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mcoppadge07's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway courtesy of William Morrow.
I don't know what it was about this book but I started reading the ebook and couldn't get past the first chapter but once I won the paperback and started reading it that way it was so much easier and I really really enjoyed it!
Bess Crawford is a very strong female character. I love that even though what she was doing wasn't what she should've been doing she kept at it anyway, even with her misgivings. She did what was right even though everyone would say what she was doing was wrong and to leave off it.
The supporting characters in this book were also very good and I never had that thought that I sometimes get where this is a pointless character they add nothing to the story what are they doing here?
The setting was very well described I could envision the places and see them in my head and there was no getting into too much pointless detail which I really appreciated. To me there is nothing worse then over describing things.
This book definitely kept me on my toes. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next, what did Arthurs message mean, and what, exactly, were the Grahams hiding with such ferocity? The ending did leave me a little sad but I got over it pretty quickly. I can't wait to see what Bess Crawford gets into next!!
I don't know what it was about this book but I started reading the ebook and couldn't get past the first chapter but once I won the paperback and started reading it that way it was so much easier and I really really enjoyed it!
Bess Crawford is a very strong female character. I love that even though what she was doing wasn't what she should've been doing she kept at it anyway, even with her misgivings. She did what was right even though everyone would say what she was doing was wrong and to leave off it.
The supporting characters in this book were also very good and I never had that thought that I sometimes get where this is a pointless character they add nothing to the story what are they doing here?
The setting was very well described I could envision the places and see them in my head and there was no getting into too much pointless detail which I really appreciated. To me there is nothing worse then over describing things.
This book definitely kept me on my toes. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next, what did Arthurs message mean, and what, exactly, were the Grahams hiding with such ferocity? The ending did leave me a little sad but I got over it pretty quickly. I can't wait to see what Bess Crawford gets into next!!
jeannemurray3gmailcom's review against another edition
3.0
Started slow, but then I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to other books in the series. Takes place during World War I.
jennareadsthings's review against another edition
3.0
This is a 2.5.
Maybe I should go back and rerank maisie Dobbs higher. This lacks the feel and pacing of a Maisie Dobbs novel. Instead the plot, characters, and motivation are just less compelling.
TLDR read Maisie Dobbs.
Maybe I should go back and rerank maisie Dobbs higher. This lacks the feel and pacing of a Maisie Dobbs novel. Instead the plot, characters, and motivation are just less compelling.
TLDR read Maisie Dobbs.
shavawnellsbury's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
3.75
brooke4131's review against another edition
3.0
A Duty to the Dead was a really tough read. There were times when I loved the story and other moments when I really wondered what the author was thinking. Bess Crawford, a nurse during WWI who survives the sinking of the Britannic, makes for an admirable heroine. When Bess is tasked with taking a dying man's final words home to his family, she uncovers a horrible murder.
I know that Charles Todd is actually a mother-son writing team and at times I felt that it was obvious two different people had written the book. Certain sections just didn't flow well and Bess didn't always hold to character. I was also disappointed in the ending. It seemed very far fetched and without spoiling the story, illogical. I'll likely read another just because I like the potential that Bess has and hope that the writing style improves.
I know that Charles Todd is actually a mother-son writing team and at times I felt that it was obvious two different people had written the book. Certain sections just didn't flow well and Bess didn't always hold to character. I was also disappointed in the ending. It seemed very far fetched and without spoiling the story, illogical. I'll likely read another just because I like the potential that Bess has and hope that the writing style improves.
gawronma's review against another edition
4.0
I just can't believe this was written by Charles Todd. It is just as good as the Ian Rutledge books but what a different voice. It just illustrates the skills that Todd has a writer. Bess is a strong character and I'm excited to see what will happen in the next books.
csheehan72's review against another edition
5.0
This was recommended as a what to read after Louise Penny. No giant gaps in the story. Feeling of place was not as nice as Penny, but I stayed up to all hours to finish it so I would say it’s a page turner. Tightly woven so there were few to no dragging points. This is one of the few books I’ve picked up lately that I didn’t feel the need to skim through chunks of text.
happy_hiker's review
3.0
I really wanted to give this book 2.5 stars. I thought it was OK, but I did like it more than other books that I rated at 2 stars. Bess was asked by a dying man to give a message to his brother. When she does, she becomes involved in trying to solve murders surrounding the family. I picked up this book as it was recommended to those who liked Maisie Dobbs. I can see the reason for the comparison, but in my opinion, the Maisie Dobbs series is much better. Ho Hum.
katenetz's review against another edition
3.0
Good characters, clever plot, interesting historical context. More fast-paced and less agonizing than the Rutledge series (although somewhat less compelling). A great start to a series!