Gideon's Wrath

Gideon #13

by J.J. Marric

Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard is working on an intriguing case involving a mysterious man who is known to photograph young girls in the nude and the girls then vanish. He is also attempting to deal with serious internal problems at the Yard when yet another case comes in. There have been several cases of vandalism in major churches and cathedrals, and an anonymous caller has reported a thief in one church. It doesn't take long for Gideon to work out that the churches are threatened with far more than theft and vandalism.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Procedural

222 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

A pseudonym used by John Creasey.

The Gideon series was continued after Creasey's death by William Vivian Butler.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up until now I've enjoyed 4 of English author J.J. Marric's Commander Gideon series. The series is an entertaining police procedural set in London in the '60s. Commander George Gideon is head of London's CID and each story seems to involve a number of ongoing, different cases.

In Gideon's Wrath, the 13th in the series, there are 3 ongoing cases that are keeping Gideon busy; a murder of a man's wife with the husband the main suspect; young girls being persuaded to pose in the nude for a photographer (a number now missing and some found dead); and attacks on churches in London (starting with desecrations, building up to bombs)... Besides these issues, Gideon is dealing with personnel changes; who will be his new Deputy, and dealing with his daughters non-acceptance at music school.

It's all very fascinating, and the story, while it revolves around Gideon, also lets his officers play key roles in investigating and resolving cases. We get the stories from the police perspective but also from the victims and even the criminals involved. Everything moves along at a nice, steady clip, tension builds nicely and personalities get involved. It's an enjoyable, entertaining series of crime stories and makes me even more enthused to continue with the series. (4 stars)

[C. John Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite of the Gideon books. The main crime in this book is what may be a systematic campaign of vandalism aimed at places of worship. Most of the targets are Christian but at least one synagogue is attacked. Although no mosques are targeted and Islam itself gets scant mention given this book was originally published in 1967 that is probably not surprising. The motive for the attacks was, I believe, an original one.
Another case involves the murder of three young ladies and the disappearance of quite a few more. We also meet a young lady who may become yet another victim.
Finally we have a murder. Although we, the reader, know who the murderer is the police do not. In fact it appears the are going to end up charging the wrong person for the crime.
At the conclusion two of the cases have been dealt with but the third will continue on. Oddly the matter of sabotage that was part of the previous books is not mentioned at all in this one. Whether Creasey had no idea where to go with it, or decided to deal with it later I have no idea. Hopefully the later is the case.
All in all I really enjoyed this one, possibly because of the religious connection. Definitely recommended.

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is a little too ambitious, but the story is warm and interesting, with moments of understanding more than moments of excitement.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than competent policier

[Delores Alger · Rating 4 out of 5]

creasey's gideon