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The National Gallery houses priceless art treasures belonging to the nation and has high security. But Velazquez's painting "The Prince" is nevertheless stolen. Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard knows of only a few thieves at large artful enough to pull off such a heist. However, one obvious suspect turns up dead and Gideon believes there is more to the story than a simple theft, no matter how daring. Then a famous art dealer's daughter is kidnapped and a notorious counterfeiting ring show more moves into town. Clearly, Gideon is facing something both major and mysterious . . . show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This is a relatively light police procedural focusing on an art heist -- a Velasquez stolen from under the noses of the curators at London's National Gallery. This is one of several heists that have occurred recently, and with this painting being stolen from the nation, Gideon has been given the responsibility of running the thieves to justice. There are a few other crimes and murders, and some peril, but there aren't too many horrific details. The book also highlights the difficulties of launching large-scale investigations, ensuring that every force has some representation and juggling the various personality conflicts that arise. I enjoyed this installment very much. It is my favourite of the ones I've read so far, probably because show more of the National Gallery angle. I did think it a bit creepy that Alec Hobbs has a crush on Gideon's daughter when they are in their 40s and 20s, respectively, but that subplot makes only the tiniest of appearances. Overall this is a good Scotland Yard book. show less
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Author Information
665+ Works 8,562 Members
John Creasey was born in Southfields, Surrey on September 17, 1908. He was educated at Fulhan Elementary School and Sloane School, both in London. From 1923 to 1935 he worked in various clerical, factory, and sales jobs while trying to establish himself as a writer. His first book was published in 1930 and first crime novel, Seven Times Seven, was show more published in 1932. In 1935 he became a full-time writer. He published 29 books in 1937 alone. In 1953, Creasey was a main force behind the founding of the British Crime Writers Association. He won the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1962. He also was several times an unsuccessful candidate for Parliament, and in 1967 he founded the All-Party Alliance movement, urging voters to choose the best candidate regardless of party. During his lifetime, he published 562 books under 28 pseudonyms. His novel Gideon's Day was adapted into a movie in 1958, directed by John Ford. He also wrote plays, short stories, and juvenile books. He died on June 9, 1973. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Common Knowledge
- Original title
- Gideon's Art
- Original publication date
- 1971
- People/Characters
- George Gideon
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 69
- Popularity
- 454,759
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.63)
- Languages
- English, German, Italian
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 12
- ASINs
- 3
