Gideon's Ride

Gideon #9

by J.J. Marric

London's transportation system is experiencing a crime wave, with a ruthless gang victimising unsuspecting commuters. There are also all of the usual thefts and 'ordinary' crimes to deal with. With murders occurring on buses, any passenger unfortunate enough to be heading home after dark may be a target. Panic ensues and only one man, George Gideon, can remove the fear . . .

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Fiction, Police

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

A pseudonym used by John Creasey.

The Gideon series was continued after Creasey's death by William Vivian Butler.

Reviews

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

For second time in the series, John Creasey fits the subplots, if a little awkwardly and too quickly tied together, into one larger story. The way of the Yard, the regular characters, the study of the London transportation system, and the various subplots all do make for a pleasant and generally encouraging pastime.

[KarenC · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in this series I've read. Recommended by a "book hound" at a local library sale as a quality read for mystery lovers. After reading this one, I agree and will request more from the library.

My introduction to the highly-respoected Commander Gideon of Scotland Yard. A multi-case police procedural in what I think of as a typical reserved British style. I look forward to reading more in the series.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teams of thieves are targeting bus riders, until one robbery-with-violence is fatal. Then one witness after another goes down. Meanwhile a series of beautiful young women are being seduced and strangled, and seemingly random deaths under the wheels of trains turn out to have a pattern. Commander Gideon can't involve Scotland Yard in a coming transit strike until activists go too far. Always a pleasure reading this series.

[Delores Alger · Rating 4 out of 5]

creasey's gideon

[C. John Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon is faced with several problems, all connected to London Transport.
1. Robberies on the buses, one of which has resulted in murder.
2. The possible use of tube (subway) trains as murder weapons.
3. Petty pilfering and such that might be taking place to cause job actions.
4. A serial killer who has been leaving crumpled up bus tickets in waste bins near his murders.
The first three are solved by the end of the book, while a bus conductor plans on providing information to the police which may solve the last one. We are also introduced to Inspector Alec Hobbs, who will become a major actor as the series progresses.
I found this one enjoyable. It was interesting to get a look at some of the workings of London Transport. All in all a good read.