10 APRIL 1959, Page 40

It's a Crime

Blood and Judgment. By Michael Gilbert (Hodder and Stoughton, 12s. 6d.) The author seems to think that Filipinos are black, and that reporters write their own headlines, but he is more knowledgeable about police work : there is a sedate authenticity about his tale of murder in North London. Nothing like so clearly in the top class as Fear to Tread, but a good example of the second : London atmosphere, the rivalries of the police-station, and the formalities of pub and police-court, all in decent, well-bred prose.