Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Indianapolis author Ann Margaret Lewis has won the gold medal in the religious fiction category for the Independent Publishers Book Awards for 2011.

The "IPPY" Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. Established as the first awards program open exclusively to independents, over 2,500 "IPPYs" have been awarded to authors and publishers around the world. The Awards recognize gold, silver and bronze medal winners in 69 categories, ranging from non-fiction categories like Architecture and Religion, to fiction categories like Multicultural and Horror. Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes tied for first place with Pewter Angels, by Henry K. Ripplinger (Pio-Seelos Books). More information on the IPPY and its winners can be found at http://www.independentpublisher.com.

“I am astonished, amazed and grateful,” says Ann Lewis of her win. “My only goal was to give readers a few hours of fun. I’m glad people are enjoying it.”