The Baron and the Arrogant Artist — Anthony Morton

Mannering quite admired the arrogance of the self-opinionated young artist who asked him for patronage for a subsidy to keep him painting. It was also clear that the young painter wasn't actually asking for a favour, he was conferring one! With so much youthful confidence on display, Mannering wasn't expecting the phone call later.

On arriving at a flat in Fulham, he finds the artist near death. Was it attempted suicide, or was it, in fact, attempted murder? Once again, Mannering must revive his skills as the Baron to save lives from terrible danger.

Born in Surrey, England in 1908 into a poor family in which there were nine children, John Creasey grew up to be a true master story teller and international sensation. His more than 600 crime, mystery and thriller titles have now sold 80 million copies in 25 languages. These include many popular series such as Gideon of Scotland Yard, The Toff, Dr Palfrey and The Baron.Creasey wrote under many pseudonyms, explaining that booksellers had complained he totally dominated the 'C' section in stores.

Never one to sit still, Creasey had a strong social conscience, and stood for Parliament several times, along with founding the One Party Alliance which promoted the idea of government by a coalition of the best minds from across the political spectrum. He founded the British Crime Writers' Association, which to this day celebrates outstanding crime writing. The Mystery Writers of America bestowed upon him the Edgar Award for best novel and then in 1969 the ultimate Grand Master Award.