What a treat to find a Gideon from back in the day at the new bookstore in the neighborhood!
Gideon’s Press, by J. J. Marric, one of John Creasey’s several pseudonyms, was published in 1973, back when I frequently slowed down my live by binging on mysteries. I was working for Charlie Taft at City Hall, raising 3 sons, a dog and a husband, as well as running that household and several community organizations. I might never have gotten any sleep without these soporifics! My other technique was to OD on sugar, and fall asleep during the downer part. Mysteries were healthier.
Gideon is an admirable Commander at Scotland Yard, maybe in the 50s or 60s, during a time when labour unions, the police and the government, newspapers, reporters, dock workers, and folk who thrived on mayhem and chaos were reacting to and causing endless turmoil. This is the story of how Gideon averted some of that turmoil by creating collaborations and partnerships. In its own way, very evocative of now. When the only way out is forward together.
Creasey was a master writer – always to be savored.