The CWA Gold Dagger is an award presented annually by the Crime Writers' Association in the United Kingdom. It recognizes the best crime novel published in the previous year, celebrating outstanding writing in the genre. The award has been given since 1967 and is one of the most prestigious honors for crime fiction. Winners of the CWA Gold Dagger are selected by a panel of judges who evaluate the originality, plot, and character development of the submitted works. The award aims to promote and highlight exceptional crime literature, encouraging both readers and writers in the genre.