23 MARCH 1956, Page 23

THE PINNED MAN. By George Griswold. (Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1

ls. 6d.) This is the fourth novel in which William Pepper of United States Intelligence finds himself involved in a counter- espionage job abroad into which stalks the tweeded, pipe-smoking, enigmatic Mr. Groode, bringing unaffectionate comfort to his cold-war allies, and confusion to the Commies. There is a very special astringent quality about the Groode books, with their spare, bony style and swift plots.