The Crime Writer’s Association has announced that Catherine Aird (real name Kinn Hamilton McIntosh) will join the likes of P.D. James, Elmore Leonard and Ed McBain as she will receive their Diamond Dagger award.

Catherine’s first novel, THE RELIGIOUS BODY, was published in 1966. Since then, she has gone on to publish another 24 novels, the most recent of which, DEAD HEADING, came out in 2014.

In the press release, Catherine expressed her delight at the honor: “It feels very nice indeed, I can assure you! 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 30th June 2015.

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.