Gideon's Wrath — J.J. Marric

While taking sanctuary in a church, praying for his sins, a murderer is horrified to witness the theft of an altar plate. For him it is the worst kind of crime – sacrilege – and soon all London’s cathedrals and churches are at risk. He duly telephones the police, who are meanwhile investigating the murders of several topless models. Commander Gideon works on both cases diligently but tensions is all around him – his own men start showing signs of strain from overworking and Gideon himself is called away to Paris, just when he is needed in London.

''The King of Crime'' wrote an astonishing number of crime and mystery books, selling more than 80 million copies worldwide in 28 languages over five decades. His most famous characters include The Baron, Inspector West, and Gideon. The Creasey Dagger is the UK''s top award for first time crime novelists with winners including Patricia Cornwell and Minette Walters. Creasey is an inspiration to the aspiring but as yet unpublished author. He had 743 rejection slips before his first book was accepted. He never stopped believing in himself and he never gave up. He wasn''t afraid to take risks either—writing under 10 different names and changing styles with each character.