THE BARON AND THE STOLEN LEGACY

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1967. Hardcover. Near Fine/Near Fine. If quantity is the sole determinant for champion crime writer, Creasey, who wrote over 600 crime thrillers under more than 20 pseudonyms is the easy winner. Using the pen name, Anthony Morton, Creasey wrote 47 novels featuring The Baron, aka John Mannering, international antiques dealer and Scotland Yard consultant. The series also became the basis for a Tv series. This book is the 34th in the series and finds the Baron fuming in a jail cell, accused of murder and jewel theft, while family and friends follow his direction to find the real killer. First printing, first U.S. edition (Scribner's code: "A-4-67 [V]" on copyright page). 5 5/8 x 8 1/8 inches, 192 pages in bright orange cloth-covered boards with blue lettering on spine. Dustjacket's front panel shows shadowy blue figure carrying pearl necklace in one hand, hammer in the other, against an orange and black background. Lettering in white and orange. Back panel shows head & shoulder photos of P.D. James, Robert Van Gulik and Joyce Porter, "Leading Crime Writers from the Scribner's List." Spine ends lighlty bumped, o/w this copy in "as new" condition without significant flaws. Complete, clean and unmarked. Not ex-library, not remaindered. The dustjacket shows only light surface and edgewear. No tears, no chipping. Not price-clipped. An outstanding, collectable copy.