CATHERINE AIRD: R.I.P.

So sorry to hear about the passing yesterday of Diamond Dagger author Catherine Aird at the age of 94. She was one of my favorite writers in the 'Golden Age' tradition. I've read all of her books and enjoyed them. I was privileged to have her as a bus seat companion on a CWA trip many years ago. Such a delightful journey. I will cherish the memory.

Catherine Aird was the author of more than twenty crime novels and story collections, most of which feature Detective Inspector C. D. Sloan. She held an honorary M. A. from the University of Kent and was made an M.B.E. Her other works include Amendment of Life and Little Knell. She lived in England. Apart from writing the successful Chronicles Of Calleshire she also wrote two collections of short stories as well as writing and editing a series of village histories. Having made a significant contribution to crime writing published in the English Language, Catherine Aird was awarded the 2015 Crime Writers Association Diamond Dagger.

Here's a a link to Martin Edwards' memory of Catherine Aird. 

Here's a link to Catherine Aird's work.

CWA DIAMOND DAGGER WINNER 2015

The Crime Writer’s Association announced that the recipient of this year’s prestigious Diamond Dagger is Catherine Aird. Congratulations!


Following in the footsteps of Simon Brett, P.D James, Lee Child and Frederick Forsyth, Catherine has kept readers entertained for six decades with her deliciously dark tales. In that time she’s written over twenty novels, including the hugely popular Chronicles Of Calleshire, and completed several collections of short stories.

Despite being such a prolific and popular author, Catherine was still surprised to discover she was to be presented the highest honor in the crime writing genre.

“It feels very nice indeed, I can assure you!” beams Catherine. “I am absolutely delighted. I’m so glad to be part of such a happy group as the CWA and we do all tend to read each other’s work. I think I’ve enjoyed writing my books probably more than my readers have enjoyed reading them.”

The Diamond Dagger will be presented to Catherine at a glittering ceremony at the Hotel Russell in London on 30^th June 2015.

“Catherine Aird is an inspirational figure to other crime writers,” says Alison Joseph, the CWA chair. 

“Not only is her writing irresistible and wonderful, but she’s also a great champion of other authors and of crime writing itself. That makes her the perfect choice to receive this year’s Diamond Dagger.”

Each year, the CWA committee chose the winner of the Diamond Dagger from a shortlist of authors nominated by the members. That shortlist represents the writers whom have been judged worthy by their peers, which makes the award so very special. 

Shortlisted authors must meet two essential criteria: first, their careers must be marked by sustained excellence, and second, they must have made a significant contribution to crime fiction published in the English language, whether originally or in translation. The award is made purely on merit without reference to age, gender or nationality.