The thin line that separates the mystery from the psychological novel can be admired in ["Nobody Answered the Bell"]…. There are killings, it is true. But these are subservient to the grim story of two mad Lesbians and the life these terrible women try to make. This is a strong and deadly book; and, incidentally, not in the least prurient. Davies, who has made his mark with mainstream fiction, is of the objective style. He writes with a sure hand. And each fingernail on that hand is tipped with poison. (p. 50)