Panic in Box C

Weak later Carr, when the tricks are showing and there is little substance. The murder is clever and well-explained, but there is far too much “atmosphere” around such a slight story. There are far better Carr novels, even among the later ones, but this isn't a strong example of the Carr mastery. Dark of the Moon (immediately after this one) and House at Satan's Elbow (immediately before) are both better. And, of course, the earlier novels–particularly those from the 1930's–are the real standouts.