by J. J. Marric
Part of Gideon, book 13
First published 1990
Commander George Gideon receives reports of a disturbing pattern. Young girls have been photographed nude by an unknown man, and each girl subsequently disappears without a trace. Gideon must navigate this sensitive investigation while Scotland Yard faces significant internal turmoil that threatens the department's effectiveness. The commander's attention splits when vandals begin attacking major churches and cathedrals across London. An anonymous tip about theft at one church initially seems unrelated to the mounting destruction. Gideon pieces together the evidence and realizes the religious buildings face a threat far more serious than simple vandalism or robbery. The commander must solve multiple cases simultaneously while managing the chaos within his own organization. The investigation forces Gideon to confront predators who target the vulnerable and criminals who would destroy sacred spaces. His pursuit of justice becomes personal as the stakes rise and the true scope of both threats emerges.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: high-stakes, multiple-storylines
Setting: London, Scotland Yard
Period: 20th-century
222 pages · Hardcover · Kensington Publishing: Zebra Books
Content warnings: violence