Books like No Orchids for Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase

Set in 1940s Britain, the story follows the kidnapping of Miss Blandish, an innocent heiress, by a gang of ruthless thieves who are inexperienced in major crime. Their ineptitude and the greed of a superior mob lead to the collapse of the kidnapping plot and the loss of their million-dollar ransom prize. The thieves, led by Riley, are ultimately wiped out by a rival gang, leaving Blandish under the control of Ma Grisson and her violent son Slim. Detective Dave Fenner is hired to locate Miss Blandish, despite his knowledge that the police have been searching for her for months after the ransom was paid. Fenner discovers that Blandish is now in the hands of Ma Grisson and Slim, a dangerous killer fascinated by the young woman. The narrative details the escalating danger and the tragic events that unfold as Fenner works toward rescuing Miss Blandish.

First publish date: 1942