TRAGEDY AT RAVENSTHORPE. By J. J. Connington. (Been. 7s. 6d.)—This
is more than a good detective tale. Alike in plot, characterization, and literary style, it is a work of art. Mr. Connington's ingenuity is exceptionally fertile and brilliant. The action turns upon the theft of some medal- lions from Ravensthorpe, a lonely country house inherited by Maurice Chacewater, who is on bad terms with his younger brother, Cecil. In honour of their sister's coming-of-age, a masked ball is held, and among the invited guests is the local Chief of Police, Sir Clinton Driffield, whose personality, remarkably well delineated, dominates the book. As a practical joke against his brother, Cecil arranges with several young friends to plunge Ravensthorpe into darkness and to carry out a mock burglary of the medallions at a given moment during the ball ; but the plan is overheard and turned to advantage by an actual band of highly respectable American thieves. The ensuing situation is doubly complicated. There follow murders and thrilling chases through the wood ; and secret passages and a rare form of nerve disease have their place in the drama. The reader's nerves are kept tense to the last page. The final unravelment is masterly. In short, this is one of the best " thrillers " of the year.
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