The Goblin Market (1943)

Blurb:

My review:

The “goblin market” is the secret to preserve which an American journalist is murdered on the island of Santa Teresa early in the War.  Despite the Nazi activity, submarines, street-fighting and codes, which make this McCloy’s most violent novel, she does not neglect construction of plot, resulting in a vivid detective story, reminiscent of middle-period Carr at his best.  Detection by the journalist’s replacement, a mystery man, is generally good.  The goblin market clue itself, though, is rather vague, and too similar to Ellery Queen.  Dr. Willing is rather unnecessarily brought in at the end.  Since this appeared in the same year as Marsh’s Colour Scheme, it would be interesting to know whether one was at all inspired by the other.

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