Day 9 - My Xmas Month Countdown - A Book and a Song

We're having our morning coffee / OJ and watching The View and waiting for Perry Mason to start. So let's get down to work. Day 9 of my 2019 Book / Song choices AKA my 25 favorite books of 2019 and 25 favorite songs on my USB.

Book 17

J.J. Marric

J.J. Marric - Gideon's Week.

J.J. Marric (born John Creasey) lived from 1908 - 1973. He wrote under Creasey, J.J. Marric, Anthony Morton, Gordon Ashe, etc. Over the course of his life he wrote crime series, adventures, and many more. I've read books in his Commander Gideon series, have started The Baron and Dr. Palfrey. But those just touch the surface of this prolific author. The Gideon series is particularly good, an excellent police procedural that follows Commander Gideon and his team. My review of Gideon's Week, #2 in the series is below.


"Gideon's Week is the 2nd book in the Commander Gideon series by prolific author, J.J. Marric. In many ways it reminds me of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series. Both are excellent police procedurals. They are concise, well-crafted and grab your attention.

In Gideon's Week, Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard is dealing with many situations. The main crisis is a prison break in Manchester. Of the 9 men who have escaped was one Syd Benson, gangster, murderer. He was put in prison by Gideon on the testimony of Benson's wife. Benson wants to get down to London to get vengeance on his wife. As they wait to see if Benson and the other escapees are captured or make it to London, Gideon prepares the force, protecting Mrs Benson and her children.

As well, the daily caseload never stops. Bad weather helped the escape in Manchester and kept the day-to-day criminal activities in London down. But the weather is improving and while Gideon's force is stretched thin, robberies are on the uptake as well as other crimes. These must be dealt with as well. There are other cases that take up Gideon's time, including the suspected murder of a young woman by her boyfriend. This case incites the interest of one of Gideon's daughters.

The story is fascinating, moves along nicely and holds your attention throughout. The various cases are all detailed and investigated individually, with Gideon tying them all together. There is intimidation, tension and excellent character development. All in all, an excellent mystery, well worth attempting. (4.5 stars)"

Song 17

Tom Speight

Tom Speight - Heart Shaker.

Tom Speight is a singer / song writer from London England. He blends a mix of folk and pop in his songs. His first EP came out in 2016 and he followed up with a number of other EP's. Heart Shaker was released in 2019.

Have a great week!