The Masters of Bow Street

by John Creasey

This epic novel embraces the story of the Bow Street Runners, forerunners of the modern police force, who were founded by novelist Henry Fielding in 1748. They were the earliest detective force operating from the courts to enforce the decisions of magistrates. John Creasey's account also gives a fascinating insight into family life of the time and the struggle between crime and justice, and ends with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police after the passing of Peel's Act in 1829. Splendidly authoritative! J-4

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

507 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

AKA Gordon Ashe, M E Cooke, Norman Deane, Robert Caine Frazer, Patrick Gill, Michael Halliday, Charles Hogarth, Brian Hope, Colin Hughes, Kyle Hunt, Margaret Lisle, Abel Mann, Peter Manton, J.J. Marric, Richard Martin, Rodney Mattheson, Anthony Morton, Jeremy York, Henry St. John Cooper and Margaret Cooke.

John Creasey (September 17, 1908 - June 9, 1973) was born in Southfields, Surrey, England and died in New Hall, Bodenham, Salisbury Wiltshire, England. He was the seventh of nine children in a working class home. He became an English author of crime thrillers, published in excess of 600 books under 20+ different pseudonyms. He invented many famous characters who would appear in a whole series of novels. Probably the most famous of these is Gideon of Scotland Yard, the basis for the television program Gideon's Way but others include Department Z, Dr. Palfrey, The Toff, Inspector Roger West, and The Baron (which was also made into a television series). In 1962, Creasey won an Edgar Award for Best Novel, from the Mystery Writers of America, for Gideon's Fire, written under the pen name J. J. Marric. And in 1969 he was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.

Reviews

[Steelwhisper]

Hard cover arrived today, ;) from the Coastal Carolina Community College

[Debra Jeakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MASTERS OF BOW STREET BY JOHN CREASEY, profiles in fiction the Bow Street Runners,a group of men who are fighting for the innocents of crime in 18th and 19th century London. These men believe in the law and are trying to tame the thieves,the murders and the criminals of early London. Their ultimate goal, bring an organized police force to London as well as secure the safety of its citizens.

The book focuses on John Furnival,who is a Magistrate. Judge Furnival is hell-bent on bringing crooks to heal and, at his disposal, are many men,young and old, who work for him to find and capture,one way or another,the crooks of London. Punishment for crimes,in Furnival's court is fair but swift. In this period of time the punishment for many crimes is death by hanging.

As a historical fan I found that Mr.Creasy has taken a slice of London's history and written a very well, if not lengthy fictional portrait of what the real Bow Street Runners were and how they went on to shape the very modern version of what we know as SCOTLAND YARD!

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creasey's effort to make a passion project come true by blending his extensive research into the history of London's police force with his intimate knowledge of the city and making one of those epic historical novels that sold like anything as everyone had to read it. How I wish the publishers had included maps - I have an idea of London's geography but Creasey's tour through seemingly every street of 18th century there, plus all the long gone buildings that once stood there beg for visual aids. The story of the founding of the Bow Street Police Force is fascinating, and though the female characters are stupidly simple - workers, wenches or wives - I've read many a sillier novel that accomplished far less with even more pages.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Dickens-esque tale was really informative on 18th century London and the history of how London's police came to be. This did take me a little bit to get into, but overall a good read. If you like fictionalized historical accounts that blur the line between fiction and nonfiction I'd check this out.

[Susan]

1739-1829 London about citizens trying to create first police force (Scotland Yard)

[Barbara]

"passed on to Mary Ohe-loaned to Helen" Barbara (1985 Calendar).

[Margaret Pinard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of my research on the history of detection and the police force in Britain. Pretty fascinating fictional account of how it may have come about, evolved through the ages. Well written and interesting to read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction during 18th and 19th century London. Early crime and peacekeeping leading to the struggle to form a police department and Scotland Yard. A look at another time.
labels:#Historical Fiction, #London, #Scotland Yard.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable fictionalised account of the forming of the first police forces in London.