Manhattan Book Group Honors 'An Undetermined Cause of Death' with Gold Award

The third installment in Julia Shovein's Sailing Mystery series wins top prize at the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Manhattan Book Group has awarded the Gold prize in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards to 'An Undetermined Cause of Death: Sailing Mystery Book 3' by author Julia Shovein. The honor recognizes exceptional storytelling, originality, and imaginative scope in contemporary publishing. Shovein's nautically inspired mystery series follows amateur sleuth Georgiana as she unravels secrets and faces personal growth amid high-seas intrigue.

Why it matters

The Manhattan Book Awards is a prestigious literary recognition program that celebrates outstanding books from independent and hybrid publishers worldwide. Shovein's Gold win for the third installment in her popular Sailing Mystery series underscores her talent for crafting compelling narratives that blend suspense, romance, and mystery with an authentic maritime backdrop.

The details

In 'An Undetermined Cause of Death,' Georgiana investigates the mysterious death of her marina neighbor's brother, Jamie, uncovering a web of jealousies, enigmatic connections, and unseen dangers. Meanwhile, her own tumultuous romance with the injured CEO of a security company adds an emotional layer to the story. Shovein's wit, humor, and love for nautical themes are woven throughout the page-turning novel.

  • The Manhattan Book Awards are an annual literary recognition program.

The players

Julia Shovein

The author of the award-winning Sailing Mystery series, including 'An Undetermined Cause of Death,' the third book in the series.

Manhattan Book Group

The independent publishing organization that hosts the prestigious Manhattan Book Awards and awarded the Gold prize to Shovein's 'An Undetermined Cause of Death.'

Georgiana Quilter

The dynamic amateur sleuth and protagonist of Shovein's Sailing Mystery series, who navigates suspense, romance, and personal growth amid the backdrop of maritime life.

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What they’re saying

“…refill the gimbaled kerosene cabin lamps—you'll be burning the midnight oil with this one.”

— Cap'n Fatty Goodlander, Cruising World Magazine (Cruising World Magazine)

The takeaway

Shovein's award-winning Sailing Mystery series, anchored by the captivating protagonist Georgiana, demonstrates the power of independent publishing to deliver exceptional storytelling that resonates with readers. The Gold win for 'An Undetermined Cause of Death' underscores the author's talent for crafting suspenseful, romantic, and nautically inspired tales that transport audiences to the high seas.