Blood and Judgment by Michael Gilbert

Blood and Judgment by Michael Gilbert. This is a 1978 Perennial Library paperback edition. The novel introduces Detective Sergeant Patrick Petrella of London’s Metropolitan Police as he unravels a complex murder case near Binford Park Reservoir. Gilbert’s meticulous portrayal of police procedures offers readers an authentic glimpse into mid-20th-century British law enforcement. A must-have for enthusiasts of classic police procedurals and British mystery literature.

The author Michael Gilbert (1912-2006) was a highly respected British crime writer known for his police procedurals, legal thrillers, and classic detective fiction. He was a solicitor by profession, which lent authenticity to his legal and procedural storytelling. Over his long career, he wrote more than 30 novels and numerous short stories, earning recognition as one of the finest British mystery writers of the 20th century.

Gilbert was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1988 and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to literature. His work was admired for its well-crafted plots, realistic procedural details, and compelling characters.

Published in 1959, Blood and Judgment was one of Gilbert’s most well-regarded police procedurals. It introduced Petrella, who then became a recurring character in Gilbert’s later works. Unlike traditional whodunits of the era, Blood and Judgment was notable for its realistic depiction of Scotland Yard’s investigative process, focusing on the meticulous police work rather than eccentric detectives or amateur sleuths.

While not Gilbert’s most famous novel, Blood and Judgment was highly praised by critics and well received by mystery enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciated detailed, methodical crime-solving. It helped establish Gilbert as a master of the police procedural genre, placing him alongside contemporaries like John Creasey and Ed McBain.

While not as rare or valuable as some of Gilbert’s other works, vintage copies (like this one) are sought after by collectors of British crime fiction.

-Used

-1978

-Paperback