REVIEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 296, 15 December 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

REVIEWS

“THE EMPRESS OF HEARTS.”— 111-fated Marie Antoinette, tho last Queen to reign in France, is the central figure round which E. Barrington has woven this story. She is shown here as a generous, nobl character, handicapped by a Court rife with intrigue, and by a nation restless, poised to spring. The tale is pivoted on the most famous necklace in history—a string of diamonds, possessing that rippling brilliance which has tin; power to sway the minds of men ami women toward the '•linniiel (>f nillilcss thd Ulf *« handled in masterly fashion, the autho? possessing the power to develop hi.i facts quickly and brightly. A story worth while, portraying, with striking vividness, the quaint ami pleasing mannerisms of the French aristocracy and painting an inspiring picture of Marie Antoinette ascending the steps to thj guillotine. Mv copy comes from Messrs Robertson ami Mullens Ltd., Melbourne agents of the publishers. Messrs Geo. G. Harrap and Coy., London. “BURNING AlR.’*—A* tale of adv•■•nture, dtinger and love in Australia’s “back of beyond.” Men braved primitive conditions in a search for the old hatter’s long lost reef. When they were <» rtain that they were at last on the track they decided to explore the great gorge into which they had doser Jided, and there, across one end, they discovered what looked to bo steam emerging from the rocks; but it was not steam. Blackwood called the peculiar vapour ‘•Burning Air,” and a mystery awaited a solution. Treachery stalked close in the wake of those searchers and they were made prisoners. ]n the end on,- made the supreme sacrifice in an endeavour to get word to rescuers. A highly exciting story this, in which tho author, John Armour, has not allowed interest to lag. It creates a lasting impression of life in the wilds of Central Australia, wher- Nature herself is probably man’s worst enemy. My copy is from W. S. Smart, Sydney, agent of Messrs Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., the publishers. “SIX MINUTES PAST TWELVE.” —The Major wanted quietness and to be allowed to study tho fourteen volumes of his beloved Trollope, which ho had brought down from London specially. Had not he and the Professor gone to the little village of Pernbridge purposely to rest? But the Major knew, from the beginning, that something was bound to happen to disturb his peace of mind. The very fact that the Professor was not averse to prob|mg into other people’s business precluded any possibility of there being much quietness for long; but when Samuel Dubeyne, th.-. genial owner of I’embridgc hall, was murder d, and the best brains in tho police force were brought to bear to solve the mystery of his death— well, even the Major forgave the little Professor for becoming deepy interest <l. And it was well indeed, that ho did, for the little chap solved the murder riddle and a lot more besides. Two quaint characters—Professor Luther Bastion, 0.8. E., D-Sc., F.R.S., F.A.S.L.; and Major Kettering Bevis, D.S.O.—and the story of their investigations of those strange happenings at Pern bridge Hall is skilfully told by Gavin Holt. A mystery tale in which a murderer is run to earth but is allowed his fr edom because ho was a person of principle and intensely human. Hodder and Stoughton are the publishers and my copy is from their Sydney agent. W. S. Smart.