# XVIII: In the Locked Library explained — The Greene Murder Case

> Chapter companion for The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine.

## What happens

Vance insists on entering Tobias Greene's locked library, which has been sealed for twelve years. Despite Mrs. Greene's fierce resistance, Markham bluffs with a fake search warrant to obtain the key. Inside, they find the missing galoshes and evidence that someone has recently entered the room. Meanwhile, the galoshes have vanished from the linen closet overnight, and Von Blon's stolen drugs remain missing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Hidden Truth

The locked library, kept sealed for twelve years, symbolizes hidden secrets; Vance insists on uncovering what lies within.

### Psychological Motivation and Insanity

Vance's reading on hysteria and twilight sleep suggests psychological underpinnings to the crimes.

### Detection and Rational Inquiry

Vance's methodical examination of the library and his deduction about recent entry exemplify rational detective work.

## Character check-ins

### Philo Vance

Drives himself to the Lawyers Club, insists on inspecting the locked library, and discovers the galoshes and signs of recent entry.

### John F.-X. Markham

Reluctantly agrees to Vance's plan, bluffs Mrs. Greene with a fake search warrant, and obtains the key to the library.

### Mrs. Tobias Greene

Fiercely opposes entry into the library, but capitulates after Markham's bluff; reveals the key's location.

### Ernest Heath

Investigates the missing galoshes at the Greene mansion and joins the search of the library.

### Doctor Von Blon

Visits the Greene house, appears upset about the stolen drugs, and spends time with Sibella.

### Sibella Greene

Spends an hour with Doctor Von Blon during his visit.

## Key lines

> This thing gets deeper and deeper. Something unthinkable is going on here.

Vance expresses that the situation is becoming more disturbing and incomprehensible.

_Vance's reaction to the psychological implications of the books in the library._

> You shan't put your foot in that room! Not for twelve years has anyone passed the threshold, and no policeman now shall desecrate the place where my husband spent the last years of his life.

Mrs. Greene vehemently refuses to allow anyone into the library, which has been untouched since her husband's death.

_Mrs. Greene's fierce resistance to the search of the locked library._

> There are your galoshes, Sergeant. I thought they'd be here.

Vance points out the missing galoshes under the globe in the library, confirming his suspicion.

_Discovery of the galoshes in the locked library._

## Links

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