Martin Edwards, successful crime writer (The Serpent Pool) and acknowledged expert on crime fiction devised this book by asking participants to write a story on the theme of ‘original sins’ – interpreted as the authors wished.  The British Crime Writers’ Association has never before had a special edition of a short story collection. It is worth recalling that the Association was founded by the prolific crime author John Creasey in 1957 for the purposes of raising the prestige and profile of the mystery, detective story and crime writers generally. One of the chief means of doing do is to occasionally issue a short story collection by CWA members; another is to present the Gold and Silver Dagger Awards for the best crime novel and runner-up.

The best known participants are: Simon Brett, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, Christopher Fowler, Sophie Hannah, Reginald Hill, Peter Lovesey, Rick Mofina, Barbara Nadel, Zoë Sharp, Chris Simms, Andrew Taylor, Charles Todd and Laura Wilson. This rich collection brings together Diamond, Gold and John Creasey award winners. Not only are these writers good at the short story, but they encompass the current range of crime, mystery and suspense. The other writers are Kate Ellis, Chris Ewan, Tim Heald, and Christine Poulson.

For this volume Martin Edwards suggested a special tribute to three-time Gold Dagger winner Lionel Davidson. He was one of the brightest talents in the 1960s and was the author of classics like The Rose of Tibet, A Long Way to Shiloh and Kolmysky Heights. Friends and colleagues such as Len Deighton and Anthony Price rate his work very highly. The six-page tribute essay by Michael Johnson, owner of Scorpion Press, who kept contact with Mr Davidson over many years, delves into this important crime writers influences and assesses his outstanding contribution. The Scorpion edition comprises 85 numbered and signed (by 19 authors – both mother and son signed as “Charles Todd”) and 16 deluxe lettered for private distribution.