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eososray's review
3.0
The first book in the Bess Crawford series introduces our capable heroine as she embarks on a series of adventures.
Set during WWI, the story starts in the hospital ship Britannic where our heroine sustains an injury that sends her home to recover. One of her patients has entrusted her with a posthumous message to his family and her dissatisfaction with their response leads her to ask some questions of her own.
Engaging characters and an interesting settings draw the reader along, though the classic who done it tale is sacrificed in exchange for some slightly melodramatic plot devices.
All in all - a good enough book to make me read the next one, though perhaps not with the sense of keen anticipation that other (better) series inspire.
Set during WWI, the story starts in the hospital ship Britannic where our heroine sustains an injury that sends her home to recover. One of her patients has entrusted her with a posthumous message to his family and her dissatisfaction with their response leads her to ask some questions of her own.
Engaging characters and an interesting settings draw the reader along, though the classic who done it tale is sacrificed in exchange for some slightly melodramatic plot devices.
All in all - a good enough book to make me read the next one, though perhaps not with the sense of keen anticipation that other (better) series inspire.
laurenjodi's review
4.0
A Duty to the Dead
4 Stars
On leave after being injured during the sinking of the hospital ship Britannic, nurse Bess Crawford takes the opportunity to fulfill the dying wish of a young soldier under her care. Traveling to Kent, she encounters the Graham family and their many secrets including the existence of unwanted sibling incarcerated in a lunatic asylum. As Bess delves deeper into the meaning of Arthur Graham’s message, she uncovers an horrific crime and a travesty of justice that may have far reaching consequences for her personally.
Compelling characters and an interesting mystery albeit a little drawn out at the end.
The setting of Britain during the Great War is absorbing, especially the descriptions of English “stiff upper lip” and the varied reactions to the traumas suffered by the returning soldiers whether physical or mental. There are moments where it is necessary to remember the time period and not judge people’s harshness and cruelty according to 21st century moral and social principles.
The mystery builds slowly but surely as Bess uncovers one clue after another. While the evidence of is glaringly obvious, the identity of the villain remains in question almost till the end. The climax is exciting although the resolution could have been written more compactly. Moreover, it is disappointing that .
Bess is a spirited and engaging heroine. The only questionable aspect of her personality is her intense affection for Arthur Graham, which has little if any basis in reality, and tends to skew her judgement.
All in all, an entertaining listen and my first book narrated by Rosalyn Landor whose performance was excellent.
4 Stars
On leave after being injured during the sinking of the hospital ship Britannic, nurse Bess Crawford takes the opportunity to fulfill the dying wish of a young soldier under her care. Traveling to Kent, she encounters the Graham family and their many secrets including the existence of unwanted sibling incarcerated in a lunatic asylum. As Bess delves deeper into the meaning of Arthur Graham’s message, she uncovers an horrific crime and a travesty of justice that may have far reaching consequences for her personally.
Compelling characters and an interesting mystery albeit a little drawn out at the end.
The setting of Britain during the Great War is absorbing, especially the descriptions of English “stiff upper lip” and the varied reactions to the traumas suffered by the returning soldiers whether physical or mental. There are moments where it is necessary to remember the time period and not judge people’s harshness and cruelty according to 21st century moral and social principles.
The mystery builds slowly but surely as Bess uncovers one clue after another. While the evidence of
Spoiler
Peregrine’s innocence and his stepmother’s appalling mistreatment of himSpoiler
Timothy escapes the justice he so richly deserves by committing suicideBess is a spirited and engaging heroine. The only questionable aspect of her personality is her intense affection for Arthur Graham, which has little if any basis in reality, and tends to skew her judgement.
All in all, an entertaining listen and my first book narrated by Rosalyn Landor whose performance was excellent.
debjazzergal's review against another edition
4.0
First time reading this author. Really enjoyed the story. Well written and a fun read.
sarahd3's review against another edition
3.0
This was a slow burn for me. I jumped in and like the book but it didn't capture me until half way through, then it is a race to find a murderer. I enjoyed the main character, Bess, and look forward to reading the second in the series
m4marya's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this book up because I love this time period. England during WWI is such an interesting time. I also am find of female protagonists. The story was well written there is no doubt about that. The writing team of Charles Todd has definite skills. However the tale and the mystery were a bit predictable, and Bess, was very uninteresting. I was hoping for more from her, but instead found a very dry, character who had an interesting past--she was no Maisie Dobbs or Jade Cameron.
bak8382's review against another edition
3.0
An intriguing premise and finale fail to bring life to an otherwise humdrum mystery. The middle of the story is bogged down in the protagonist flitting from one town to another and back again on the flimsiest of motives. This is the first book in the series so hopefully the protagonist becomes a bit more proficient in her solving skills as the series progresses.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book very much. I liked the protagonist and plan to continue with the series.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
Good Maisie Dobbs readalike. Though, somewhat more graphic in its depiction of WWI, and darker in the "war screws people up" department.