25 JANUARY 1957, Page 23

Three Strangers. By George Joseph. (Board- man, 10s. 6d.) Taut,

tough, neat little suspense story of three kidnappers hiding with their couple of victims—child and nurse—in remote ham- burger joint. Familiar situation that is always exciting when told as economically and vigor- ously as this, and with such precise characterisa- tion. The boss kidnapper is a chillingly nasty creation.