Edvard D. Hoch’s literary works have earned both the Anthony Boucher Prize and the Edgar Prize. In addition, he was awarded the title of grand master by the Mystery Writers of America. Hoch created a great many works; at the time of his death in 2008, their total number exceeded 900. Many of them describe the adventures of Dr. Sam Hawthorne, Captain Leopold, and Nick Velvet. In addition, Edward Hoch wrote another dozen stories about Sherlock Holmes.
Critics unanimously called Edward Hoch a master of the short form, while his four novels were not popular.
In the story “The Spotted Tiger,” the main character is the hired thief Nick Velvet; in “The Meeting,” it is Captain Leopold.