Berkley Prime Crime Celebrates 20 Years in March

Mar 3, 2014 | Author Showcase

Twenty years ago, in March 1994, Berkley Books introduced Berkley Prime Crime, a mass market mystery imprint that included five launch authors. This year, Berkley celebrates the 20th anniversary of Prime Crime with special author events and promotional giveaways.

BPC Handprint

In its first year, Berkley Prime Crime (BPC) published approximately forty titles, all mass market. In 2013, the imprint published 150 titles, including mass market originals, trade paperbacks, and hardcovers. Every year, BPC launches approximately 25-30 new series, including several house-owned franchises that editors have developed from idea to execution. In the past year, BPC debuted sixteen titles on the New York Times Bestsellers List (printed and extended lists combined), which comes out to more than one per month!

“When we launched Berkley Prime Crime in March 1994 I believed that the audience for the traditional or ‘cozy’ mystery was still largely underserved and untapped. Twenty years later I can say without reservation that this has proven to be correct and that Berkley Prime Crime has succeeded beyond my wildest expectations,” said Natalee Rosenstein, Vice President and Senior Executive Editor of Berkley.

This spring Berkley Prime Crime is hosting two events at mystery bookstores that have supported Berkley Prime Crime over the years. On March 13, Julie Hyzy, Miranda James, and Rebecca Hale will be at Murder by the Book in Houston, Texas. On March 25 the Poisoned Pen in Phoenix will host Margaret Coel, Carolyn Hart, Earlene Fowler, and Avery Aames.

Throughout the remainder of 2014, more events and promotional giveaways are planned, in addition to Berkley Prime Crime’s annual presence at mystery conventions BoucherCon and Malice Domestic. You can find out more about Berkley Prime Crime titles and authors at The Crime Scene, our cozy mystery Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thecrimescenebooks.

GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by noon EST on March 7, and you will be entered for a chance to win a special 20th anniversary Berkley Prime Crime tote bag filled with five Berkley Prime Crime cozy mystery titles. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.

99 Comments

  1. Dina stout
    Dina stout on March 3, 2014 at 4:09 am

    What an exciting giveaway!!

  2. Mary Ann
    Mary Ann on March 3, 2014 at 6:04 am

    Love getting my Berkley Prime Crime update very month so I can see which of my favorite authors has their latest book out!

  3. Carol M
    Carol M on March 3, 2014 at 6:06 am

    I’d love to win these books! Thank you for the giveaway!

  4. Lindar
    Lindar on March 3, 2014 at 6:12 am

    What a great way to celebrate 20 years of publishing mysteries and the writers of such! Would love to win!

  5. Karen Murphy
    Karen Murphy on March 3, 2014 at 6:17 am

    Love to read mysteries!

  6. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on March 3, 2014 at 6:20 am

    I have been reading cozy mysteries almost exclusively for some time now. This is a fantastic contest , and especially from the leader in mystery books , Berkley prime crime! Congrats on 20 years !

  7. Carletta Culp
    Carletta Culp on March 3, 2014 at 6:29 am

    I am a mystery book person and love to read from new writers, but always keep going back to the mystery book writers I grew up with and continue to read. Thank you Berkley Prime Crime for keeping it all alive for us. Congratulations for another 20 plus years!

  8. Denise Z.
    Denise Z. on March 3, 2014 at 6:43 am

    I read Carolyn Hart before I really knew what “cozy mysteries” were. I liked the relationship between Annie and Max from the get-go. I read every Margaret Coel I can get my hands on. The characters are well-drawn and compelling. And that whole relationship between Vickie and Fr. O’Malley keeps me coming back every time. Also own every Earlene Fowler Bennie Harper (in hardback). I think BCP must be one of my favorite publishers … I’m in.

  9. Linda K
    Linda K on March 3, 2014 at 6:45 am

    Love giveaways….thanks for the chance!

  10. Cyn209
    Cyn209 on March 3, 2014 at 6:51 am

    congrats to BPC & keep the books coming!!!
    thank you for the giveaway!!!!

  11. Dianne
    Dianne on March 3, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Love Berkley Prime Crime books!

  12. Michelle
    Michelle on March 3, 2014 at 7:09 am

    I enjoy Berkley Prime Crime so much! I visit the the website almost everyday. I have discovered many awesome authors from the site. Congrats on 20 years and many more years to come!

  13. Gram
    Gram on March 3, 2014 at 7:10 am

    What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks…

  14. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on March 3, 2014 at 7:15 am

    WOW, what a great giveaway, I love BERKLEY PRIME CRIME books.

  15. Kim D
    Kim D on March 3, 2014 at 7:23 am

    Congrats on 20 years! Love your books and authors.

  16. griperang
    griperang on March 3, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Congrats on the anniversary Berkley. What an exciting giveaway. Thank you

  17. sarah
    sarah on March 3, 2014 at 7:27 am

    This is great! Congrats on 20 years!

  18. Nancy Bradford
    Nancy Bradford on March 3, 2014 at 7:27 am

    I’ve been reading Cozies from before I ever heard the word Cozy and I am sure that many were from Berkley Prime Crime Congrats to them on 20 years.

  19. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on March 3, 2014 at 7:43 am

    What a fantastic giveaway, congrats on 20 years, berkley prime crime !

  20. Sarah H
    Sarah H on March 3, 2014 at 7:59 am

    Happy 20th, Berkley!

  21. Julie
    Julie on March 3, 2014 at 8:05 am

    How fun! I wish I was close enough to attend one of the events! Enter me please!

  22. kptsj
    kptsj on March 3, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I love Berkley Prime Crime novels

  23. Dawn Frazier
    Dawn Frazier on March 3, 2014 at 8:24 am

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  24. Debbie
    Debbie on March 3, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Happy 20th Berkley, and may you have many more. Thanks for the chance to win!

  25. Joni Langevoort
    Joni Langevoort on March 3, 2014 at 8:51 am

    I’m certainly in on the BPC celebration! Malice attendees, there’s a special treat waiting for you there!

    • Dru
      Dru on March 3, 2014 at 8:54 am

      Looking forward to seeing what the treat is.

  27. Jean K
    Jean K on March 3, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Happy 20th Anniversary! thank you for publishing all my favorite cozy mysteries

  28. Aimee
    Aimee on March 3, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Wow! Its only been 20 years? It seems much longer, probably due to my voracious appetite for their offerings. 😀

  29. Terrie Farley Moran
    Terrie Farley Moran on March 3, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Twenty years of wonderful reading!!
    Here’s to 100 more!

  30. Jennifer Fox
    Jennifer Fox on March 3, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Congrats on 20 years!

  32. Betty Paysour
    Betty Paysour on March 3, 2014 at 9:25 am

    Happy Anniversary, Berkley Prime Crime!

  33. Jane R
    Jane R on March 3, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I had no idea that Berkley Prime Crime is relatively new. They have certainly filled a niche. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for the post and the giveaway!

  34. Barbara Tobey
    Barbara Tobey on March 3, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Hoping for 20 more years. Happy anniversary!

  35. Annette N
    Annette N on March 3, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Happy 20th —you don’t look your age at all.

  36. LauraF
    LauraF on March 3, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Happy anniversary to Berkley Prime Crime. Thanks for all the great reads!

  37. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on March 3, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Happy 20th- Would love to win some books as I like all of the cozies that I have read.

  38. duffybrown
    duffybrown on March 3, 2014 at 9:39 am

    Congrats to Berkley Prime Crime…writing for BPC is a dream come true for me!

  39. noraadrienne
    noraadrienne on March 3, 2014 at 9:45 am

    Good morning Dru. This giveaway is like honey to bees. Yes please toss my hat into the contest ring.

  40. Mo
    Mo on March 3, 2014 at 9:52 am

    I love your authors and their books. Congrats on a great 20 years.

  41. Dru
    Dru on March 3, 2014 at 9:57 am

    I’m entering Nancy Roessner in the contest on her behalf.

  42. Diana Leigh
    Diana Leigh on March 3, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Happy 20th Anniversary! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.

  43. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on March 3, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Congrats and thank you for the giveaway.

  44. Maureen
    Maureen on March 3, 2014 at 10:13 am

    20 years is wonderful! I only have known about Berkley Prime Crime for about 2 years. I missed out on alot of good mysteries! 20 more years would be the greatest!

  45. Ann Ellison
    Ann Ellison on March 3, 2014 at 10:14 am

    What a wonderful give-away and congratulations on 20 years.

  46. Lorraine Kraft
    Lorraine Kraft on March 3, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Congratulations, Berkley Prime Crime, for 20 years of providing some fine reading entertainment.

  47. Susan Holmes
    Susan Holmes on March 3, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Happy anniversary, Berkley Prime Crime! I’ve enjoyed many books thanks to you!

  48. Annie
    Annie on March 3, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Thanks Berkley for hours and hours of good reading!

  49. ritr614
    ritr614 on March 3, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Thanks Berkley for great reading!

  50. Christina Girdner-Blevins
    Christina Girdner-Blevins on March 3, 2014 at 11:03 am

    Congradulations on 20 years, what a wonderful giveaway to celebrate. I am looking forward to another 20 with you 🙂

  51. Lynda Turpin
    Lynda Turpin on March 3, 2014 at 11:24 am

    I only learned about Cozy Mysteries a few years ago and I now have a couple hundred Cozy ebooks (plus some print books and audio books). I started reading books by the Cozy Chicks and have expanded from there. It’s a great genre – thanks for supporting them.

  52. Diana Foust
    Diana Foust on March 3, 2014 at 11:24 am

    With all this snow & cold, there is time to read . Love it.

  53. Alicia Farage
    Alicia Farage on March 3, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Happy Birthday! I’d love to win… who can pass up books?

  54. Rich Mann
    Rich Mann on March 3, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    I buy 5 or 6 BPC titles a month and love them. I’d be interested in learning more about the house-owned franchises–which series those are and how that works. Fascinating stuff.

  55. Deb Lacy
    Deb Lacy on March 3, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    Congratulations on twenty fabulous years!

  56. Paula Chapman
    Paula Chapman on March 3, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    My bookshelf is filled with Berkley Prime Crime authors! I love this genre of mysteries and can’t get enough! Please keep them coming! May BPC have another 20 successful years!

  57. hharra
    hharra on March 3, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Happy Birthday! When it’s a Prime Crime book, it’s almost a sure get it’ll be a good one. Thank you for years and enjoyment and publishing great cozy mysteries.

  58. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on March 3, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    I love cozy mysteries, and would enjoy reading them. Thanks for having this wonderful giveaway.

  60. Mark
    Mark on March 3, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    Considering the number of Berkley books I read, this is a very good thing.

  61. Shirley
    Shirley on March 3, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    I love Cozy mysteries and think your giveaway would be a blast to win.

  62. Pat Plummer
    Pat Plummer on March 3, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    Berkley Prime Crime keeps me up to date and helps me plan my monthly reading. Happy 20th birthday!! Keep up the good work. We are all grateful that you are there to keep us informed..

  63. Ronna Lord
    Ronna Lord on March 3, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Love tote bags and love the Berkley Crime books! Would be a great giveaway prize!! Congratulations Berkley books!!

  64. Beth
    Beth on March 3, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Wow, 20 years! Can’t imagine my life without the books Berkley publishes! Don’t stop!

  65. Judy
    Judy on March 3, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    There are times I’d rather be in Houston and Phoenix and this month is one of them! So I hope my consolation prize is a tote. I promise to carry it proudly.

  66. MaryB
    MaryB on March 3, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Thanks for offering such a great giveaway. Love cozy mysteries!

  67. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on March 3, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    I love to be entered to win.

  68. Lisa Kelley
    Lisa Kelley on March 3, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Awesome contest!

  69. Jessica Jones
    Jessica Jones on March 3, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Wow, what an amazing giveaway! I’d love to win! 🙂

  70. Stacey
    Stacey on March 3, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Yay, books!

  71. Malka Essock
    Malka Essock on March 3, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Berkley Crime still publishes some of the BEST!

  72. Heather Valdez
    Heather Valdez on March 3, 2014 at 5:59 pm

    What an amazing giveaway! Berkeley Prime Crime publishes some of my favorite authors! Thanks!

  73. holdenj
    holdenj on March 3, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    I have found many of my favorite authors via the Berkley books! Thanks for the chance to win!

  74. Kristin A.
    Kristin A. on March 3, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    Hip hop hooray for Berkley for bringing us such awesome authors! Congrats on 20 years! Here’s to 20 more!

  75. Katreader
    Katreader on March 3, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    I’m cracking open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate! Here’s to cozy mysteries: past, present, and future. Thanks Berkley Prime Crime.

  76. Kiki
    Kiki on March 3, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    Thanks for having such a great giveaway.

  77. Barbara Jones
    Barbara Jones on March 3, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    What a great prize. Thanks for the chance to win!

  78. tlwalcher
    tlwalcher on March 3, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    Thank you for a chance to win this prize package. Berkley Prime Crime is one of my favorite mystery publishers.

  79. Andrea
    Andrea on March 3, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Wahoo! I got Rafflecopter to work! Thanx for the chance to win!

  80. Michelle Fidler
    Michelle Fidler on March 3, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    I’d love to win! I have lots of Berkley Prime Crime books that I’ve been collecting over the years and might be able to fill up a bookcase with them. Most of the mass-market paperback mysteries that I get are by them (I have some in hardcover, too). I love the covers and they’re also recognizable by the hand on the spine. The Mrs. Jeffries series by Emily Brightwell has always carried the Berkley Prime Crime imprint. I think that series started in 1993. I’ve been a cozy reader for years.

  81. Tamara`
    Tamara` on March 3, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I’d love to win! Thanks for letting us help you celebrate!

  82. Diana Huffer
    Diana Huffer on March 3, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Happy 20th!! Thanks for the opportunity to win and to share in this celebration!! 🙂 Here’s to 20 more!

  83. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on March 3, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    I can’t believe it has been 20 years; I keep all of my books in plastic totes/bins and I can see all of the little logos on the ones from Berkley all together by author. I think that I have 17 just on one little shelf ready to be read too!!! One day I just happened to notice how many I had and it was almost shocking to see how books are from BC. One can never have too many mystery and crime capers now can they??? I would absolutely LOVE to be the recipient of a tote of books. How great. Thank you for including me into the giveaway. Us book hoarders never know when to stop collecting do we??
    <3

    Cynthia

  84. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on March 3, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    I meant to add Congratulations to Berkley Crime before I signed off. So sorry. 20 years is a great accomplishment.

  85. rhonda
    rhonda on March 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Happy 20th!what a sweet giveaway.

  86. avacurtis2013
    avacurtis2013 on March 3, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Love these books Thank You

  87. Marcy
    Marcy on March 4, 2014 at 12:09 am

    Berkley Crime has most of my favorite mystery writers. So glad they have been around so long.

  88. kayekillgore
    kayekillgore on March 4, 2014 at 2:00 am

    Happy Birthday Berkely Prime Crime, I have many of your books. Love every one of them.

    kaye.killgore@comcast.net

  89. Pamela Richard
    Pamela Richard on March 4, 2014 at 9:24 am

    A very exciting giveaway! happy birthday

  90. JJT
    JJT on March 4, 2014 at 9:48 am

    I love Berkely Prime Crime books! Thank you for the giveaway

  91. Paula Meier
    Paula Meier on March 4, 2014 at 10:30 am

    Great give away! Thank you for the chance to win. Love Berkely Prime Crime. Keep up the good work.

  92. Lori Y.
    Lori Y. on March 4, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Wow! 20 years! Count me in for the giveaway!

  93. Pat
    Pat on March 4, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Congratulations on those 20 years and a whole host of wonderful authors and great book series. Thanks for the chance of a surprise giveaway!

  94. Molly Pace
    Molly Pace on March 5, 2014 at 1:58 am

    I would like to read these books..

  95. Lisa Garrett
    Lisa Garrett on March 5, 2014 at 8:35 am

    My favorite author of theirs is Laura Childs.

  96. Mare F
    Mare F on March 5, 2014 at 10:00 am

    I love Berkley Prime Crime authors and have done for years. Happy anniversary and please keep up the wonderful work.

  97. Patricia Reed
    Patricia Reed on March 5, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    Congrats and I LOVE these authors. Have read all their books!!! I would really love to win free books!!

  98. Dru
    Dru on March 8, 2014 at 7:38 am

    contest is closed.