BOOKS REVIEWED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 252, 6 August 1941, Page 7

BOOKS REVIEWED.

AN AMERICAN NOVEL. “Hildreth,” by a new author, Harlow Estes, is described as a novel that won a great prize in America. The scene is set in a seaside village, where Hildreth lives with her mother. Her one friend is Geoffrey Weir, whose life she has become accustomed to arranging for him. Her aunt, a widow with four boys, appears on the scene with the result that the young man entertains a romantic feeling toward her. Hildreth, with her faculty for managing affairs makes all sorts of plans which lead to all sorts of difficulties and entanglements. . Finally matters sort themselves out, and Hildreth realises the error of her ways. “Hildreth” would he more, enjoyable had the author not relied, for the delineation of her characters, on the recording of soliloquies to an extent that makes them unnatural. While one character is talking the listener is self-communing. Still the book is interesting as the! story develops, the contrast in the characters being a factor. Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., are the publishers.

MORE McLEAN EPISODES

George Goodchild’s stories of ChiefInspector McLean, oj’ Scotland Yard, have become so popular that liisf latest production needs little introduction. Mr Goodchild presents 18 cases in which McLean figured, the variety of crimes and incidents adding to the interest. If there is any criticism it will be regarding the title, “McLean the Magnificent,” but that will not weigh with those who enjoy detective stories. Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., are the publishers.

A WILD WEST STORY.

“Danger Trail,” is Max Brand’s latest story, dealing as its title, suggests with stirring happenings in the wild west. The tale tells of a young member of an outlaw gang sent to kill a -man who had fallen foul of the leadei. He comes in contact .with a girl who ’changes his outlook on life, with the result that the leader is killed a;id the band dispersed. The story is well written and though there naturally is much gun-play it does not become wearisome. The love story plays an important part and provides much of the interest of the hook. Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., are the publishers.