Monday, September 26, 2011

The Murder Club


On the third Thursday of every month, a group of crime-solving savants from around the world gathers in Philadelphia to solve forgotten homicides. For over twenty years, the organization has been known as the Vidocq Society, and its members include forensic pathologists, police detectives, psychologists, and a forensic artist whose specialty is bringing skulls back to "life."

According to Wikipedia:

Vidocq will only consider cases that meet certain requirements: they must be unsolved deaths more than two years old, the victims cannot have been involved in criminal activity . . . and the case must be formally presented to [the Society] by the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Society does not charge for its services, and pays for the travel expenses of the law enforcement agents who come to present cases.


It sounds like something cooked up by a writer of paperback thrillers, doesn't it? But the Vidocq Society is real, and you need some serious skills if you want to join. I wonder if my superior sense of scent and my undying love for Sherlock Holmes would qualify me for membership. Doubt it.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"The Black Widowers Club" stories by Isaac Asimov sort of have a mystery with dinner theme -- but I think this is a case, not of art imitating life, or life imitating art, but simple parallel development.

It could be worse: My science fiction club sometimes can't solve a restaurant bill!

Robert in San Diego

Elizabeth said...

I like the sound of this secret club. You should try to join. I only took a quick glance at the names but I did not see any women. Am I right?

Kitty said...

Oh my ASDFGHJKL THAT'S AMAZING!

Isobel said...

thats so cool.... do u think they'll let me join?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an irregulars club for adults. Sure that they didn't steal your idea? ;)