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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 10, Issue 11 (February 1, 1936)

Reviews

Reviews.

“ The Vesper Service Murders,” by Van Wyck Mason (Eldon Press, London; Whitcombe & Tombs, N.Z. agents), is an exciting story of American gang warfare with the customary accompaniment of murder and intrigue. Here we meet once more that fascinating international detective, Captain Hugh North. He has plenty to do in this novel, for three murders occur in its early pages. The Eldon people are building up a big reputation with their detective thrillers and this book should increase their number of followers.

“ The Professor's Last Experiment,” by Harry Edmonds (Rich & Cowan, London; Whitcombe & Tombs, N.Z. agents), will interest even the most blase overworked reviewer. A professor who has discovered the secret of suspending wave lengths by a manipulation of radio activity and who claims and proves that he can abolish wars; an Australian millionaire; a naval commander; two fascinating women, and a wonderful yacht—these are the principal human ingredients in a story as eerie and as fascinating as one could imagine.

“Secret Servant,” by Bernard Newman (Victor Gollancy, London; Whitcombe & Tombs, N.Z. agents), is an amazing spy story. The publishers declare with almost undue emphasis that “there is not a word of truth” in this book—” that it is fiction from the first page to the last.,” Plainly, without stating anything to the contrary, the shrewd purpose of Newman is to fill his book with such a wealth of suggestion (by the introduction into his yarn of historical personages, places and happenings) as to convey to his reader the thought that the amazing story narrated has in it seventy-five per cent. of fact. The reader is left wondering.

“ Chivalry,” by Rafael Sabatini (Hutchinson, London; Whitcombe & Tombs, N.Z. agents) is a new historical novel by this popular writer. Admirers of Sabatini, and they may be numbered in their thousands, will not be disappointed in this colourful exciting romance. The story deals with love, hate, and adventure in the picturesque atmosphere of the Italy of the fifteenth century. “Chivalry”—the title in association with the author's name suggests the whole appealing atmosphere of the story.

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(Owing to pressure of space several literary notes and reviews have been held over.—Ed.).