Books: Mysteries of the Month: Sep. 26, 1938

Of this month's twelve, four stood out as best bets:

DEATH IN FIVE BOXES—Carter Dickson —Morrow ($2). Grumpy, engaging Sir Henry Merrivale solves a labyrinthine puzzle involving poisoning and a stabbing. Ingenuity and humor offset a tricky, confused plot and far-fetched solution.

MURDER À LA STROGANOFF—Caryl Brahms & S. J. Simon—Crime Club ($2). Further bizarre caperings among the Russian troupe who survived A Bullet in the Ballet. While embellished by such trimmings as Wodehouse dialogue, the plot is sufficiently mystifying to satisfy addicts who like them straight.

THE CASE OF THE SHOPLIFTER'S SHOE...