The BookFest Awards Spring 2025 has named Kay A. Oliver the Gold First-Place winner in its inaugural Book Series Category for her mystery novel 'Before the Next Kill.' The win occurred in the competitive Book Series, Mystery, Fiction category, positioning Oliver's work among the year's best new books. The BookFest Awards are prestigious literary honors that spotlight fiction and nonfiction books inspiring readers globally.
'Before the Next Kill' is the third installment in Oliver's Shaws Investigation Series, following husband-and-wife detectives Jade and Keri Shaw as they investigate a cold case that escalates into a dangerous pursuit. The novel has garnered critical acclaim for its suspense and twists. Oliver expressed that the award celebrates storytelling's power and hopes it encourages aspiring writers. The book is available for purchase at https://www.amazon.com.
Desireé Duffy, Founder of The BookFest, noted that Oliver's work resonated strongly with readers and enriched literary culture. The BookFest Awards aim to elevate literature's transformative power, serving as a global hub for book enthusiasts and professionals. Oliver, a bestselling and award-winning author, has won over 30 literary awards as an independent author and was recently named Fiction Author of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals.
This recognition underscores the significance of series fiction in engaging readers and the rising influence of independent authors in the publishing industry. Awards like The BookFest help amplify diverse voices and stories, potentially shaping future literary trends and encouraging more authors to pursue series writing. Oliver's achievement may inspire both established and emerging writers to explore serialized narratives, contributing to a richer, more varied literary landscape.
Oliver's success highlights the ongoing evolution of the book industry, where independent authors can achieve mainstream acclaim through platforms like The BookFest. Her website, https://www.KayAOliver.com, offers resources for aspiring authors, further supporting literary development. As series continue to captivate audiences, such awards play a crucial role in validating and promoting sustained storytelling efforts.
