THE MYSTERY OF UNCLE BOLLARD. By H. de Vere Stacpoole.
(Cassell. 7s. 6d.)—Mr. Stacpoole's last book, Goblin Market, was of a quality so charming and unusual, that one resents this swift, but crude, narrative, in which a criminal with no personality is chased down by pursuers no more distinguished in kind. It is a tale of " cultivated " pearls, and a murder to " avenge," and an ancient injury to be placated. There is a voyage to the isles of copra ; there are scenes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hollywood, and San Clemente. But there is time for neither scenery nor psy- chology. It is an entirely simple rush of incidents ; and one feels that for the pursuers it is all too easy going. " Uncle Bollard " might have been made into a queer character-study : but even he is casually observed. His nephew feels at the end, that he cannot go into business with a relative who has gloated so vindictively over the captured criminal. But, on hearing that Uncle Bollard's sweetheart had been ruined by the said criminal, he decides that the gloating is more than justifiable. Unfortunately, the reader feels that the excuse is too suddenly invented. This is not at all a dull story ; but the incidents do not move you. And since Mr. Stacpoole can be very moving, you are disappointed.
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