29 NOVEMBER 1930, Page 33

GARSTONS. By H. C. Bailey. (Methuen. 7s. 6d.).--- Garstons is

the name of a big industrial concern, and Mr. Bailey's story deals with the elucidation of a mysterious series of crimes beginning in 1908 with the murder of the discoverer of a new method of producing hard steel. There are many characters, and the plot is intricate and ingenious enough to satisfy the most exacting connoisseur. The tale, however, is one to be enjoyed also for its clever portraiture and racy humour. Specially intriguing and attractive is the little solicitor, Mr. Chunk, with his love of hymns and his partiality (Or peppermints. His enigmatic and whimsical personality i; well sustained, and his relations with Superintendent Bell keep the reader's curiosity agog till the end.