John Creasey writing as J. J. Marric studies a British general-election campaign, and examines especially its police aspects. From the protection of candidates (from burglars among other things), the dangerous activities of extremists of right and left (which go as far as the theft of an atomic device) and the regular police problems – which seem to persist no matter what the electoral situation.
''The King of Crime'' wrote an astonishing number of crime and mystery books, selling more than 80 million copies worldwide in 28 languages over five decades. His most famous characters include The Baron, Inspector West, and Gideon. The Creasey Dagger is the UK''s top award for first time crime novelists with winners including Patricia Cornwell and Minette Walters. Creasey is an inspiration to the aspiring but as yet unpublished author. He had 743 rejection slips before his first book was accepted. He never stopped believing in himself and he never gave up. He wasn''t afraid to take risks either—writing under 10 different names and changing styles with each character.
