Photo by Peter Rozovsky

Kristopher Zgorski is one of the recipients of the 2018 Raven Award and the proprietor of BOLO Books.

I first met Kristopher Zgorski when he reviewed a client’s book years ago. When I read that review I knew immediately that Kristopher was a true book advocate. His passion and enthusiasm for the stories he read was clear, and his commitment to his blog was far beyond average. He takes reviewing seriously, and each of his reviews (and interviews and features) is infused with his gusto.

We started talking (on Twitter) and over time I got to know more about Kristopher. The person I met then is today someone I’m honored and lucky to call a dear friend.

I met Kristopher in person for the first time at BEA…I can’t remember exactly which year it was. I do remember being a bit nervous. Like most readers, I usually hide in the corners often observing rather than interacting, watching from the wings. My professional life doesn’t afford me that luxury, though, and I was nervous about meeting Kristopher because his opinion truly mattered to me and I didn’t want him to think I was just a big goofball. If he did, he hid it well, and he was as wonderful in person as he is online.

Another time, Kristopher wasn’t able to attend BEA, but he wanted a signed copy of the new Karin Slaughter galley. So I lined up (as one does at BEA), and when I got to the front of the line I said hello to Karin and promptly panicked because, as I babbled slightly incoherently, I needed her to sign the book for KristopherWithAK ZgIDon’tKnowHowToPronounceHisLastName. I was so embarrassed. Not for myself so much, but because I didn’t want embarrass Kristopher by association. I must have been beet red, but Karin kindly smiled and signed the book before I scurried away to post it.

Kristopher and his husband Michael are the kind of people who take an offer of help very seriously. When Kristopher says he will do whatever he can to help, he means that quite literally. I’ve asked for his assistance on personal and professional stuff over the years and every single time he is been there and done whatever I needed without question and with a smile, and without ever making me feel like a jerk for asking.

The Raven Award is special because it recognizes people in the crime fiction community who contribute in a myriad of ways that are sometimes overlooked during awards season. There is quite simply nobody more deserving of this award than Kristopher. If you’ve met him, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’ve read his reviews or his articles, you get it. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Kristopher virtually or in person, you’re in for an incredible treat.

I won’t be at the Edgar awards tomorrow night, but I’ll be there in spirit. I’ll be sitting in the front row cheering and laughing and crying happy tears watching Kristopher receive this recognition from the community of crime writers.

If you’re lucky enough to be at the Edgar awards, please give Kristopher an extra hug for me. Kristopher, I couldn’t be happier for you. And I want to I want to see a picture of your shoes.