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valefimbres's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
1900 India, where Bess family gets to know Simon Brandon.
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
A short story/novella featuring Simon Brandon that provides insights to his background and how he came to be so close to the Crawford family. The story is divided into four main sections, told from the perspectives of Melinda, Richard, Clarissa, and Bess - each of whom have a special connection to Simon. I enjoyed the prequel and learning more about Simon's early days and how he came to cross paths with the Crawfords while they were stationed in India. Simon is one of my favorite characters in the series, so it was fun getting to learn more about his back story and early life. While this will be a treat for fans of the Bess Crawford series, it is an easily read stand-alone piece and a terrific introduction to the series. The edition I read included chapters from both Bess Crawford and Inspector Ian Rutledge novels, providing a sneak peak into both of these excellent series.
400mom's review against another edition
3.0
It was an interesting prequel to Simon’s story but just not fleshed out enough.
leemac027's review against another edition
4.0
The team that is Charles Todd have packed quite a bit into this very slender book. I liked the tone and style they used which was very appropriate for the period they were describing.
Set in early 1900's India, the Crawford family are settled on the Northwest Frontier with a British Regiment. Head of the family, Colonel Richard Crawford, his wife Clarissa and daughter Bess are dealing with the ever-changing political atmosphere, uprisings and the class system prevalent at the time.
A young soldier, Simon Brandon, is assigned to the Colonel as his 'batman' with one of his duties being to keep an eye on the exploration loving Bess. Over the years they become as brother and sister while Simon starts to climb the ranks in his Army career.
However, Simon's past contains secrets and the support he has had from the Crawfords means more to him than he can ever let them know.
But all is not well for Simon. Being assigned as part of an escort to a high-ranking princess and her tiny daughter should have been a routine job. This does not work out well and Simon is facing a death sentence.....how did this happen?
A quick entertaining read.
Set in early 1900's India, the Crawford family are settled on the Northwest Frontier with a British Regiment. Head of the family, Colonel Richard Crawford, his wife Clarissa and daughter Bess are dealing with the ever-changing political atmosphere, uprisings and the class system prevalent at the time.
A young soldier, Simon Brandon, is assigned to the Colonel as his 'batman' with one of his duties being to keep an eye on the exploration loving Bess. Over the years they become as brother and sister while Simon starts to climb the ranks in his Army career.
However, Simon's past contains secrets and the support he has had from the Crawfords means more to him than he can ever let them know.
But all is not well for Simon. Being assigned as part of an escort to a high-ranking princess and her tiny daughter should have been a routine job. This does not work out well and Simon is facing a death sentence.....how did this happen?
A quick entertaining read.
veereadstoomuch's review against another edition
2.0
Eh
I always wanted a back story on Simon so this kind of fulfills it but the whole conflict with the hanging...eh. I don't think I'll read this again.
I always wanted a back story on Simon so this kind of fulfills it but the whole conflict with the hanging...eh. I don't think I'll read this again.
austenandkurtrock's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
They keep calling this a short story, but it is more of a novella. If you are a fan of the Bess Crawford novels you will enjoy this backstory into Simon’s life. The novella explains how Simon ended up working with the Crawford family and how they became close. It also, finally, gives us a peak into the India part of the Crawford families life.
It is a bit rushed, some of the transitions are not well done, but I gave it 3.5 stars because we finally get some background info we have all be craving. Based on how the latest book in the series ended, I understand why this writing duo felt compelled to put this out now.
It is a bit rushed, some of the transitions are not well done, but I gave it 3.5 stars because we finally get some background info we have all be craving. Based on how the latest book in the series ended, I understand why this writing duo felt compelled to put this out now.
pataitken's review against another edition
4.0
Finally learning a bit about Simon's backstory and why he is so devoted to the Colonel, Bess and Clarissa. Continuing to wonder when and if he and Bess will ever get together? Also a few chapters of the next Ian Rutledge novel. I hope he finally can come to terms with his war experiences and find some happiness.
lebron_librarian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0