SOME NEW NOVELS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 17, 20 January 1934, Page 20

SOME NEW NOVELS

VARIETY IN FICTION

"The Walls Are Down" (Dent) is the longest and most ambitious novel yet penned by John C. Moore. Its subject is the effect of the crash upon his own contemporaries—the young men and women who are about 25 today. In his prologue he describes the situation of these young men and women, who'are lighting,• on several fronts at once, a peace which is almost as disastrous as the war in which their older brothers died. He goes on to tell the stories of Kenneth and Audrey, the son and daughter of a prodigal country squire who leaves them penniless. He explains that it is not an Odyssey: it is not even a triumphant tale. For in almost every respect Kenneth and Audrey failed. They achieved neither fame nor wealth nor happiness. "And yet," writes the author, "I think their story was worth the writing. They had a few virtues after all. When the crash came, they did not throw in their hands. They fought< quite well. They carried on the flame of living. . . .

They loved cleanly and wholeheartedly, and they looked facts in the face."

Light romance, which will enthrall the very young and amuse the very old, is the description which the paper jacket applies to "Knave of Hearts," by Margaret Beech (Herbert Jenkins), and this aptly sums it up. Another romance published by tho same firm is "Old Obbut," a new story by W. Riley. The scene of this is the Yorkshire moors. Herbert Jenkins is also responsible for presenting to the novelreading world "Eva and Adam," an uproarious comedy by John Glydor, and "Mr. Cronk's Cases," by W. A. Darlington. The latter is as amusing as the same author's "Alf's Button," which is in itself high recommendation.

There is plenty of humour as wellas happy romance in "Borders of Enchantment," by A. A. Thomson (Herbert Jenkins). The story is get amid the romantic Border hills, and some amusing characters are brought into the tale. '/Rod Hair," by Sefton Kyle (Herbert Jenkins), is a powerful tale of a woman's revenge. When Sir Brennan Grantley married his charming young secretary, Patricia, whose devotion and untiring efforts were partly-responsible for his sudden rise to political fame, he could not foresee the effect it would have on those around him. His marriage was opposed by his brother, the unscrupulous Justin, and Lady Sara Moule, a violent, unbalanced woman who had sought Sir Brennan's favour. Embittered and entirely ruthless, Lady Sara determined to find a rock on which to wreck,the happy union, and in this she rapidly succeeded. With all the venom of an insanely jealous woman she prepared her plans, which, but for the courage and resource of Patricia, must have ended in disaster., MURDER AND MYSTERY. "Old Man Mystery," by J. Jefferson Farjeon, is about two old septuagenarian clubmen who decide to have one more adventure before they die, and disappear into Devonshire to see whether they can beat Scotland Yard in elucidating amystery—a littleigirl who went out to post a letter in Torquay has disappeared. The venerable sleuths do not realise that their own disappearance will eventually involve a second search for them. In the end, after various encounters with crooks, they prove victorious—and return to their club window with plenty of fresh reminiscences to inflict on their fellow-mem-bers. . Mr. Jefferson Farjeon's customary humorous touch is much in evidence in this entertaining story, but while-he amuses; he also mystifies his readers.

From iui accidental death, recorded in "End of an Ancient Mariner,"' by.G. D. H. and M. Cole, comes the clearingup of an old crime. This is a tangled story of murder, and the reader will have to ■be fairly astute to solve the mystery before the last chapter is reached. This and '' Old Man Mystery are both Crime Club publications.

A tale of bladkmail, which creates an atmosphere of tense excitement and prolonged suspense,,is "Christopher Bond, Adventurer," by Wyndham Martyn (Herbert Jenkins). Four days before he was murdered, old Arnold Burgoyne wrote four letters summoning his lawyer, his niece, and his two nephews to his country house with the thinly-disguised purpose of altering his will. With his heirs gathered round, him at the dinner table the old man explained what changes, he intended to make in the disposal of his property if . The result was disturbing to some of his hearers. But that same night old Uncle Arnold was murdered at his desk.'' Candidates for Lilies," by Roger East,,a Crime Club publication, finishes' the story, which is as thrilling as any of this type. "'.,'' ' . . ' /

"The Unknown Enemy," by Gret Lane (Herbert Jenkins), is about a terror which overshadows a peaceful Wiltshire village. An unknown. enemy is determined to take the life of a little child. Five strangers come to the rescue. One of them is an ex-inspector from Scotland Yard. The others, including an astute Chinese, are experienced in solving mysteries and tracking down criminals. They concentrate on the problem, at first with many disappointments. The unknown enemy, is intelligent, and many exciting incidents occur before his identity is revealed, i

Described as "simple black tales for clever white children," a book from Robertson and Mullens called "The Prince of the Totem," by Tarlton Rayment, will be appreciated by other thfcn Australian children. It is a story of aboriginal life and tribal history, ttie customs, traditions, and the ceremonials of the aborigine are blended in a manner most attractive with the eventful life of Gor-ree, whom we meet first as a piccaninny. Gor-ree is destined, for the leadership of the tribe, but in achieving it he has many adventures and experiences both picturesque and exciting. Gor-ree's story is the story of the tribe, indeed it is the story of the Blackfellow nation with its myths, hunting lore, games, and customs.

Colonel Edouard Desbriere, whose "The Naval Campaign of 1805: Trafalgar," has just been translated into English, is head of the historical section of the French General Staff.