Green for Danger

For anyone who likes a good old-fashioned mystery; this book even has illustrations. The focus is on Whodunit and not the detective's dysfunctional life or menangerie. The descriptions of a World War II military hospital are detailed and even shocking to modern notions of good medical practice. We've come a long way. The characterization is thin but believable. Unfortunately, the rest of her mystery novels seem to be out of print.

Another book that can be read over and over, and one that the reader will enjoy even more after seeing the wonderful movie starring Alistair Sim as the detective. Set in a remote hospital in the English countryside during WWII, it's cleverly plotted and fun. A great way to be introduced to Ms. Brand's other entertaining reads.

A mystery who dunnit set in a World War II military hospital in England. Brand has a very similar style to Agatha Christie, she is a very accomplished writer in the genre in her own right and does not suffer in comparison with such elevated company. I am reluctant to spell out too much of the plot other than to say it revolves around the Doctors, Nurses and Patients. After all the point of mystery novel reading is trying to fathom out the real evidence from the red herrings yourself and I would hate to rob a potential reader of the fun of trying to solve the crime. I didn't figure it out myself until it was laid out before me by the detective at the end of the book. A worthwhile read from an excellent writer of murder mystery.

This is one of the undoubted masterpieces of classic mystery fiction. At least 3 mystery classic collections have chosen it as a top book; I know no other book so chosen. (These are: Bantam Classic Mysteries, from the 1960's, introduced by Anthony Boucher; The Mystery Library, from the 1970's UCSD, with introductions and other features, including one by the author; and the Bantam Mystery collectio, hardcovered from early 1980's by Bantam Books, also with an introduction). Brand writes a clasically constructed tale, with definite victims and murderer (and sleuth). It is full of atmosphere, suspense, and finely constructed fair play. MUST NOT be missed by classic mystery fans.