12 MAY 1928, Page 42

ASHENDEN, OR. THE BRITISH AGENT. By Somerset Maugham. (Heinemann. 7s.

.6d.)—Ashenden is a British spy in war-time Europe. His adventures take him into many countries and bring him into contact with all sorts of Odd and impressive characters, of whom the flamboyant, sinister Mexican is, 'perhaps, the most delightfully intriguing. But all Mr-. Maugharn's figures are dramatically clear-cut and alive, and around the connecting personality of Ashenden are woven a series of short tales that are full of ingenious situations and display the author's accustomed humour and urbanity. . ;