Rare Dutch edition of "Do Not Disturb", a suspense thriller by Helen McCloy

A surprisingly rare Dutch edition—WorldCat lists only three copies—of Helen McCloy’s Do not disturb (1943), translated by Dutch writer Gerrit Kouwenaar, with cover art by Pim van Boxtel and designed by Karel Beunis.

Helen McCloy’s Do Not Disturb (Niet storen s.v.p.) is a gripping psychological thriller set against the backdrop of World War II-era New York. When Edith Talbot checks into the Majestic Hotel, she becomes entangled in a chilling mystery after hearing strange noises from a room marked "Do Not Disturb." Her curiosity sets off a dangerous chain of events, turning her from an ordinary woman into a fugitive fighting to survive.

Blending tense cat-and-mouse suspense with sharp social commentary, McCloy masterfully explores the perils of being a woman on the run and the hidden complexities of wartime society. This novel is a striking example of her talent for crafting intelligent, atmospheric thrillers with compelling female protagonists.

Gerrit Kouwenaar (9 August 1923 – 4 September 2014) was a distinguished Dutch poet, prose writer, journalist, and translator. Born in Amsterdam, he emerged as a leading voice in Dutch literature, particularly in the post-World War II period, leaving a lasting impact on modern poetry.