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Baron #1
Meet the Baron
John Manering (aka The Baron) makes his first appearance in this volume. Lord Fauntley cannot help showing off both his daughter and the security under which his precious jewels are kept. Mannering finds himself attracted to both .... Money is tight and so he plans a burglary, but this fails and unexpected consequnces result. The relationship with Lorna Fauntley flourishes, and a series of high profile thefts and adventures ensure Mannering's future, so he believes, until Lorna equates him with The Baron. One of the many further twists in this award winning novel occurs when the police appear to seek Mannering's help, only to have everything turned upside down as the plot develops . . . . .
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1937
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 28, 2024
I've read two other books in the Baron 'mystery / thriller' series by English author, John Creasey but I've now decided to get focused and read from the first book, Meet The Baron: (appropriate title, eh? The first book in the Toff series is called Introducing the Toff, so he does sort of have a theme.
Anyway, I can't say I enjoyed this first book as much as I enjoyed the first books on Creasey's Inspector West or Commander Gideon series but it was still an interesting introduction to the character of the Baron, in reality an upper class guy, who lives on the edges of bankruptcy, one John Mannering. Mannering likes to gamble and to live expensively, dating show girls, going to the races, all those things. In appearance, he seems well off, but in reality, his funds are dangerously low.
So, after attending a function hosted by Lord Fauntley, Mannering comes up with an idea. He decides to become a 'cracksman', basically a cat burglar. He starts by robbing Lord Fauntley and finds ways to disguise his appearance, to break into buildings and safes, to fence the items he steals. He enjoys the thrill of the hunt for targets, the breaking and entering, the avoiding detection and arrest. He also has fallen deeply for Lord Fauntley's daughter, Lorna, a lovely, intelligent, beautiful lady, who has been working to become a successful artist.
As the Baron becomes more successful, the police become more and more involved. Because many of the thefts take place at parties held by the entitled rich and that Mannering has attended all of these functions, the main police inspector, Inspector Bristow, asks Mannering to help him investigate, to keep an eye during these functions; a request Mannering finds amusing but agrees to help.
That is the premise of the first story. Mannering continues to operate as the Baron, while 'helping' Bristow, who he actually admires. One of his robberies, a pearl necklace, brings some of his acquaintances under Bristow's intense gaze and this causes Mannering some difficulties, as he doesn't want someone else implicated or hurt because of his crimes.
It's an imperfect introduction but still informative, with lots of action and intensity. Creasey knows how to flow a story to hold your attention. The characters, from Mannering, to Lorna, Bristow and the others that surround them, are all interesting and sympathetic. It's an entertaining first book and I'll continue to follow the Baron's adventures. (3.0 stars)
Anyway, I can't say I enjoyed this first book as much as I enjoyed the first books on Creasey's Inspector West or Commander Gideon series but it was still an interesting introduction to the character of the Baron, in reality an upper class guy, who lives on the edges of bankruptcy, one John Mannering. Mannering likes to gamble and to live expensively, dating show girls, going to the races, all those things. In appearance, he seems well off, but in reality, his funds are dangerously low.
So, after attending a function hosted by Lord Fauntley, Mannering comes up with an idea. He decides to become a 'cracksman', basically a cat burglar. He starts by robbing Lord Fauntley and finds ways to disguise his appearance, to break into buildings and safes, to fence the items he steals. He enjoys the thrill of the hunt for targets, the breaking and entering, the avoiding detection and arrest. He also has fallen deeply for Lord Fauntley's daughter, Lorna, a lovely, intelligent, beautiful lady, who has been working to become a successful artist.
As the Baron becomes more successful, the police become more and more involved. Because many of the thefts take place at parties held by the entitled rich and that Mannering has attended all of these functions, the main police inspector, Inspector Bristow, asks Mannering to help him investigate, to keep an eye during these functions; a request Mannering finds amusing but agrees to help.
That is the premise of the first story. Mannering continues to operate as the Baron, while 'helping' Bristow, who he actually admires. One of his robberies, a pearl necklace, brings some of his acquaintances under Bristow's intense gaze and this causes Mannering some difficulties, as he doesn't want someone else implicated or hurt because of his crimes.
It's an imperfect introduction but still informative, with lots of action and intensity. Creasey knows how to flow a story to hold your attention. The characters, from Mannering, to Lorna, Bristow and the others that surround them, are all interesting and sympathetic. It's an entertaining first book and I'll continue to follow the Baron's adventures. (3.0 stars)
Want to Read
February 12, 2020Synopsis: John Creasey's famous Baron makes his first appearance. He gets found out as a jewel thief by his target's beautiful daughter.
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this!I had previously read the first book in his Roger West series then also the first in the Toff series and enjoyed those so reasoned I'd better give The Baron series a try.The actual central character reminded me very much of Bruce Reynolds ( read his autobiography if you want evidence) which I found amusing and fun.Admittedly this book started a little slowly but once it fired up I really found it rollicking fun!I am so glad now I purchased many other of the Baron books in days gone by, I'm definitely looking forward to those now....
Did Not Finish
April 12, 2015Not rated because I didn't finish it. The library loan expired before I could and I found myself not caring. Nuff said.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews