THE SIMPKINS PLOT. _George A. Birmingham._
"Spanish Gold" has been the most mirth-provoking of Irish novels published in the last few years, and Mr. Birmingham's new book is a worthy successor. Once more the admirable red-haired curate, "J. J.," appears, and his wild energy turns a peaceful neighbourhood into a hotbed of intrigue and suspicion. The story tells how he discovers in a harmless lady novelist, seeking quiet for her work, a murderess whose trial had been a _cause célèbre_. He forms a scheme of marrying the lady to the local bore, in the hope that she may end his career. Once started on the wrong tack, he works out his evidence with convincing logic, and ties up the whole neighbourhood in the toils of his misconception. The book is full of the wittiest dialogue and the most farcical situations. It will be as certain to please all lovers of Irish humour as the immortal "Experiences of an Irish R. M."
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and New York.
Inconsistent hyphenation has been retained as it appears in the book. The following changes have been made:
Page 143 she must start to-day." Unexpected closing quote removed
Page 203 you musn't do anything musn't changed to mustn't
Page 235 "Indeed, I think I won't, Aunt Jeannie,' Single close quote changed to double quotes]