Gideon's Staff

Gideon #5

by J.J. Marric

At least Gideon was expecting the biggest crime-wave for several years. After all, the police were desperately undermanned and the criminal world was sure to seize its chance.

As usual, Gideon was right. As one crime succeeded another, the force stretched itself to the utmost to cover the gaps in its ranks. But the police were up against cunning professional criminals, for the viciousness of a child murderer and the savagery of gang warfare acted as a smokescreen for the planning of an even bigger crime. . .

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Fiction, British Literature

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1975

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]

JJ Marric's Commander Gideon police procedural series is always entertaining and good value for money. Gideon's Staff, the 5th book in the series, was no exception. Gideon is suffering from staff shortages and along with the other division heads in London's police hierarchy, is asked to examine the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to let the police commissioner what he can do without in an era of cutbacks. Gideon argues that it can't be done as it will seriously affect his division's ability to fight crime. So throughout this particular story, the embattled Gideon, now moved up a slot temporarily, due his supervisor's illness, must try to solve a variety of ongoing cases, present a case for more money and try to husband his tired resources.
A cop has been murdered and Gideon is trying to find Mickey the Slob, the gangster who orchestrated the killing. Gideon is helping a police force on the coast where a pervert has been assaulting and killing little girls. As well, a 'master criminal' plans to take advantage of CID's issues by planning a major heist.
There is nothing new in the Gideon series but the stories are always told so very well. You have a variety of viewpoints, from Gideon as the main one, but also those of his investigators and also those of the criminals in involved in the crimes. And there is always the added enjoyment of Gideon's lovely wife and great kids.
The format makes for engaging, interesting crime stories, page turners with enough excitement to keep you moving along. Added to this story is the issue of the whole funding matter and how Gideon tries to solve that. Entertaining and more than just a crime story. Check the series out. (4.0 stars)

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Systematic and effective, suspenseful and full of police action, competent and intelligent.

[laurel jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and entertaining fast read

[C. John Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this book Gideon confronts a problem still with us, namely a police force that is already feeling the effects of not having the financial resources it needs and whose political masters want it to reduce expenses even more. Gideon is forced to take measures he would not normally do to drive home his worries. Of course this gives the criminal element, or at least some of them, ideas. Add to this a child molester/killer and Gideon certainly has his hands full. As always we have a number of other policemen involved in the various stories. Each one is distinct from the other, which gives an added texture to the book. As well we have a nice dose of Gideon's off-duty life. All in all a nice addition to the series.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Commander Gideon lays his career on the line in opposition to budget cuts. The Yard is already understaffed to the point that criminals are escaping through the thin police lines. Even if his press campaign wins support for Scotland Yard, he will probably be in trouble with the Home Secretary for taking internal politics public. It would favor his campaign if the criminals were seen to be winning, but Gideon can't allow that.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series about Commander Gideon of Scotland Yard, his staff, and his family improves with each volume. This is the fifth. John Creasey, writing under the name J. J. Merrick, concentrates on the members of the Yard in this story, and characterizations, usually Creasey's weakness, come into focus and grow in complexity. This is a satisfying crime novel.

[Delores Alger · Rating 4 out of 5]

creasey's gideon