The Birkenhead News and Wirral General Advertiser. — 1915-09-11 (Birkenhead, Merseyside, England)

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES.  "The Cloak of Darkness," by Sir William Magnay. Messrs. Ward. Lock and Co., Ltd.; 65. In a book written by a baronet one expects to find :ome reading both novel and out of the ordinary, but those who open "The Cloak of Darkness," the latest work Irons the pen of Sir William Magnay, with this hope at the back of their minds, are doomed to disappointment. The plot and story generally are written in the stereotyped pattern of the light literature of modern times—a murder, a doable life, a declared love, and an expiation. The climax of the story is unexpected and well worked up, but the tender love scenes are some. what fulsome and insipid. George Conway is the character round which the plot revolves, and at the opening of the story he is described as a rising political star. He is entertaining a house party, when one of the guests, a Hungarian countess, miraculously disappears during her journey from the station to the house. After a lapse of a few days the body of the dead woman is found by the police secreted close at hand, and investigations are started seriously. The proposal of marriage by Conway to a rich heiress is the next item of interest, and he is accepted. The explanation of the murder is ' than discovered, Conway turning out to be the perpetrator, having been married to Countess Mornay, while attache in Vienna. Conway, in order to avoid scandal and disgrace, commits suicide. The motive leading ro the crime, which is carried .out in Machiavelli style,contes as a surprise to the resider,and this clever concealment of the climax is the only piece of work in the book upon which we can honestly congratulate the author.  The September number of The Musical Herold" (2d.) should prove very attractive, coming as it does just at the commencement of the musical season in Merseyside. The contents include a special article and interview, with portrait, of Mr. Warren T. Clemens. the new conductor of the Glasgow Choral Union, articles on "The Bola Voice," " A World-Tour Examining Story." "Effect of the War on British Music," by Dr. Caradog Roberts. " Tonic Sol-Fa College Vacation Course" (illustrated), "A British School of Composers" (a collection of the 'pinions of musical leaders). "The National histeddfcd." etc. A useful feature is the 4uestion-and-anewer section, extending over many pages.  Since Mr. John Stead joined the forces, the control of the "Review of Reviews" has been in the capable hands of Mr. C. 7. Peer, acting-editor. The September issue well maintains the character of the "Review" for furnishing in condensed form a large amount of information, and ,particularly a literary digest. In the 'Men of the Moment" section, a Turkish patriot (Enver Pasha), a Japanese statesman (Prince Yemagata). and an English newspaper owner (Lord Northcliffe) are dealt with. Frank H. Simonds, editor of the New York "Evening Sun," gives what is considered the best informed summary of the war. so far as it has gone, that has &entered in any country. "Recruits: Volunteer or Conscript?" is the title of an article illu.trated with a portrait of a Canadian sergeant, who has been instrumental in securing nearly 4,000 recruits for the British Army. It also ccatains a striking picture of Captain Short, the Zing's trumpeter, who is assisting at retruiting meetings.