Reviews

Green for Danger is one of those classic crime novels that definitely doesn't feel cosy. That's not just because it's set during the Second World War -- writers were perfectly capable of writing normality-restoring, comforting crime fiction then; in fact, it was a great time for it. The war setting doesn't help, though, because the unease creeps around the story: consider the fact that all the doctors have morphine to take in case they should get buried alive during a bombing.

Mostly, though, it's the mystery itself that's unsettling. The potential culprits are all an inner circle, a limited group, and you watch their insecurities and their foibles playing out as you suspect each in turn. Could it be this one, or that one? Could it be because of a dark past, a horrible secret? Why is one's voice recognised by various patients? Was there something suspicious about that previous event? And there's the detective, putting pressure on them all to make them confess...

It all ends up being very uncomfortable, because it's a group of friends, and nobody wants to believe anyone else has done it. There's a web of jealousies and friendships between them that doesn't stop them wanting the best for each other -- but someone is a killer.

Brand's a good writer, but it isn't what I typically look for when I pick up a British Library Crime Classic.

jenmckenzie's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emerion's review against another edition

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informative mysterious relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

vesper1931's review against another edition

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mysterious

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

1942. Seven letters have been sent to the hospital delivered by Postman Higgins. Only for Higgins to die on the operating table. DI Cockrill determines there are seven suspects for this one death. All are suspect for the next death. What motive could any of them have, and who is the guilty party. How many have to die before Cockrill arrests the killer
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written WWII mystery, with its cast of varied characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story

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