Publisher's Synopsis
John Mannering was making his way to Hallen House, a lonely old country mansion, to purchase the famous Lake Emeralds from a man who called himself Silas Bellamy. But on his way across the moors, he meets two mysterious strangers who warn him that he will be in mortal danger if he continues with his journey. Though Mannering-alias the Baron-finds the house quite normal at first, he soon discovers that two young girls are imprisoned within its walls. What's more, those who visit can never leave! Can the Baron perform the ultimate feat of escapology and force his way out of the trap?
Born in Surrey, England, in 1908 into a poor family in which there were nine children, John Creasey grew up to be a true master storyteller and international sensation. His more than 600 crime, mystery and thriller titles have now sold 80 million copies in 25 languages. These include many popular series such as Gideon of Scotland Yard, The Toff, Dr Palfrey and The Baron.Creasey wrote under many pseudonyms, explaining that booksellers had complained he totally dominated the C section in stores.
Never one to sit still, Creasey had a strong social conscience, and stood for Parliament several times, along with founding the One Party Alliance which promoted the idea of government by a coalition of the best minds from across the political spectrum. He founded the British Crime Writers' Association, which to this day celebrates outstanding crime writing. The Mystery Writers of America bestowed upon him the Edgar Award for best novel and then in 1969 the ultimate Grand Master Award.
