Green for Danger

by Christianna Brand
Green for Danger cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8200
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780330375924
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Green for Danger is a classic crime novel by the author of Cat and Mouse, set against the backdrop of the Blitz. The story unfolds in a military hospital where a patient dies under anaesthetic, and the nurse in charge is later murdered. Inspector Cockrill is tasked with solving the case, but with six suspects—three doctors and three nurses—each with their own secrets, the investigation becomes increasingly complex. The novel masterfully blends suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into a world of tension and mystery. /n/n The setting of the military hospital adds a unique layer to the story, providing a stark contrast to typical crime scenes. The author's detailed portrayal of the medical environment and the pressures of wartime add depth to the characters and the plot. As Inspector Cockrill delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies and hidden motives, making this a compelling read for fans of classic crime fiction.

Reviews
Breathes Books · Nicky @ The Bibliophibian · 2023-03-31
good 3.00

The reviewer found the book to be a good read but not what they typically look for in a British Library Crime Classic. The characters were found to be awkward and unlikeable.

While the reviewer acknowledges that Brand is a good writer, they found the characters to be awkward and unlikeable, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer also noted that the book did not fit their typical expectations for a British Library Crime Classic. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer found the historical setting and the intricate plot to be engaging. The book's blend of mystery and historical drama makes it a unique read, even if the characters are not as well-developed as they could be.

Quick quotes

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

    The characters are awkward and unlikeable, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book.

    The historical setting and the intricate plot are engaging.

The Invisible Event · 2022-12-22
excellent 4.50

The book is a triumph with a clear central murder plot cleverly misdirected by false background threads. The reviewer appreciated the intricate plot and the historical setting.

The reviewer praises the book for its intricate plot and clever misdirection, making it a compelling read. The historical setting during the Blitz adds depth and atmosphere to the story. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged throughout. The reviewer found the book to be a standout in the mystery genre, with a satisfying conclusion that ties up all the loose ends. The blend of mystery and historical drama makes it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The book really is a triumph, with a clear central murder plot cleverly misdirected away from by all manner of false background threads.

    The historical setting during the Blitz adds depth and atmosphere to the story.

    The characters are well-developed, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged throughout.

A Cat, A Book and A Cup of Tea · 2022-08-05
excellent 4.50

The book is a fun and fiendish puzzle with a soapy hospital drama feel. The reviewer enjoyed the intricate plot and the setting during the Blitz.

This reviewer found the book to be a delightful mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The setting in a military hospital during the Blitz adds a unique layer of tension and atmosphere. The characters are well-drawn, and the plot is cleverly constructed with plenty of twists and turns. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the way the author misdirects the reader with false leads, making it a truly engaging read. The book's blend of mystery and historical drama makes it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This mystery, originally published in 1944 and set in a military hospital during the Blitz, is a fun and fiendish puzzle with a soapy hospital drama feel!

    The book is a triumph, with a clear central murder plot cleverly misdirected away from by all manner of false background threads.

    The characters are well-drawn, and the plot is cleverly constructed with plenty of twists and turns.

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