It's a Crime
The Julian Symons Omnibus (Collins, 21s.) is excellent value for a guinea. Three of Mr Symons's best novels, The 31st of February, a psychological advertising-agency crime novel, The End of Solomon Grundy, an intriguing 'artist murders model' affair, and Progress of a Crime, Guy Fawkes night stabbing and inves- tigation, make this omnibus exciting reading by a highly accomplished crime novelist. I found it impossible not to be fascinated with the book.
Faceless Enemy, by Frances Shelley (Cassell, 21s.). When her husband is framed for the murder of a man he had never seen, then obviously a loving wife takes prompt action. Kim Fitzgerald is the target of bitter vil- lainesses, one of whom eventually proves his innocence. He is supported by Melissa, his wife, and Inspector Blake of the Toronto police, and their combined endeavours achieve the desired results. Studied, assured writing with an intricate situation cleverly resolved. Foul Play, by Jeremy Potter (Constable, 21s.). Off to France to play in a series of international hockey matches go the 'Old Soaks'—boozy, boisterous, bawdy lads—plus a few females to provide light entertainment. Whilst abroad, several of the team are killed, which poses problems in- volving drug-smuggling and other nefarious activities. Plenty of gusto, supense and imagina- tion.
The Caper of the Golden Bulls, by William McGivern (Collins, 16s.). An ex-bank-robber, Peter Churchman, is blackmailed by former female assistant into planning and executing the snatching of all the jewellery to be worn by the saints at a Spanish religious festival in Pamplona. A tremendous project, but both Mr McGivern and the thief handle the matter adroitly. Much event and excitement with an organised bull stampede and a chase around Pamplona's sewers. A little too melodramatic here and there, but certainly creative and ab- sorbing. Bank Robbery, by Max Ulrich (Con- stable, 18s.). A Munich bank is robbed in exactly the same form three employees had devised in imaginary manner to test the bank's security (or lack of) system. Inspector Amberg has the unenviable task of bringing the suspect(s) to book and he doggedly pursues his assignment to eventual arrest. A fairly unusual theme, well narrated and exuding strong Germanic strains, but I thought it a little too involved and unsub- stantial in parts, thereby causing it to lose much of its sharpness and impact, but well-intentioned,
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