The Shamus Award is an annual accolade presented by the Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) to honor outstanding works in the genre of private detective fiction. Established in 1981, the award recognizes both novels and short stories that exemplify the best in private eye literature. Named after the term "shamus," which is slang for a private investigator, the award celebrates the creativity and skill of authors in this popular genre. Categories include Best Novel, Best First Novel, and Best Short Story, among others, highlighting the diversity of talent within the mystery and crime fiction community.