, demonstrates Oliver's mastery of the mystery genre and her ability to craft compelling narrative experiences.

The BookFest® Awards, renowned for celebrating outstanding fiction and nonfiction works, selected Oliver's novel from a highly competitive field of submissions. The award highlights the book's innovative storytelling and its significant contribution to contemporary crime fiction. In 'Before the Next Kill', Oliver introduces readers to husband-and-wife detective team Jade and Keri Shaw, who find themselves entangled in a dangerous cold case investigation that quickly transforms into a perilous pursuit.

Oliver's recognition extends beyond this single award. As a bestselling author with over 30 literary awards, she has been named Fiction Author of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). Her work has garnered attention from prominent media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and AP News, cementing her status as a notable figure in the literary world.

The novel's selection represents more than an individual achievement; it signifies the evolving landscape of mystery fiction. By creating complex narratives that challenge traditional storytelling boundaries, Oliver contributes to the genre's continued innovation and appeal. Her work demonstrates the power of character-driven narratives that combine intricate plot developments with psychological depth.

The BookFest® Awards' recognition of 'Before the Next Kill' underscores the ongoing importance of compelling storytelling in contemporary literature. By honoring works that captivate and challenge readers, the awards help promote diverse voices and innovative narrative approaches in the publishing industry.

As Oliver continues to develop her literary career, her latest work promises to further expand the boundaries of mystery and thriller genres, offering readers sophisticated and engaging narrative experiences that blend suspense, character development, and unexpected plot twists.