21 SEPTEMBER 1956, Page 24

THE DIEHARD. By Jean Potts. (Gollancz, 12s. 6d.) A lot

of people—ex-mistress, repressed daughter, frustrated son, bitchy daughter-in-law—have reason to wish successful small-town American businessman dead : who will try it on, and will the attempt succeed? An admirable novel of suspense, written in a quiet tone of voice, and none the less exciting for that.