Meet the Baron
Part 1 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (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 consequences 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...
The Baron Returns
Part 2 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') pulled his scarf up so as to hide his face. A casual observer from a window above would probably not even notice him. The finest jewel thief in London was utilising all of his skills to nail a crooked Solicitor. Mannering's friend could be ruined by documents contained in the lawyer's strong-room and so he risks all, especially his freedom, to get them back.
The Baron Again
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 3 of the Baron (Creasey) series
Retired gentleman cracksman, John Mannering, (aka 'The Baron'), who runs Quinns Antiques in Mayfair, is faced with reverting to his old profession in an effort to save the life of a man accused of murder. The suspense is literally killing and even 'The Baron' is not sure of the man's innocence. He gets involved to the point where he too is in danger of being suspected as an accomplice and the reader is kept on edge right up until a very unexpected climax and solution to the mystery is revealed.
Alias the Baron
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 5 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') bought the Dellamont Emeralds in Paris. They were beautiful, expensive - and sinister. But Mannering, connoisseur of precious gems, chose to ignore their history of misfortune. Then things began to happen - an attempted robbery of the famous jewels; and a quarrel with Lorna Fauntley. Seemingly separate incidents, yet all connected. The strangest thing of all was that someone was impersonating the Baron…
The Baron at Large
Part 6 of the Baron (Creasey) series
The Kallinov jewels were, for the first time in many years, to be collected together under one roof, and John Mannering was invited to add his own Gloria diamonds. What was not realized, however, was that Mannering was in fact the legendary 'Baron', a highly successful jewel thief! Then, Mannering hears a gunshot in the middle of the night and witnesses the entire collection being driven away by thieves. To make matters worse, he then receives a note from the thieves which makes it abundantly clear that he is probably going to be framed for the theft, and so finds himself hemmed in from all sides.
Versus the Baron
Part 7 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering, retired jewel thief known as 'The Baron', now runs Quinns, an antique shop in London's Mayfair. He is offered a superb set of diamonds which turn out to have been stolen in a daring robbery from the Louvre in Paris. Mannering is now faces a dangerous dilemma, because the jewels may lead him to a murderer, with a further possible death to be prevented; and at the same time he is tempted to return to his old profession, at least to the extent of handling the diamonds. His decision leads to a daring and dangerous adventure, in which he is kidnapped and threatened with death, and which has all the hallmarks of being one of his most exciting escapades.
Call for the Baron
Part 8 of the Baron (Creasey) series
A series of minor thefts at Vere House prompts the owners to call in their old friend, John Mannering, to investigate. Whilst Mannering is doing so, the jewels and the famous Deverall necklace belonging to Lady Usk, a guest of the Vere's, are stolen. Reluctantly, the police are brought in and much to Mannering's disquiet, Scotland Yard send in Inspector Bristow, one of the few who suspect Mannering to be 'The Baron' - the cleverest jewel thief in the country. Mannering must prove his innocence when he discovers someone has planted the stolen Deverall necklace in his room . . .
A Case for the Baron
(Writing as Anthony Morton)
Part 10 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') is a former cracksman and jewel thief who is occasionally consulted by Scotland Yard when there is a particularly difficult, or mysterious, case to solve. Seemingly reluctantly, Superintendent Bristow contacts him because the police need help in tracking down some stolen precious stones, which have so far eluded them. Mannering suspects some sort of elaborate trap is being set and so very carefully lays down his own terms before rendering assistance. Then things change dramatically as the crime being investigated escalates from theft to murder. Were Mannering's instincts correct in the first place?
What to Do?
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 12 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') is an ex-cracksman, who is not only now 'straight', but can also act when needed in solving crimes. His wife has painted and exhibited and the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy what may critics believe to be the finest work that year. She learns from her contacts that Quinns, a curio shop in London's Mayfair is for sale, and urges Mannering to buy it. His attempt to do so, however, is shrouded in mystery, and the police start to wonder if once again he has turned his hand to being a master jewel thief.
The Blood Diamond
Part 13 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') had purchased the Adalgo diamond, primarily out of curiosity as it was known as the 'Blood Diamond' because violent death had overtaken so many of its previous owners. Mannering did not believe in such myths, but soon after he was robbed, his wife was kidnapped and a friend was brutally murdered. Just what was the truth behind the legend and could Mannering solve the various mysteries? The suspense may be killing, but it lasts right up until the end!
Taking the Blame
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 14 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') runs Quinns, an upmarket emporium in London's Mayfair. He is often called upon to solve difficult crimes, but this one is different. 'The Baron' is himself the victim as Quinns has suffered a nighttime burglary. To make matters worse, a cold-blooded killing has taken place and now he is the suspect. The chase to find the culprits is on and it is a question of who gets there first in the face of both mystery and danger.
A Rope for the Baron
(Writing as Anthony Morton)
Part 15 of the Baron (Creasey) series
Dealer John Mannering (aka 'The Baron) is on his way to buy some famous emeralds at a country mansion. His journey is interrupted, however, and then two strangers warn him his life is in danger. How does he proceed?
Cry for the Baron
Part 17 of the Baron (Creasey) series
Each previous owner of 'The Diamond of Tears' had been tortured and met a murderous end. Jacob Bernstein was the fifth in line and was to become a victim, which resulted in John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') beginning an investigation which proved to be intriguing and dangerous. What is it about this priceless jewel that attracts death for its owners, and why is 'The Baron' himself now in danger?
Attack and Defense
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 19 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') owns Quinns, a shop in London's Mayfair, dealing in antique and precious stones. Used to solving seemingly impossible crimes, this time he is the victim. A young man seizes diamonds being shown to him, strikes 'The Baron', and makes off. Mannering is taken to hospital and is seriously ill, and whilst Scotland Yard is working hard on the case they have very little to go on.
Shadow the Baron
Part 20 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering ('The Baron') is called in by Scotland Yard's Superintendent Bristow to help catch the mysterious jewel thief 'The Shadow'. No one knows the thief's identity, but he has managed to pull off many high profile robberies. However, as Mannering proceeds to track down the target, he finds the pursuer becomes the pursued....
The Riviera Connection
Part 23 of the Baron (Creasey) series
Another gripping story featuring John Mannering (aka 'The Baron'). A burglar is robbing a dealer's safe, but is interrupted. The burglar pulls out a gun and fires. Bullets tear into a man's chest. Some jewels fall as the gun is used. A girl screams. Next morning, John Mannering is contemplating persuading his wife back to bed. The telephone rings and he is informed of the murder. Another complex and dangerous adventure begins, which sees Mannering at his best and in France. Moreover, he has to try and prove the innocence of the dealer's assistant, who is the chief suspect, although Mannering is far from convinced …
Danger for the Baron
Part 24 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') is secretly called to the house of William Blane by his young secretary Judy Darrow. He doesn't really know what to expect, only that a frightened girl had urgently summoned him in a midnight telephone call. Upon arrival, Blane is found to be dead and the girl is very nearly so. That, however, is not the beginning of an investigation, as 'The Baron' is now himself in danger. There is also betrayal and an angry and suspicious detective to deal with.
Nest-Egg for the Baron
Writing as Anthony Morton
Part 26 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') of Quinns Antiques in Mayfair is in danger. Several murders have taken place and a mysterious gunman pursues him. Behind it all lies a blond woman, who appears to be (at least temporarily) dumb and a nest egg of gold holding five bejeweled eggs. Can he escape danger and at the same time solve the mystery?
Help from the Baron
Part 27 of the Baron (Creasey) series
The Fioras jewels are missing and Francesca Lisle, one of John Mannering's (aka 'The Baron') neighbours, is mysteriously asked by her father to retrieve a leather holdall from underneath the floorboards and take it to him at Waterloo station. Francesca is kidnapped, however, and ends up in the River Thames. Meanwhile, Joy Lessing, is also kidnapped, or so it would seem … Mannering is unwittingly involved and sets off to investigate, but cannot tell the police everything he discovers and so acting almost alone must somehow outwit the other players in a complex plot of deceit and duplicity, including having to deal with the notorious Ephraim Scoby.
Blood Red
(Writing as Anthony Morton)
Part 30 of the Baron (Creasey) series
John Mannering, the former jewel thief known as 'The Baron' and now a respectable antique dealer in London's Mayfair, was selling a fabulous diamond ring known as the 'Red Eye of Love'. The ring, however, was not wanted by its intended recipient, who only reluctantly placed it on her finger. Could a sixth sense be at work, as the ring is surely associated with death? There is genuine mystery and a bloody mess for 'The Baron' to sort out with all of his usual panache and attention to detail.
The Mask of Sumi
Part 36 of the Baron (Creasey) series
The fabulous Sumi crown jewels are up for sale-including the Mask of Sumi, a beautiful yet strangely repellent object. When the jewels are stolen, and taken on board ship by a woman, the Baron follows, only to find himself involved in a murder and in the midst of some very messy oriental politics.
The Missing Old Masters
Part 40 of the Baron (Creasey) series
When John Mannering (aka 'The Baron') set out to value on old lady's paintings, blackmail, arson and murder followed. A young girl almost paid with her life for keeping silent, houses were destroyed to prevent detection, and Mannering was in instant peril of losing his life. The battle was for the truth – who was blackmailing whom and why – tested every skill he possessed. Breughel, Vermeer and other masterpieces meant big money – but brought big trouble for 'The Baron'.