That man’s gripping account turned into short book of verses (5)

I believe the answer is:

micah

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'short book of verses' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'that man's gripping account turned' is the wordplay.
'that man' becomes 'him' (I've seen this before).
'gripping' indicates putting letters inside.
'account' becomes 'ac'.
'turned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'him' placed around 'ac' is 'hacim'.
'hacim' written backwards gives 'MICAH'.

'into' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for micah that I've seen before include "Hebrew prophet; OT book" , "set of books" , "Old Testament book" , "Bookmaker" , "Old Testament prophet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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