New Books

The Mystery Of Swordfish

REEF, by Arthur Upheld. Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney; 6/-.

Here is a book that will entice the most hard-boiled reader of “thrillers” into a midnight session. A rich man, out after big-game hsh, on the southern coast of New South Wales, is murdered. The mystery of his death is solved by Detec tive-Inspector Bonaparte, who, incident ally, is lured into big-game fishing. So, mixed in with a highly exciting criminal hunt, we have many equally exciting and diverting chapters describing the pur suit and capture of marlin, mako shark, tuna, etc. —Australia’s newest sport.

Upheld has created, in Inspector Bona parte, a delightful character who has won his spurs in detective hction. Having made his acquaintance in “The Bone is Pointed” and “Mystery of Swordhsh Reef”, we hope to meet Mr, Bonaparte many times in the future.

“Reaching For The Stars”, By

Nora Wain. Published by Angus & Rob ertson, Sydney; 8/6.

One of the most puzzling phenomena of the world to-day is the sight of Ger many, under the leadership of a shout ing and apparently irresponsible egocen tric, goose-stepping unprotestingly into a world-war that may destroy civilisation.

How is it that Germans, who individu ally are kind and lovable people, are per petrating. in the mass, horrible cruelties upon the Jews, and upon opponents of the political party in power? Have these usually well-balanced people been mes merised?

Here is a book that throws much lierht into what, politically speaking, is the darkest place in Europe. Mrs. Wain, an American, married to an English musician, has just completed four years in Ger many, under conditions which brought her close to the heart of the people. She writes well, and without fear or favour.

She helps to answer the question hund reds of millions are asking to-day: Is Hitler an angel, or a devil, or just a well meaning, loud-mouthed demagogue, dis astrously misplaced?