2 MAY 1925, Page 29

Upstairs. By Mrs. Victor Rickard. (Constable. 7s. 6d. net.)—The quiet,

almost insinuating, opening to this story will give the reader very little idea of the excitements which are before him. Upstairs is, indeed, that rare product, a murder and detective story in which as much care is bestowed on the writing and characterization as though the intricacies of the plot were a matter of secondary consideration. This is not the first time that Mrs. Rickard has delighted her readers by the able and quiet development of her theme, and Upstairs with its tragic ending is an excellent example of her art.