4 MAY 1956, Page 31

It's a Crime

THE LORD HAVE MERCY. By Shelley Smith. (Hamish Hamilton, 1, pillage 6d.) Beautifully written, well-controlled study of why the 1,"ak doctor's bitchy wife was murdered; and why—inevitably the doctor was suspected. The tart talk and drab life of an nglish village are conveyed in all their horror, and the ending 13a cruel surprise.