Department Z

The first in the series featuring British intelligence's elite detectives by the Edgar Award–winning author. Millions of lives are at stake if a sinister international conspiracy succeeds. It's up to England's elite detective agency, Department Z, to make sure that doesn't happen. They've got to keep things quiet, too. Discretion is something the Hon. James Quinion knows only too well-it's all part and parcel of being a member of the secret service. Now, as Department Z's agents prepare for this high-profile, high-risk assignment, Quinion will find himself right in the line of fire-and in personal danger . . .

An American gangster brings his bloody business to 1930s Britain in this suspenseful thriller from an Edgar Award–winning author. Amateur boxer Martin Storm's visit to New York seemed like it was a success. That is, until his car was machine-gunned and the police had to smuggle him out of the country . . . But Storm finds no safety at home, either, and the search begins to find the man who is hunting him down. He soon discovers that he has become involved with an American underworld boss who is planning to expand his business to Britain. Will he be able to bob and weave his way out of the gangster's clutches, with some help from the detectives of Department Z-or will this be his final match?

The detectives of Britain's Department Z look into a murder at an exclusive club. Sir Basil Riordon is mysterious, frightening, and immensely wealthy. But is he also a killer? As head of England's elite secret service, Department Z, Gordon Craigie has to find out, but it won't be an easy investigation with so many important people involved. A member of an exclusive London club has been poisoned, and Riordon or his son, Marcus, may be involved. Craigie assigns his best agent, Devenish, to find the truth. But what Devenish finds isn't a clear-cut case of homicide, but a mad masquerade of murder, larceny, and deceit of the highest order. And he and Craigie may be in over their heads . . .

A terrifying international plot threatens the agents of Britain's Department Z in this tale of suspense from an Edgar Award–winning author. Leopold Gorman studies the World Economic Conference with interest-and then picks five rich and powerful men to bring his plan to fruition. If any one of them shows reluctance to fall in with his scheme, he'll be dead within the hour . . . Gordon Craigie, chief of British intelligence, is the only thing standing between Gorman and success. So Gorman turns his attentions to Craigie's greatest asset: the men of Department Z. As Craigie attempts to undermine Gorman's plot, Gorman decides which agent should be next to "disappear." Can Craigie and his men outwit this master criminal before it's too late?

A mysterious symbol is the key to a murder case in this classic suspense tale by the Edgar Award–winning author. Gordon Craigie and Department Z-the squad of top-secret detectives within British intelligence-are embroiled in a desperate investigation involving drugs and murder. How will the department uncover who is behind the mark of the crescent? Will they solve the case before the anonymous culprit claims another victim? The trail starts at the country estate of Greylands, but no one knows where it may lead . . .

An international criminal spells trouble for the agents of Britain's Department Z, in this suspenseful mystery from an Edgar Award–winning author. Marius Krotz is notorious for his ability to cause a stir. A former revolutionary turned right-hand-man to the king of a small European country, he is feared as much for his unscrupulous manner as for his dangerous past. He's planning something big, and intelligence agencies across Europe have him in their sights. Department Z is on the case, led by the infamous Arran twins and new recruit Jim Burke, and this time they're pushed to their limits. Department Z must be prepared for unknown dangers beyond anything they have encountered before-and it's a race to take down Krotz before he can cause irreversible international damage. Thunder has been rolling in Europe-but can Department Z avoid the lightning?

The greed of one man leads to the death of others in this action-packed mystery featuring British intelligence's secret detective squad. When two impossibly rich oil tycoons are found murdered in their own homes, a matter of life and death becomes one of national security. Jim Burke of Department Z is called in to stop this ambitious murderer from killing again-but it isn't long before Burke's investigation is derailed by an attempt on his own life. Will he be able to save Britain from this latest threat and escape unharmed? Burke knows that he's up against something big-but is it too big for this new secret service man to handle? This exciting thriller is part of the classic series starring the agents of Department Z, from the multimillion-selling, Edgar Award–winning author.

From an Edgar Award–winning author: Someone is trying to force Britain to declare war-but with what motive? British armaments are being systematically destroyed, and the list of suspects stretches worldwide. Working alongside the British government, secret service agency Department Z is struggling to find the motive for this alarming sabotage when they discover a similar series of disasters are occurring, inexplicably, in America. Tensions between the two countries increase to a dangerous pitch. In a desperate race against time, will Department Z manage to avert impending catastrophe and save Britain's relationship with America? Secret service agent Gordon Craigie faces a powerful madman with a devastating scheme for global murder, in this gripping novel that blends international intrigue and criminal detection.

Three men meet on the outskirts of London to hatch a plan to steal the wealth of a nation in this thriller by an Edgar Award–winning author. They are three ordinary-seeming men-one fat, one tall, one thin. But their goal is anything but ordinary, and they have no regard for the chaos and horror that will be unleashed in the process. Once their plan is put into action, the death toll will rise and rise . . . It is up to Department Z's Gordon Craigie to put a stop to these powerful and ruthless men. His only clue is a mysterious diamond-shaped card. It is on this small lead that the fate of Department Z-the ace detectives within British intelligence-hinges. But with the life of Craigie's top agent Toby Arran now on the line, this one clue may not be enough.

A tale of murder and international intrigue from the multimillion-selling, award-winning author. Looking forward to a relaxing afternoon away from the trials of Department Z, Bob Kerr eagerly awaits the arrival of fellow agent Lois Dacre. He is temporarily amused by the sight of a passerby oddly dressed in an enormous fur coat on an exceptionally warm day. Then, interrupted by a call from Agent Craigie, Kerr is alerted to new developments in the principality of Vallena. Kerr cuts the call short to answer a knock at his door. And the visitor is the man in the fur coat-who has arrived from Vallena . . . The information the man relays to Kerr is life threatening. There is a hit out on his own life-and Kerr is next on the list. As the assassinations in Vallena mount, British officials are put in the line of fire. Agent Kerr and Department Z must work swiftly and tirelessly in order to topple a criminal organization before another life is lost . . .

Another in the classic series filled with mystery, murder, and British espionage from the Edgar Award–winning author. Some parts of the secret service are more secret than others, and Department Z is among them. Now, its founder, Gordon Craigie; top agent Loftus; and their compatriots must face a mysterious international organization that has suddenly gained power and infiltrated the governments of several key global powers. It already has branches operating in at least seven countries and is believed to be responsible for past catastrophic events, including an assassination and a civil war-and is planting the seeds of anarchy once again. Working together with some foreign allies, they intend to unearth the mystery of "The Ring"-but their cooperation may not be enough to prevent calamity . . .

The adventure that brought two intrepid cousins into the service of the department of British intelligence known as Z . . . Desperate to escape the suffocating heat of London, cousins Mark and Mike Errol set out for Richmond for a relaxing boat ride. Little did they know their peaceful afternoon would be violently interrupted by a Department Z mission that would completely change their lives. Quickly recruited into the secret agency, the Errols embark on one of the department's most treacherous cases. The League of the Hundred-and-One are terrorizing the people of Britain and holding the country ransom. With one hundred and one reasons to panic, can Department Z defeat this elusive league before the nation crumbles?

A serial killer stalks the agents of Department Z in a rip-roaring thriller from the Edgar Award–winning author who sold eighty million books worldwide. London, 1941. In the unending darkness of the London Blackout, an assassin slinks through the night, striking down victims with deadly accuracy. His targets are agents, killed while on watch. Department Z is baffled. Who is the silent killer, why is he targeting them, and what is their secret . . . just how are they managing to take down the best-trained agents in Britain? Gordon Craigie, Department Z's fearless leader, soon finds himself faced with the toughest challenge of his career-to catch the killer before his deadly skill falls into enemy hands, putting all of Europe in grave danger . . . "Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill." -Church Times "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -The Times Literary Supplement

A thrilling mystery set against the backdrop of the Blitz in WWII England, by an Edgar Award–winning author. England, 1941. Terror from the Germans' constant bombing is spreading through the nation, as homes, cities, and morale are reduced to little more than rubble. Worn down and defeated, British spirit teeters on a delicate seesaw. When an insidious enemy strikes from within, the government is blindsided. Vital food supplies are destroyed and mysterious leaflets threaten imminent starvation. Department Z are called in to investigate-but soon find themselves locked in mortal combat with a ruthless, anonymous adversary who treats treason and murder like child's play. How do you fight an unknown enemy? As deceit and betrayal mounts, the agents of Department Z find themselves in a race against time to uncover the conspiracy before there are deadly consequences.

International blackmailers are scheming to rupture relations between Britain and the United States-but Bill Loftus of Department Z is hot on their trail . . . With America's most powerful industrialists, British peers of the realm, and agents of unknown power all entangled in a conspiracy, international safety is at risk. But unraveling this global plot quickly becomes personal for Bill Loftus when the blackmailers murder someone dear to him. As things heat up and the stakes rise, Loftus must use all his professional cool to carry on with the investigation. The only question is whether the grief-stricken agent will be able to stop the criminals before the NATO alliance collapses . . .

A mysterious message signals an international threat in this World War II thriller by an Edgar Award–winning author. A French refugee is washed up on the English coast. Feverish, delirious, he babbles incoherently to the men who find him. A single phrase, repeated: "Loftus, spell it backwards." This discovery sparks an explosive reaction throughout Department Z, whose agents-including Bill Loftus-are fighting a desperate battle to uncover a Nazi scheme that threatens the very heart of British defense. After startling revelations of a conspiracy theory, a kidnapping plot, and a dangerous weapon, Department Z just may find themselves in over their heads this time . . .

A World War II thriller by a multimillion-selling, Edgar Award–winning author. As plans for D-Day loom large, the agents of Department Z-a secret detective unit within British intelligence-are working overtime to halt the leaking of intelligence to Berlin. Meanwhile, three cousins undertake their own covert operation: meeting in a cottage in Guildford to discuss a dark family matter in secret. As these two seemingly unrelated events collide, the cousins are drawn along a secretive trail that leads to a powerful spy ring. The team faces a race against the clock, as they fight to infiltrate this tight-knit organization-or risk devastating consequences . . . "Following closely on the heels of history, and sometimes a little ahead of it, Mr. Creasey and Department Z are busy preventing someone from putting a spoke in the wheels of the Allied invasion of Europe." -Evening Chronicle

From an Edgar Award–winning author: A suspenseful tale of murder and espionage in wartime England. David Garth has been off in America, giving speeches on behalf of Britain's Ministry of Propaganda. Upon his return, he's surprised to receive an unsigned invitation to an address in Wimbledon . . . and even more surprised when he's approached by two agents of Department Z. Mark and Mike Errol, agents of British intelligence's secret detective squad, request Garth's assistance on a mission that has already taken the life of one of their friends. Desperate for vengeance, the Errols are out to catch the cold-blooded killer known as "Frankenstein." After finding his flat burgled and a body lying on the floor, Garth is willing to help the agents in hopes of clearing his own name. But this manhunt unearths a plot with international ramifications: to halt America's assistance in World War II. Praise for the Novels of John Creasey "A splendid achievement." -Anthony Boucher, The New York Times "Phenomenal." -Life

In this classic thriller from an Edgar Award–winning author, a British spy agency is on the hunt for terrorists taking aim at England's political leaders. In a vicious act of terrorism, four British government officials are blinded. With the prime minister as the next target, Department Z is called in. Now the race is on for Britain's elite secret service to find the culprit behind the chemical attack. Because if the weapon is wielded again, world power will fall into enemy hands. Praise for John Creasey "A splendid achievement." -The New York Times "Phenomenal." -Life "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -The Times Literary Supplement

Department Z tracks down a doomsday weapon in an edge-of-your-seat spy thriller from the Edgar Award–winning author who sold eighty million books worldwide. Professor Toller has created a weapon that could change the world as we know it. The threat is imminent as the professor and his formula are kidnapped, and it is left to the head of Department Z, Gordon Craigie, to save the day. Department Z is a small and little-known faction of the intelligence service. Among the other branches, its work is legendary. The department's agents are scattered across most of the world's capitals and even in smaller cities, and many strange matters pass through their hands. Or, more accurately, the hands of Gordon Craigie and Bill Loftus. Craigie must take enormous risks as both Washington and Moscow begin to suspect Britain of seeking out such a destructive weapon. His investigation leads him to an English seaside resort where Craigie must track down the men that have taken the professor, while evading the master conspirator who is out to get him. When the conspirator goes after the prime minister, Craigie is in real trouble. "Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill." -Church Times "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -Times Literary Supplement

The thrilling Department Z series continues as an assassination attempt leads to political turmoil-from the author who sold eighty million books worldwide. Agent Gordon Craigie faces a crisis of international proportions when an attempted assassination of a Russian diplomat at a top-level international conference in London threatens negotiations. Craigie and the Department Z team must work to ensure the safety of all the delegates whilst investigating the attack. It soon becomes increasingly obvious the attack they're dealing with was run by a highly professional organization and the team is starting to feel out of their depth. Will Department Z be able to match wits with bullets as they attempt to take down the assassins? How will they negotiate the political minefield where one false step could lead to worldwide disaster? "Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill." -Church Times "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -The Times Literary Supplement

Department Z faces its biggest test when the organization is threatened by an enemy on the inside-from the author who sold eighty million books worldwide. Charles Corliss, son of a murdered agent from Department Z, seems like the perfect recruit for the ultra-secret spy organization. But when things start going seriously wrong, the agents begin to suspect this charming young man is not as loyal as he first seemed. Filled with hate for the organization that allowed the death of his father, Charles begins to sabotage the department as a double agent dedicated to the Communist cause. "Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill." -Church Times "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -The Times Literary Supplement

It's a race against time to rescue a kidnapped scientist in this suspenseful tale by an Edgar Award–winning author. The world is under threat of destruction. As the politicians hedge their bets with atomic weapons, it seems no one is safe. The only hope? A brilliant professor who knows how to make nations and people invulnerable to atomic attack. The only problem? Professor Julian Conway has been kidnapped by power-hungry men wishing to use his expertise for themselves. At British intelligence's top-secret Department Z, Gordon Craigie assigns agent Peter Ross to get the professor back: dead or alive. Complicating the case, though, is the fact that Ross is in love with two beautiful women: one of them the professor's daughter, and the other a possible key to the whole mystery . . .

In this classic spy thriller from an Edgar Award–winning author, a British secret service agency is nearly undone by a counter-espionage attack. Superspies are out to destroy Department Z. Even worse, the elite British agency has been infiltrated by a double agent. As loyal members of the team turn against one another, Agent Gordon Craigie works to unmask the counterspy before Department Z is annihilated once and for all.

In this classic spy thriller from an Edgar Award–winning author, a journalist goes undercover for British agency Department Z and discovers a conspiracy. When the sound of gunfire wakes Nigel Murray in the middle of the night, he discovers two gun-wielding strangers and a woman, half-drowned in the well beneath his window. Easily disarming the threat, Murray rescues the woman, only to discover the young beauty is none other than the kidnapped niece of the leader of Canna, a peaceful island in the British Commonwealth now stirring with political unrest. Called in by the elite secret service Department Z to help stop the overthrow of Canna's government, Murray finds himself caught up in a web of conspiracy and treason, a danger only deepened by his loyalty to the woman whose life is in hands. Praise for John Creasey "A splendid achievement." -The New York Times "Phenomenal." -Life "Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance." -The Times Literary Supplement