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Inspector West #3
Inspector West at Home
Chief Inspector Roger West opened his front door to find his Superintendent, Abbott, standing before him. "I think you know why I've called," said Abbott, as he drew a folded piece of paper from his overcoat. It was an official search warrant. Facing a career on the verge of ruin, West must dive into a mystery that involves murder, conspiracy and, most shockingly, corruption at Scotland Yard.
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.
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.
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
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About the author
John Creasey
697 books78 followersAKA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 13, 2020
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
When Roger West finds the dead body of a former small-time crook, he runs into opposition from the formidable Superintendent Abbott, his superior at the Yard, and starts on a trail which involves conspiracy, corruption and murder.
Episode 1 of 7
West finds the body of a small-time crook and faces opposition from his Superintendent.
Episode 2 of 7
West is suspended from duty and hires Pep Morgan to help prove that he’s been framed.
Episode 3 of 7
West’s continued efforts to restore his reputation put those around him in danger.
Episode 4 of 7
West comes face-to-face with 'Whistler' Malone and some very useful evidence.
Episode 5 of 7
The stakes are high, as West draws closer to the truth and the mystery of what he missed.
Episode 6 of 7
'Whistler’ Malone may be in a police cell but this case is far from sewn up.
Episode 7 of 7
West follows several lines of enquiry to find the crooked copper and close this case.
Chief Inspector Roger West is the creation of John Creasey, who authored more than 40 Roger West novels between 1942 and 1973.
Much like Paul Temple, West - “Scotland Yard’s youngest, smartest chief inspector” - has a long-suffering wife who also gets involved with the action. A total of six novels were adapted for radio by Maurice Travers.
Chief Inspector Roger West… Patrick Allen
Janet West… Sarah Lawson
Detective Inspector Bob Cornish… Frederick Treves
Mark Lessing… Edward de Souza
Superintendent Abbott... Grant Taylor
Pep Morgan... Harry Landis
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1968.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
When Roger West finds the dead body of a former small-time crook, he runs into opposition from the formidable Superintendent Abbott, his superior at the Yard, and starts on a trail which involves conspiracy, corruption and murder.
Episode 1 of 7
West finds the body of a small-time crook and faces opposition from his Superintendent.
Episode 2 of 7
West is suspended from duty and hires Pep Morgan to help prove that he’s been framed.
Episode 3 of 7
West’s continued efforts to restore his reputation put those around him in danger.
Episode 4 of 7
West comes face-to-face with 'Whistler' Malone and some very useful evidence.
Episode 5 of 7
The stakes are high, as West draws closer to the truth and the mystery of what he missed.
Episode 6 of 7
'Whistler’ Malone may be in a police cell but this case is far from sewn up.
Episode 7 of 7
West follows several lines of enquiry to find the crooked copper and close this case.
Chief Inspector Roger West is the creation of John Creasey, who authored more than 40 Roger West novels between 1942 and 1973.
Much like Paul Temple, West - “Scotland Yard’s youngest, smartest chief inspector” - has a long-suffering wife who also gets involved with the action. A total of six novels were adapted for radio by Maurice Travers.
Chief Inspector Roger West… Patrick Allen
Janet West… Sarah Lawson
Detective Inspector Bob Cornish… Frederick Treves
Mark Lessing… Edward de Souza
Superintendent Abbott... Grant Taylor
Pep Morgan... Harry Landis
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1968.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
April 10, 2020
Enjoyable read.
March 16, 2016
Inspector West at Home is superb. I don't actually keep a top ten list, but this book would surely be in it if I did. I found the story compelling from the start. His co-workers come to search West's house and he has no idea what is going on. His bewilderment turns to shock when he realises that he is being framed, and his world is suddenly turned upside down. From there onwards the pace keeps up, but with a rhythm: periods of anxiety or fear, relief or even joy, all intermingled. On top of that, West seems more likeable than ever. I particularly like how he sometimes gets annoyed at himself – don't we all? The story unfolds, and we gradually learn more and more about his situation with some shocking revelations along the way. As the story nears its conclusion the excitement increases, and in the end I was left feeling that everything had been tied up in a satisfactory way. I have a, slightly annoying, habit of mentally editing the story in books that I feel are lacking in some way. That wasn't the case in this book, which is perhaps why I enjoyed it so much. 5 stars.
February 16, 2019
Very much of his time (written in the 1960's), Inspector West is a smart and "modern" copper who treats his colleagues with courtesy, but who can be firm when needed. The book starts out with West's suspension from duty after allegations of corruption, but being suspended doesn't stop him from investigating the cause, aided along the way by his wife Janet and various helpful folks. It's a good read, despite the irritating nickname of "Handsome" West used liberally by his colleagues at Scotland Yard. Happily this was left out of the excellent audio versions with real-life husband and wife team Patrick Allen and Sarah Lawson playing West and his wife Janet.
May 20, 2025
The 1965 version of this book was printed by Coronet books/HODDER PAPERBACK LTD.
When I was growing up, my Dad had a great collection of Gideon Books and Inspector West books which I read voraciously and really enjoyed. I was inspired to read them again when my husband started reading book one in the Inspector West series. I picked up book three and have no idea if we have book two. I read the book in the space of one day even with very tiny print, and my memories of Inspector West, his wife Janet and friend Mark Lessing came readily back to mind as did my enjoyment of this adventure.
When totally unsuspecting West is accused of being involved with bribery and corruption, I knew of course that it would be false. Handsome West would never do that! The contempt shown him by his fellow officers was painful, and personally I would not have been able to get over that in a hurry! When West sets out to discover what is going on, the reader meets all sorts of strange characters and there are multiple twists and turns before one finds out who was truly at fault.
It's probably hard to find this series now, but if you do, be sure to read them. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
When I was growing up, my Dad had a great collection of Gideon Books and Inspector West books which I read voraciously and really enjoyed. I was inspired to read them again when my husband started reading book one in the Inspector West series. I picked up book three and have no idea if we have book two. I read the book in the space of one day even with very tiny print, and my memories of Inspector West, his wife Janet and friend Mark Lessing came readily back to mind as did my enjoyment of this adventure.
When totally unsuspecting West is accused of being involved with bribery and corruption, I knew of course that it would be false. Handsome West would never do that! The contempt shown him by his fellow officers was painful, and personally I would not have been able to get over that in a hurry! When West sets out to discover what is going on, the reader meets all sorts of strange characters and there are multiple twists and turns before one finds out who was truly at fault.
It's probably hard to find this series now, but if you do, be sure to read them. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
July 10, 2020
West, is a police officer of whose most notable aspect is his coutenance, which has earned him the nickname "Handsome"
Things set off on a day when he is off and supposed to have a romantic evening with his wife on their anniversary. His whole world is turned upside down as a stark revelation is given at his domicile by superintendent Abbott just as he is about to head off.
Only an unexpected arrival of his friend Mark allows him some leeway and buys time, which he will have to maneouver carefully to last to ensure he can get to the bottom of things.
What ensues is the somewhat misshapen story telling, which at times seems devoid fully of emotion or as robotic and one dimensional as NPC characters in a video game responding to forced interactions, to warm, remembarable instances (quite few) to a slipshod plot which somehow works out in the end.
Inpsector West seems unaware at most times and incapable of combat or tactics, to other characters who lack any depth and easily dismissable were it not for their pivotal roles in the narrative.
Things set off on a day when he is off and supposed to have a romantic evening with his wife on their anniversary. His whole world is turned upside down as a stark revelation is given at his domicile by superintendent Abbott just as he is about to head off.
Only an unexpected arrival of his friend Mark allows him some leeway and buys time, which he will have to maneouver carefully to last to ensure he can get to the bottom of things.
What ensues is the somewhat misshapen story telling, which at times seems devoid fully of emotion or as robotic and one dimensional as NPC characters in a video game responding to forced interactions, to warm, remembarable instances (quite few) to a slipshod plot which somehow works out in the end.
Inpsector West seems unaware at most times and incapable of combat or tactics, to other characters who lack any depth and easily dismissable were it not for their pivotal roles in the narrative.
June 4, 2020
Inspector West's impeccable reputation falls under a shadow when he is accused of taking bribes. He's given a month to clear himself or face the consequences of the seemingly overwhelming 'evidence' against himself.
"A search warrant?" gasped Mark
"What? You can't be serious." cried Janet.
"I am afraid I am, Mrs. West," said Abbott. "I really must not waste any more time." He shot a quick almost furtive glance at Roger. "Information has been logged to the effect that you received, today, a sum of money intended as a bride in consideration of withholding action against a criminal when you knew that action was required."
Roger stared blankly.
"A search warrant?" gasped Mark
"What? You can't be serious." cried Janet.
"I am afraid I am, Mrs. West," said Abbott. "I really must not waste any more time." He shot a quick almost furtive glance at Roger. "Information has been logged to the effect that you received, today, a sum of money intended as a bride in consideration of withholding action against a criminal when you knew that action was required."
Roger stared blankly.
November 24, 2021
I followed the adventures of Inspector Roger West when I was in my teens. But this is one book that I hadn't read then. Quite an enjoyable read.
May 30, 2025
Enjoyable thriller. The superintendent was let off lightly
April 3, 2020
More surprising endings by John Creasey
June 26, 2009
Another in the Chief Inspector Roger West of Scotland Yard series. This is a pre Chief Inspector early in his career mystery. West is elaborately framed and comes under investigation. He then works to clear himself and works his way through a number of suspects, twists, and turns unraveling the mystery.
A nice quickie read as are the others in this series that I have read.
A nice quickie read as are the others in this series that I have read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews