John Manering (aka The Baron) makes his first appearance in this volume. Lord Fauntley cannot help showing off both his daughter and the security under which his precious jewels are kept. Mannering finds himself attracted to both .... Money is tight and so he plans a burglary, but this fails and unexpected consequnces result. The relationship with Lorna Fauntley flourishes, and a series of high profile thefts and adventures ensure Mannering's future, so he believes, until Lorna equates him with The Baron. One of the many further twists in this award winning novel occurs when the police appear to seek Mannering's help, only to have everything turned upside down as the plot develops ... .

John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') pulled his scarf up so as to hide his face. The finest jewel thief in London was utilising all of his skills to nail a crooked Solicitor. Mannering's friend could be ruined by documents contained in the lawyer's strong-room and so he risks all, especially his freedom, to get them back.

John Mannering, retired jewel thief known as ‘The Baron’, now runs Quinns, an antique shop in London’s Mayfair. He is offered a superb set of diamonds which turn out to have been stolen in a daring robbery from the Louvre in Paris. Mannering is now faces a dangerous dilemma, because the jewels may lead him to a murderer, with a further possible death to be prevented; and at the same time he is tempted to return to his old profession, at least to the extent of handling the diamonds. His decision leads to a daring and dangerous adventure, in which he is kidnapped and threatened with death, and which has all the hallmarks of being one of his most exciting escapades.

Another gripping story featuring John Mannering (aka “The Baron”). A burglar is robbing a dealer’s safe, but is interrupted. The burglar pulls out a gun and fires. Bullets tear into a man’s chest. Some jewels fall as the gun is used. A girl screams. Next morning, John Mannering is contemplating persuading his wife back to bed. The telephone rings and he is informed of the murder. Another complex and dangerous adventure begins, which sees Mannering at his best and in France. Moreover, he has to try and prove the innocence of the dealer’s assistant, who is the chief suspect, although Mannering is far from convinced.

wonderful mystery novel

NB: First published under John Creasey's pseudonymn Anthony Morton.

Why is George Morrow being threatened? Why was Jimmy Garfield murdered? What was really in the box that he kept in the seat of his wheelchair? John Mannering—alias the Baron—takes on another spine-tingling adventure and seeks to solve the mystery.

John Mannering, reformed jewel thief, risks his prestige—and his life—to save a fabulous inheritance.

The fabulous Sumi crown jewels are up for sale—including the Mask of Sumi, a beautiful yet strangely repellent object. When the jewels are stolen, and taken on board ship by a woman, the Baron follows, only to find himself involved in a murder and in the midst of some very messy oriental politics.

Mark is a burnt-out cop who just lost his partner. Deciding to get little perspective, he goes to get a tattoo to honor his fallen buddy. Little does he know that his tattoo artist will give him a whole new view of the world. Rooster helps Mark out in more ways than one, lending a hand with the ink, and with the kind of contact Mark needs more. When they meet again, things start to get hot and heavy, but it takes Mark almost losing Rooster to realize what he has. Can Mark convince Rooster that he needs more than a little time under the needle?

To the Baron, a pretty damsel in distress is always a challenge. The result was danger for Ethel, danger for the Baron - and peril for all mankind!

Deep in the heart of Wiltshire, John Mannering steps into the home of an old lady who wishes him to value her paintings. He has no idea that he is also walking into a hornet's nest of blackmail, arson, and murder. Under the watchful eyes of masterpieces, the Baron must battle for the truth. Who was blackmailing whom? Why were people out to kill him? What is the girl, Joanna, hiding? Master crime fiction writer John Creasey's near-600 titles have sold more than 80 million copies in over 25 languages under both his own name and multiple pseudonyms. His style varied with each identity and led to him being regarded as a literary phenomena. Amongst the many series written were Gideon of Scotland Yard, The Toff, The Baron, Dr. Palfrey and Inspector West, as JJ Marric, Michael Halliday, Patrick Dawlish, and others. During his lifetime Creasey enjoyed an ever-increasing reputation both in the UK and overseas, especially the USA. This was further enhanced by constant revision of his works in order to assure the best possible be presented to his audience and also by many awards, not least of which was being honoured twice by the Mystery Writer's of America, latterly as Grand Master.

A phone call from a man fearing a murderous death leads the baron to a complex plot of violence

Mannering quite admired the arrogance of the self-opinionated young artist who asked him for patronage for a subsidy to keep him painting. It was also clear that the young painter wasn't actually asking for a favour, he was conferring one! With so much youthful confidence on display, Mannering wasn't expecting the phone call later. On arriving at a flat in Fulham, he finds the artist near death. Was it attempted suicide, or was it, in fact, attempted murder? Once again, Mannering must revive his skills as the Baron to save lives from terrible danger. Born in Surrey, England in 1908 into a poor family in which there were nine children, John Creasey grew up to be a true master story teller and international sensation. His more than 600 crime, mystery and thriller titles have now sold 80 million copies in 25 languages. These include many popular series such as Gideon of Scotland Yard, The Toff, Dr Palfrey and The Baron.Creasey wrote under many pseudonyms, explaining that booksellers had complained he totally dominated the 'C' section in stores. Never one to sit still, Creasey had a strong social conscience, and stood for Parliament several times, along with founding the One Party Alliance which promoted the idea of government by a coalition of the best minds from across the political spectrum. He founded the British Crime Writers' Association, which to this day celebrates outstanding crime writing. The Mystery Writers of America bestowed upon him the Edgar Award for best novel and then in 1969 the ultimate Grand Master Award.