SKELETON KEY

This is one of those stories that is absorbing reading -- and that afterwards irritates one through realization of far-fetched coincidence and weak motivation. However, the signal purpose of a thriller is achieved -- if you are thrilled! A dead-end street above a canyon in Berkeley, California, during a blackout is the scene of the crime; and the suspects are the inhabitants of the little street, all of whom know each other (and, it seems, nourish secret hates). Enemy attempt to get a secret formula -- illegal use of grounded planes -- grudges and fears -- combine to supply plenty of action at cross purposes. And there's a three-cornered romance.