17 NOVEMBER 1928, Page 30

THE HAMMER OF DOOM. By Francis Everton. (Collins. 7s. 6d.)-This

is a cleverly conceived and well executed mystery story, having for its setting the town of Castlefield in Derbyshire, near which are the engineering works of .Coulson Bros., Ltd. The plot turns upon the dis- covery by Shardlow, a director of the works, of a new process of manufacture, in which rival firms become interested. Shardlow is murdered, and an engaging little Scotland Yard, detective follows false scents before a disused mine.. yields up- the successful clue. Mr. Everton has a gift not only for inventiveness, but for. atmosphere.