Nightmare in Manhattan

In the story of the aftermath of a kidnapping of a six-year old, this book focuses its full intensity on the urgency of the search for Tony Murchison in Manhattan Depot (Grand Central). It is softened somewhat by the vulnerability of its target and the emotions of those involved. In the vigil in which his father, his father's secretary, railroad patrolman Calhoun and the police participate, the moves of the kidnapper are closely followed from his first contact with Murchison, to the recognition of his identity, and through the precarious pursuit by the police who are afraid to endanger the life of the child. A nonstop narrative, eased off here and there by sentiment.

Winner of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel of 1950