Who Killed Nessie? Is Shortlisted for the First-Ever British Book Awards Graphic Novel Book of the Year Award!
- Byron O'Neal
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Avery Hill's Who Killed Nessie? by Paul Cornell and Rachael Smith Is Shortlisted for the First-Ever British Book Awards Graphic Novel Book of the Year Award!
2026 marks the debut year for The British Book Awards to include a 'Graphic Novel Book of the Year' category, and Avery Hill Publishing's graphic novel Who Killed Nessie? by Paul Cornell and Rachael Smith has been shortlisted for the prize.
"I am beyond delighted that Who Killed Nessie? is up for this award. It's an absolute honour," says Rachael Smith.
Who Killed Nessie? is a contemporary fantasy murder mystery in which hotel manager Lyndsay Grockle discovers that the Loch Ness monster has been staying at her hotel to attend an annual global cryptid conference . . . and has been murdered. It's up to her to solve the case.
"I’m enormously honoured to be part of the British Book Award’s first Graphic Novel shortlist. I’m also delighted to be sharing the nomination with Rachael, whose wonderful panels I’m unashamedly coasting on. I’m starting to think killing the Loch Ness Monster was a pretty good idea. Sorry, Scotland." - Paul Cornell.
"Avery Hill Publishing's mission is to raise the profile of the graphic novel in the U.K., and to build the careers of local creators," says Avery Hill Publisher Ricky Miller. "This new award creates new opportunities and increases visibility for comics - an essential section of the books industry that has historically often been overlooked. Congratulations to Rachael, Paul, and Who Killed Nessie?"
The winners of the British Book Awards Graphic Novel Book of the Year will be announced on May 11th, 2026.
Praise for Who Killed Nessie?
"Charming! Delightfully weird and endearingly whimsical." – Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes
"It’s like you dreamed up a comic just for me." - Joe Hill, Locke & Key
“It’s Agatha Christie, but with cryptids! The dialogue sparkles, as the cryptids reflect wryly on human notions about them. Mixed in with the over-the-top humor is some real talk about emotions and loneliness.” - School Library Journal
"Honestly, I couldn't be more charmed. Well, I could. I could take a look at Rachael's art, and then I'm even more charmed." - Kieron Gillen, The Wicked and the Divine
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