14 MARCH 1958, Page 25

Uncommon Cold. By E. H. Clements. (Hodder and Stoughton, 12s.

6d.) Preposterous plot about Soviet agents let loose in English seaside town is a disappointment from the talented author of Chairlift, but admirers will salvage some agree- able writing about the windswept promenades, the local rep., and that very pleasant-if possibly rather reactionary?-secret-service hero, .Alister Woodhead.

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