The Wooden Overcoat is a delightfully dark and witty mystery novel by Pamela Branch, first published in 1951. Set in post-war London, the story follows the peculiar happenings at the A.A. – Association of Former Convicts, a seemingly respectable organization run by ex-criminals who've gone (mostly) straight. When a murdered man ends up in their offices, the eccentric members scramble to avoid scandal—and worse, police attention—by hiding the body, only to find themselves entangled in a farcical web of lies, blackmail, and multiple corpses. Blending sharp British humor with a clever plot and a cast of quirky characters, The Wooden Overcoat is a fast-paced and unconventional whodunit. Pamela Branch's unique voice and flair for the absurd make this a standout in mid-century crime fiction, appealing to fans of both classic mystery and dark comedy.