The Society is the "nom de critique" of a group of long time readers of crime fiction novels and stories. Over a period of more than 20 years the members of this group have exchanged opinions and observations about the merits, both absolute and relative, of the productions of writers of crime fiction in its various forms, published in the English language over the period from the 1840s to the present. The data bank of these opinions has been gradually converted into a catalogue of authors, rated for the quality of their works. The catalogue is subject to constant revision and amendment.
The principal criteria which have been applied in arriving at the quality ratings are:
plot/storyline
characterisations
settings of place and time
psychological insights
writing style
The catalogue was created, initially, solely for the benefit of the members of the Society. However, in view of the continuing apparent absence of any generally available guide for readers of crime fiction, especially those whose inclination is for quality rather than quantity, and the infrequency of reviews of new novels or reprints, it has been decided to make the catalogue available to a wider readership.