Inspector West Takes Charge

Extortion is the name of the game. In this first story of the Inspector West series, the Scotland Yard officer has to get to the bottom of a blackmail bid against the Dreem cigarette factory. With those behind the attempt prepared to murder anyone who might get in their way, Inspector West has to unravel it all at gunpoint, and not without some surprises . . . The Green Popular Penguins Story It was in 1935 when Allen Lane stood on a British railway platform looking for something good to read on his journey. His choice was limited to popular magazines and poor quality paperbacks. Lane's disappointment at the range of books available led him to found a company – and change the world. In 1935 the Penguin was born, but it took until the late 1940s for the Crime and Mystery series to emerge. The genre thrived in the post-war austerity of the 1940s, and reached heights of popularity by the 1960s. Suspense, compelling plots and captivating characters ensure that once again you need look no further than the Penguin logo for the scene of the perfect crime.

Extortion is the name of the game and the method is to murder anyone who might get in the way. 'The Dreem' factory and much else is at stake. Inspector West has to unravel it all at gun point, but not without difficulty and surprise . .

‘The Toff’ had been playing rugby and is about to return to London when he discovers a woman in the back seat of his car. She was apparently determined to meet him. A curious story then emerged as to why Alice Hellier was frightened for the safety of her playboy cousin, and The Toff becomes caught up in a desperate financial plot.

John Mannering (aka ‘The Baron’) runs Quinns in London’s Mayfair. He is often called upon to solve difficult crimes, but this one is different. Quinns has suffered a night time burglary. A cold-blooded killing has taken place and now Mannering is the suspect. The chase is on in the face of both mystery and danger.

Kate Lowson was waiting at the airport when suddenly the Alsatian sprang at her. As she lay on the ground, the figures present sidled off, but then ‘The Toff’ appeared on the scene. Very soon the story became as lively as an electric wire as the balance fell first one way, then the other, with Kate firmly in the middle of the puzzle.

‘The Toff’ usually steers clear of politics, but when a Member of Parliament is murdered he is urged to stand in his place. All does not go well, as people believe he is just interested in finding the murderers and exposing a ring of dangerous drug peddlers. Attempts are made on his life and perhaps more is going on than even he realises ...

Dr. Palfrey is faced with one of the most difficult problems and a more powerful adversary than he has previously met. A mysterious disease strikes down some of the world’s most powerful figures; then their daughters also become victims. Palfrey and Z5 have to prevent domination of the planet by an irresponsible power and fearful new weapons.