NEW BOOKS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 247, 11 July 1908, Page 12

NEW BOOKS.

Tho Willoughby Affair. By G. W. 'Appleton. London: John Long, 3s. 6d. Mr. Apploton's book, "Tlie Willoughby Affair," is characteristically flavoured with the usual spice of sensationalism Sir James Willoughby, a country baronet of estimablo character, with not an enemy in tho world apparently, is found dead in his study—mysteriously murdered. Jenkins, his butlor, is astonished, shortly after, by tho sudden apparition of a young man (Lieutenant Yates) who hastily flings himself out of tho room in which_ the murdered man lies, and decamps. This incident, followed by the discovery of the murder, is sufficient to secure tho apprehension of the Lieutenant, who stoutly maintains his innocence, but rcfuscß to account for his prcsenco in tho house at that time. This is tho basis of tho story, which is thrilling enough to hold tho attention of tho reader right through, until the crime is sheeted homo to a pair of bogus Russian Nihilists.

"Crossncgs," by Mary and Jane Findlater. London: Macmiilan's, 2s. 6d. and 3s. Gd.) ' This is a pleasant story of homely Scottish life, marked by subtlo delineation of character, quiet humour, and a literary merit not always to be found in modern novels. It narrates tho trials' and struggles of an impecunious household, borne with bravo selfsacrifice by the eldest .daughter, and with cheerful imbecility, one might almost say, by the impracticable philosopher at its head. Full of kindliness and . charity to all men, the father of this family, "Old Hopeful," as he is called, adds heavily to its hardships by his smiling disregard of tho actualities of life. Thei elder daughter Alex bears tho burden which his foolishness imposes, but one hopes that her lifo is brightened when money comes to tho impoverished family after years of struggle. There is another tragedy of a hapless marriage, and fatality, but tho real catastropho of the story lies-in the loss of love and loss of youth which Alex bears while she is making both ends meet. The story will please all who are content with a constant quiet curront of interest, undisturbed by any violent action.

"Mr. Crewe's Career." By Winston Churchill. London: Macmillan's. 3s. 6d. In his new book, Mr. Churchill has a theme that will mako a special appeal to readers of his "Coniston." But overybody elso will bo pleased with this excellent novel. Mr. Crewo is an American millionaire—of a typo that seems dreadfully real, but that we liopo is not common in America —who, destitute of _ patriotism or,. indeed, of any decent principle, is consumed by a passion to securo _ the Governorship of his State. Tho book is the story of his defeat, but ho is not the central figuro of Mr. Churchill's stage. Tho hero is Austen Vane, an able and patriotic young lawyer, whoso detestation of the methods of the railroad that has for years governed tho politics of the Stato brings him into conflict with his father, old Hilary, Vane, the railroad's chief counsel, and tho brains of the whole monopoly. Naturally enough, young Vane loves, and finally marries, the daughter of the railroad President. Mr. Churchill's purpose was.to bring homo to the American puolic tho evils of "graft" in politics, and wo can imagine Americans making a very wry face over tho exposure. To people outside America, tho intrigues' and corruption, the absence of all honour, the dreadful chicanery and tho repulsive politicians will come as a revelation. ■ No better picture of tho true methods of "machine" politics has come under our notice. For most readers of this novel, tho stirring reports of the Amorican election campaigns will henceforth havo lost thoir power to do anything but amaze and disgust. Tho three stories—the estrangement of the Vanes, the lovo of the young lawyer and his' Juliet, 1 and the energetic intriguing of tho wonderful ass Crowo—keep cxcellont time; and somo of the characters aro fine and memorablo portraits. It is a bold, bright, and fascinating story.