We are delighted to share the news that The Diary of Lies by Philip Miller has been longlisted for the 2026 McIlvanney Prize. The Diary of Lies is the latest in the brilliant Shona Sandison mystery series, which sees the reporter take on her biggest scoop yet, and uncover an insidious plot within the UK’s most powerful institutions.

This prestigious crime writing prize is being judged by author and broadcaster, Sally Magnusson, radio and podcast presenter, Nicola Meighan and crime blogger, Gordon McGhie.

The McIlvanney longlist and the Bloody Scotland shortlist will be promoted in bookshops throughout Scotland in the period between the announcement and the presentation on Friday 18 September. The winner will be announced in the Church of the Holy Rude on the opening night of the Bloody Scotland. International Crime Writing Festival and interviewed on stage by BBC presenter, Bryan Burnett.

This most recent accolade continues Philip Miller’s award streak, with the first novel in the series, The Goldenacre, being selected as Winner of the Shamus Award for the Best First P.I. Novel, and his second novel The Hollow Tree was shortlisted for this same award. This marks the first time one of Philip’s novels has been recognised by the McIlvanney Prize.

Find out more information about the prize here.

A big congratulations to Philip and to all the other authors longlisted for the award.