MIXED RELATIONS. By Victor L. Whitechurch. (Senn. 7s. 6d.)—Anyone who
has read the last two books by Mr. Whitehouse will expect a high standard of detective story from this author, and Mixed Relations is from this point of view disappointing. It is not really a detective story at all, though the plot centres round the pursuit of two American criminals, but a comedy set in the Close of a Cathedral city. Into this select society plungetwo hundred per cent. Americans, to the consternation of the Archdeacon, the amusement of the Bishop, and the catfish glee of the gossips. But this, though enough, in all conscience, is not all—the Archdeacon's American relations are suspected of being the two crooks ! The greatest confusion ensues, culminating in the arrest of Alexander Washington on a burglary charge. There is no mystery about this very slight story, in fact the dinouement is obvious from the beginning, but the book is decidedly entertaining. We cannot help hoping, however, that Mr. Whitechurch will not forsake the serious detective story for the slight social comedy, no matter how amusing the latter may be. There are not enough detective writers of Mr Whitechurch's quality.
Previous page
