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valefimbres's review
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
danileighta's review against another edition
4.0
A strange book in the Bess Crawford series, I found this one unputdownable, all the same. Strange for the behavior of the townspeople and just how long things went on before some conclusion was reached, really just in the last few pages. It didn't feel like classic suspense, more like the authors needing to wrap up an overly long tale.
Regardless, this series has been fantastic and mystery readers of all stripes should dive in. The next in the series comes out soon and I am vibrating with anticipation!
Regardless, this series has been fantastic and mystery readers of all stripes should dive in. The next in the series comes out soon and I am vibrating with anticipation!
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy returning to the Bess Crawford universe and the latest entry to the series was no exception. Set in a remote Welsh village in the dead of winter, this was a perfect cold-weather read, especially when accompanied by a toasty beverage to keep you warm. The isolated location heightened the tension in the story and made me wonder how Bess would extract herself from the situation, which seemed even more dangerous than some of the battlefields in France she has witnessed firsthand.
Although the Armistice has been signed, it is clear that the war will sadly not be over for many of the returning soldiers for quite some time. Even though Bess was home in this installment, she seemed even more isolated in this small Welsh village than is normally the case when the stories are set in the UK. There was less interaction with her friends and family than I would have expected with her being back home, but I felt that was appropriate given the setting and story that was being told. As the end of WWI draws near, I'm curious to learn what comes next for Bess.
Although the Armistice has been signed, it is clear that the war will sadly not be over for many of the returning soldiers for quite some time. Even though Bess was home in this installment, she seemed even more isolated in this small Welsh village than is normally the case when the stories are set in the UK. There was less interaction with her friends and family than I would have expected with her being back home, but I felt that was appropriate given the setting and story that was being told. As the end of WWI draws near, I'm curious to learn what comes next for Bess.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook: 11hr 26m
I have, in the past, been caught unawares by an abridged version of books in this series. I was furious to find that I had been denied any precious time with the characters I have grown to love so much. With this installment, however, I think I would have appreciated an aggressive pruning of the first half. Bess is not good at twiddling her thumbs, and does rather a lot of it in the first and second act. If I wasn't already a deeply invested fan of Sister Crawford and company, this novel wouldn't recruit me.
I have, in the past, been caught unawares by an abridged version of books in this series. I was furious to find that I had been denied any precious time with the characters I have grown to love so much. With this installment, however, I think I would have appreciated an aggressive pruning of the first half. Bess is not good at twiddling her thumbs, and does rather a lot of it in the first and second act. If I wasn't already a deeply invested fan of Sister Crawford and company, this novel wouldn't recruit me.
elysahenegar's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite Bess Crawford mysteries because of the compelling setting and haunting characters! This kept me guessing right up to the end.
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
I admire Bess Crawford, she is fearless and bold. She follows her moral compass without fail. No matter how hard it might be to do it.
I have to say though, this book dragged a little. It seemed to take so long to figure out what was going on...days of doing nothing....there were no hints to keep a person interested. Just the hope that Simon would show up.
I have to say though, this book dragged a little. It seemed to take so long to figure out what was going on...days of doing nothing....there were no hints to keep a person interested. Just the hope that Simon would show up.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
A Forgotten Place
3 Stars
In the aftermath of the Great War, Bess Crawford is assigned to a clinic for amputees and finds herself concerned for a group of Welsh soldiers struggling with the knowledge that there is no place for them at home. Following their release, Bess receives a letter from their captain, Hugh Williams, and traces him to an isolated village on the Welsh coast. Stranded amongst strangers with dark and dangerous secrets, Bess must use all her wits to find answers before it is too late . . .
Slow and plodding for much of the narrative as Bess once again wanders around poking her nose into matters that do not concern her.
The mystery actually has potential with the bodies of strange men washing up in the remote and inhospitable village, but the ultimate explanation is vague and unremarkable.
Bess and Simon are still pussyfooting around and something needs to happen in their relationship soon or else I will lose all interest. Slow burn is all well and good, but they haven't even collected the firewood yet!
3 Stars
In the aftermath of the Great War, Bess Crawford is assigned to a clinic for amputees and finds herself concerned for a group of Welsh soldiers struggling with the knowledge that there is no place for them at home. Following their release, Bess receives a letter from their captain, Hugh Williams, and traces him to an isolated village on the Welsh coast. Stranded amongst strangers with dark and dangerous secrets, Bess must use all her wits to find answers before it is too late . . .
Slow and plodding for much of the narrative as Bess once again wanders around poking her nose into matters that do not concern her.
The mystery actually has potential with the bodies of strange men washing up in the remote and inhospitable village, but the ultimate explanation is vague and unremarkable.
Bess and Simon are still pussyfooting around and something needs to happen in their relationship soon or else I will lose all interest. Slow burn is all well and good, but they haven't even collected the firewood yet!
thefakethomaspaine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shellystilger's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite in this series. Went a little off the rails, believability-wise.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this much better than the last few! Yay!