John Mannering is adapting well to his new, respectable life. However, when he tries to buy an antique shop he is forced to revive the skills of his former occupation as the Baron - master cracksman and jewel thief. Before the deal is sealed, Mannering faces murders, smuggling, and antique switching, and works with the Yard to beat the criminals once and for all.

Master crime-fiction writer John Creasey's near 600 titles have sold more than 80 million copies in over 25 languages under both his own name and 10 other pseudonyms. His style varied with each identity and led to him being regarded as a literary phenomenon. Amongst the many series written were Gideon of Scotland Yard, The Toff, The Baron, Dr. Palfrey, and Inspector West, as J. J. Marric, Michael Halliday, Patrick Dawlish, and others.

During his lifetime Creasey enjoyed an ever-increasing reputation both in the UK and overseas, especially the USA. This was further enhanced by constant revision of his works in order to assure the best possible be presented to his fans and also by many awards, not least of which was being honoured twice by the Mystery Writer's of America, latterly as Grand Master.