"The Detection Club is a private association of writers of detective fiction in Great Britain, existing chiefly for the purpose of eating dinners together at suitable intervals and of talking illimitable shop ? Its membership is confined to those who have written genuine detective stories (not adventure tales or 'thrillers') and election is secured by a vote of the club on recommendation by two or more members, and involves the undertaking of an oath." Dorothy L. Sayers.

John Rhode was born Cecil Street in 1884. Although little is known about him he enjoyed a distinguised military career and was awarded an OBE. He was the author of 140 novels under the names John Rhode, Miles Burton and Cecil Wade. Cecil Street died in 1964.