3 JUNE 1943, Page 22

Nine Ghosts. By R. H. Malden. (Arnold. 6s.) THE publishers

of Nine Ghosts consider it a worthy successor t Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. The author is Dean of Wells, an most of the tales have the same background and atmosphere that w find in M. R. James's work—fenland churches and vicarages, of gardens, old country houses. The " explanation " is nearly alwa some pact with the powers of evil • but Dr Malden has not be altogether successful in the very difficult task of presenting evil con vincingly, and is likely in consequence to start few shudders amon his readers. But he has one very agreeable mocking ghost who asked by an enraged sexton what he was sniggering at, replied fri up among the bells, "It's not funny enough for two" 1