The Grub-And-Stakers House a Haunt

Silly from beginning to end, this latest in the series, following The Grub-and-Stakers Spin a Yarn, will strain the patience of readers whose sensibility doesn't match that of the pseudonymous author, who is really the prolific Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Charlotte McLeod. A lighthearted mood is created with a heavy hand as widow and heroine Mrs. Zilla Trott joins up with other members of the Grub-and-Stakers Gardening and Roving Club of Lobelia Falls, Ont., to hunt for the bones and buried gold of murdered muleskinner Hiram Jellyby. Also involved are Arethusa Monk, the author of roguish Regency romances, and Pollicott James, a specialist in dowsing. Arch and lacking in wit throughout, this tale is unlikely to engage the interest of fans of McLeod's other series starring Madoc Rhys, Peter Shandy and Sarah Kelling. (May)