It was shortlisted for the Mystery Writers' Of America Edgar Award, making it one of only two Inspector Wexford novels ever to have been shortlisted for either of the "big two" crime-fiction awards, the Edgar or the CWA Gold Dagger.
The novel was considered for the Mystery Writers' Of America Edgar Award, joining only two other Inspector Wexford novels in being nominated for either of the "big two" crime-fiction awards: the Edgar or the CWA Gold Dagger.