From the brilliantly imaginative New York Times bestselling author Charles Todd comes an unforgettable new character in an exceptional new series
England, 1916. Independent-minded Bess Crawford’s upbringing is far different from that of the usual upper-middle-class British gentlewoman. Growing up in India, she learned the importance of responsibility, honor, and duty from her officer father. At … duty from her officer father. At the outbreak of World War I, she followed in his footsteps and volunteered for the nursing corps, serving from the battlefields of France to the doomed hospital ship Britannic.
On one voyage, Bess grows fond of the young, gravely wounded Lieutenant Arthur Graham. Something rests heavily on his conscience, and to give him a little peace as he dies, she promises to deliver a message to his brother. It is some months before she can carry out this duty, and when she’s next in England, she herself is recovering from a wound.
When Bess arrives at the Graham house in Kent, Jonathan Graham listens to his brother’s last wishes with surprising indifference. Neither his mother nor his brother Timothy seems to think it has any significance. Unsettled by this, Bess is about to take her leave when sudden tragedy envelops her. She quickly discovers that fulfilling this duty to the dead has thrust her into a maelstrom of intrigue and murder that will endanger her own life and test her courage as not even war has.
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Mother-son writing team, “Charles Todd” create very engaging historical fiction with realistic plot twists as they bring interestingly sympathetic characters to life. I highly recommend this novel !
As always Charles Todd keeps the reader guessing to the end.
A well researched book on World War I. The perspective of the girl serving as a nurse and following her natural curiosity which leads her into the mystery is very original.
Charles Todd has a wonderful way of involving one in the book characters. As usual I want to know more – ready to read another.
Well-written and I really enjoyed the main character and her no non-sense approach to solving the mystery. Although the author is not maudlin in her description of the devastating aftermath of war; her portrayal is heartbreaking nonetheless.
one of the better books ive read.. although the title might give pause, it is very worth reading..finished it all..thank you
I love this whole series and highly recommend it.
A truly compelling story, with a complicated and twisting plot. A riveting page turner.
This book, as well as everything else written by Charles Todd, was completely engrossing. How much do YOU know about WWI and it’s aftermath? Reading Mr. Todd’s books will give you an historical perspective you’ve probably not considered before.
characters completely engaging
I enjoy all of Charles Todd’s books. I prefer Inspector Rutledge series but the Bess Crawford books are very good. The historical aspect of the Todd books relating to World War I is informative. The books give insight into an era that I never knew much about and they are truly interesting.
I’ve read all of the books in the Maisie Dobbs series. I like that Maisie ran her own business as an investigator during a time when not many women dared to try bucking the social mores. The stories are multi-layered and interesting. The characters are well developed, warts and all…real people. They have come to feel like old friends.
Charles Todd writes realistically about WW II lives and especially of one dedicated nurse. This book also has detective elements and shows the strength of women and family caring for each other and those they serve during war. Excellent writer.
Todd has a wonderful knack for interweaving the horrors of WW I and interesting mysteries. He writes well and the stories are believable. The main character in this novel is an army nurse who eventually solves a compelling mystery. Worth reading.
Classic period mystery with a nurse heroine who is too trusting but extremely persistent. I think the book did a nice job of making us understand that era’s sense of duty.
I liked the book it makes me want to go on and read more in the series.
Loved it. So interested in B
ess Crawford
Well written and with everything needed for a good read.
Another well written Bess Crawford story from this prolific mother and son duo. Impeccably researched and limned with authentic details, this series presents an unusual WWI daughter of the regiment turned nurse. Her military father gives her much more freedom than typical for her time, and we accompany her on improbable and intriguing adventures …
I liked it. Learned a lot, but not a page-turner. Good book to read before bed,