by J. J. Marric
Part of Gideon, book 10
First published 1977
Commander George Gideon oversees London police operations during a heated British general election campaign. Political tensions run high as extremist groups from both ends of the spectrum threaten public safety. Gideon's officers must protect candidates from various dangers, including common criminals like burglars who see opportunity in the chaos. The stakes escalate dramatically when radical activists steal an atomic device, transforming routine election security into a race against catastrophe. While managing this crisis, Gideon still confronts the everyday crimes that continue regardless of political upheaval. The investigation reveals how electoral periods create unique vulnerabilities that criminals exploit. As Gideon navigates the complex intersection of politics and policing, he discovers that maintaining order during democratic processes requires balancing public safety with civil liberties. The story explores how law enforcement adapts to protect democracy itself while extremist threats grow increasingly sophisticated and dangerous.
Genres: mystery, crime, action, political-thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: race-against-time, unlikely-allies
Setting: London
Period: 20th-century
192 pages · Paperback · Coronet Books
Content warnings: violence