15 SEPTEMBER 1961, Page 25

The Cross-Roads. By John D. Macdonald. (Hale, 10s. 6d.) At

the cross-roads of two great American motorways is a commercial complex of motel, restaurants, shopping centre and filling station; of the royal family which rules this united

kingdom, one of the princelings' consorts uses a commoner to steal the old king's treasures, and is used in her turn. The various love affairs are mawkish, but theft, murder and revenge are briskly handled, and the business side is brilliant: keep your wits about you on the MI.