2024
Tom Farrell has worked as a golf course starter, a chemist, and clerked at City Hall in Chicago while attending law school. He is the author of The Wager Series, a mystery-thriller series set in the world of sports betting, horse racing, and poker. The series includes Wager Tough, WagerEasy, and Wager Smart. Wager Tough was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Indie Books of 2021 and one of the Best Indie Mystery Thrillers of 2021.
Wager Smart was an Editor’s Pick by Kirkus Reviews and was chosen as a Finalist by Indies Today for their book award. Each book in the series received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. He has served as Vice President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and was a 2021 finalist for RMFW’s Independent Writer of the Year.
Now retired from practicing law when he’s not handicapping, he can be found at the local RMFW critique group meeting or on the golf course.
Visit him at tomfarrellbooks.com.
Past Award Winners
Mark Stevens: 2023, 2016
Amy Rivers: 2022
Andre Gonzalez: 2021
Sue Hinkin: 2021
Bernadette Marie: 2020
Kerry Schafer: 2020
Stephanie Reisner: 2019
Margaret Mizushima: 2019
Gwen Florio: 2018
Corinne O’Flynn: 2018
Shannon Baker: 2017, 2014
Wendy Terrien: 2017
Lisa Manifold: 2016
Susan Spann: 2015
Linda Joffe Hull: 2013
Carol Berg: 2012, 2006
Robin Owens: 2011, 2004
Pamela Nowak: 2010
Mario Acevedo: 2009
Jeanne C. Stein: 2008
C.J. Box: 2007
Cindi Myers: 2005
Kay Bergstrom: 2003, 1986
Christine Goff: 2002
Francine Mathews: 2001
Sharon Mignerey: 2000
Maggie Osborne: 1999, 1985
Leslie O’Kane & Patricia Werner: 1998
Anne Holmberg: 1997
Rick Hanson: 1996
Christine Jorgensen: 1995
Lee Karr: 1994
Jimmie Butler: 1993
Cheryl McGonigle: 1992
Diane Mott Davidson: 1991
Barbara Blackman: 1990
Jasmine Cresswell: 1989, 1987
Kathy Clark: 1988