A story of the "dangerous age" in a theatrical star, whose marriage has worn thin, and who finds excitement in skirting a treacherous edge of emotional involvement, more or less accidentally thrust upon her. First rate tale, but lacks the brilliance of such a performance as Cakes and Ale. Maugham can be counted on for masterly craftsmanship; he knows his theatre; and this is his first full-length novel some time. Maugham has a faculty for getting under the skin of his characters and revealing their very human foibles. It's thoroughly good reading, and popular in theme and background, so should prove a quick seller and renter.