What better could a lover of the genre ask for than an approach to the detective novel by someone who knows it from the inside? P. D. James does not hesitate to express her views: "It is obvious that publishers and readers continue to seek mystery novels that provide the expected satisfaction of a convincing plot, but which can rightly be enjoyed as serious novels."

And furthermore: "The variety and quality of detective novels being produced today, both by established authors and newcomers, will assure that the future of the genre is in good hands." These are conclusions reached by a specialist in the field after wandering through the hinterland of detective literature.

It is therefore no surprise that this book has been described by critics as "A masterpiece of British mysteries..." with the note: "One can hardly imagine a better guide."