3 MAY 1957, Page 31

Twelve Girls in the Garden. By Shane Martin.

(Collins, 10s. 6d.) 'Figurine' for 'figure' suggests an American author, but all else about this highly

literate and enjoyable thriller, set in Chelsea, Bloomsbury, Athens and the IEgean is English— even the rather leisurely pace at which event follows event, and thrill thrill. Kindly, elderly don-detective; involved plot embracing art and archaeology; urbane style; and this publisher's usual crop of misprints.