Six prominent crime writers attempt to commit the perfect murder on the page, challenging a real-life Scotland Yard superintendent to identify the flaws in their lethal schemes. Each story serves as a tactical exercise in criminal ingenuity, pitting the fictional perpetrators against the cold, analytical gaze of Superintendent Cornish. The narrative framework alternates between the creative execution of the crimes and the subsequent professional critique provided by the law enforcement expert. The tension arises from the collision between the art of the mystery novel and the rigid, procedural reality of criminal investigation.

This anthology occupies a unique space in the history of detective fiction by bridging the gap between imaginative crime writing and actual police methodology. The work is regarded as a fascinating historical artifact that highlights the competitive spirit of the Detection Club during the golden age of the genre. Readers often appreciate the contrast between the elaborate plots constructed by the authors and the pragmatic, often dismissive, assessments offered by the superintendent. The collection remains a notable study in the limitations of the perfect crime when subjected to the scrutiny of a seasoned investigator. The interplay between the writers and the law enforcement perspective provides a distinct layer of engagement that elevates the book beyond a standard collection of short stories.