12 SEPTEMBER 1957, Page 27

House of Numbers. By Jack Finney. (Eyre and Spottiswoode, 12s.

6d.) Detailed, Rififi-like ac- count of how an escape from San Quentin is manipulated, by a substitution : there is a break-in to make possible a break-out. The sentimental sub-plot is a bore, but the mechanics of the escape and the detail of American big-prison life are fascinating : Mr. Finney has a rare hypnotic touch with the circumstantial.