THE MYSTERY OF THE VANISHING HORSES

Just the word ""horses"" in the title predisposes one to think that here is refire mystery. But preoccupied with endless detail, Miss Avery has created a muddle of dull people, stolen horses, and canal boats in her attempt to write about the mysterious events which take place during a summer on the Erie. The reader's search for the plot amidst extraneous matter is the only mysterious element in the book, and it is disappointing to discover that the spoils of the hunt are not worth the time nor effort. The manner is better than the matter in this case.