AustLit

'Reclamation of waste land is usually a long and difficult task, but when the waste land takes the form of an attractive young woman, who has got into bad company, the job is even more complicated. This story of Colonel Gantian, alias Leathermouth, a noted detective, is a welcome addition to a series of entertaining crime novels by Carlton Dawe. Written in mildly ironical style it holds the reader's attention throughout.

'One day Leathermouth received an unexpected caller, a shabby, though distinguished-looking old man who talks in metaphors. He explains that he Is prepared to pay a thousand pounds for his particular piece of reclamation work.

At first the detective thinks his visitor is a harmless old lunatic, but something about the old man's manner impresses him. Ultimately, after a great deal of palaver, he learns that his task is to rescue Thelma Heriston, high-spirited daughter of a noble family, from the clutches of a particularly clever gang of blackmailers.

'Leathermouth's task is made the more difficult because the girl must be a kept unaware of his identity, and moreover, she resents my interference with her mode of living.

'In his efforts at reclamation, the worthy detective has to cope with the opposition of Mostyn Rynde, an artist who secretly photographs his patrons while they are posing in the nude and "Kid" Paddington, a boxer for whom Thelma has a temporary infatuation.

'Of course he succeeds the end but not without participating in many exciting episodes. The end of the story comes as a real surprise.'

Source:

'"Leathermouth" Solves Deep Mystery', Weekly Times, 12 October 1935, p.28.