At the beginning of the year, the Mystery Writers of America selects nominees in 15 categories of the mystery genre across all mediums—novels, TV, movie, plays, etc.—for the prestigious Edgar® awards. The winners will be announced at the 63rd Annual Edgar® Awards Banquet in New York City on April 30.

This year, each of the nominees for "Best First Novel by an American Author" agreed to answer a few questions about writing their first mystery book. Here are our Q&A sessions with:

For more information about the Edgar® Awards, see www.theedgars.com.

--Posted April 22, 2009