15 APRIL 1893, Page 26

The Mystery of St. Dunstan's, By Thomas Wright. 2 vols.

(Sampson Low, Marston, and Co.)—This realistic and sensa- tional story of Fleet Street in 172t" is decidedly a success. It is founded on a trial for murder—belonging, however, to the latter half of the century—and works in very cleverly the manners and customs of the times. As for the tale itself, it is remarkably well contrived. Few readers will guess the result, which is a genuine surprise, doing much credit to Mr. Wright's skill in plot-making. The reader is successfully mystified about the criminal and the victim. That is about as much as any novelist can expect to do.