Lines between good and evil are blurred in The Wicked Go To Hell. In the prologue we learn that a cop is sent to prison to infiltrate an enemy spy ring. Then we meet Frank and Hal, cell-mates in prison, but who is who? A great set-up with mixed execution. The mystery of who is the cop did sustain me for a while, but in the end the plot was too implausible, and the characters lacked depth. This was originally written in the 1950's, in French, and it seems the tone and style are very indicative of the time. I would definitely try other books by the author because I appreciated certain elements, specifically the moral ambiguity and the bleak tone. Those who love thrillers should check this out, even if just as an introduction to Dard's work.

Frank and Hal are thrown into a prison cell together. One of them is the criminal. One of them is the cop placed there to entrap the other. As their lives become inextricably entwined other factors come into play and it becomes more and more difficult to work out who is who. An absorbing and intriguing psychological study of male friendship and bonding, this short book is both enjoyable and thought-provoking and kept this reader at least guessing right to the end. Perhaps not the most plausible plot I’ve ever read but good fun for all that.