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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
spiky50's review against another edition
3.0
This series is getting stale. The mystery itself is usually good, but the plot development has become predictable, and there is virtually no character development. Simon follows Bess around like a shadow, but we are no closer to him than we were at the beginning of the series. Bess shows virtually no consideration for her family; waltzing off on whatever thin excuse she can dream up for pursuing the mystery du jour, rather than spending time with them. Unless she can use them to help solve the mystery . . .
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this latest Bess Crawford mystery. In this story, the war is finally coming to an end, but Bess still manages to find a mystery wherever she goes. In this story, she meets Capt. Alan Travis from the Island of Barbados. He's a personable gentleman who interests Bess. When she sees him again he has a head wound and insists that a long lost cousin is the one who shot him. He goes back to duty, but returns again with a more severe injury to his back and insists that this cousin is responsible again. His sanity is in question and he winds up in a clinic for the mentally ill in England when Bess finds him again. Bess can't believe him insane, even when faced with the impossibility of the circumstances. She and Simon decide to investigate the captain's story.
I liked this story because we're given more of a glimpse in to Simon Brandon's life. Bess is also finally having to think about life after the war. While I did figure out the mystery, I enjoyed the characters in the village and her interaction with Simon. I'm hoping she will not think of Simon as a brother and will consider him as more. They get along so well darn it!
I love this narrator for the audiobook! She really makes the characters come alive and does a great job with the male characters.
I liked this story because we're given more of a glimpse in to Simon Brandon's life. Bess is also finally having to think about life after the war. While I did figure out the mystery, I enjoyed the characters in the village and her interaction with Simon. I'm hoping she will not think of Simon as a brother and will consider him as more. They get along so well darn it!
I love this narrator for the audiobook! She really makes the characters come alive and does a great job with the male characters.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook: 11hr 56m
The Charles Todd library of WWI era novels is one of my favourite literary places to spend time. Is binge-reading a thing? If so, I'd say this whole series is highly binge-able. I love these characters. I want the best for them. And I happen to I think what is best for them is more books... just an encouraging nudge in case the authors ever stumble over this happy little review.
PS, loved seeing so much of Simon in this one. Solid team, these two.
The Charles Todd library of WWI era novels is one of my favourite literary places to spend time. Is binge-reading a thing? If so, I'd say this whole series is highly binge-able. I love these characters. I want the best for them. And I happen to I think what is best for them is more books... just an encouraging nudge in case the authors ever stumble over this happy little review.
PS, loved seeing so much of Simon in this one. Solid team, these two.
400mom's review against another edition
4.0
This was my favorite of the books I have read in the Bess Crawford series. She comes across as a more realistic person in this book. I thought it was interesting how anticlimactic the end of the war was for those still in the fields.
clittleford3's review against another edition
mysterious
4.5
Apparently there’s a whole series of Bess Crawford mysteries. I’m looking forward to reading more.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
A Casualty of War
4 Stars
In the days following the Armistice, WWI nurse Bess Crawford learns that a former patient, Captain Alan Travis, is believed to be delusional and has been confined in an asylum. Convinced that there may be some truth behind the captain's claims that his cousin tried to kill him on the battlefield, Bess travels to Suffolk and unwittingly stirs up a hornet's nest of intrigue and murder.
Unlike some of the previous installments, Bess's decision to investigate Travis's claims is much more plausible as she feels partially responsible for his predicament. That said, much of the book is still Bess interfering in other people's business - no wonder the local detective was infuriated with her!
The plot itself is intriguing with several twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The ultimate resolution is both exciting and credible.
Unfortunately, there is still very little development on the personal front. Bess receives a proposal of marriage, but it is more or less glossed over, and her relationship with Simon Brandon is still stagnating. When will she realize there is more between them than an almost sibling-like affection?
Overall, a solid addition to the series and it will be interesting to see where the Todds take their intrepid heroine now that the Great War is over.
4 Stars
In the days following the Armistice, WWI nurse Bess Crawford learns that a former patient, Captain Alan Travis, is believed to be delusional and has been confined in an asylum. Convinced that there may be some truth behind the captain's claims that his cousin tried to kill him on the battlefield, Bess travels to Suffolk and unwittingly stirs up a hornet's nest of intrigue and murder.
Unlike some of the previous installments, Bess's decision to investigate Travis's claims is much more plausible as she feels partially responsible for his predicament. That said, much of the book is still Bess interfering in other people's business - no wonder the local detective was infuriated with her!
The plot itself is intriguing with several twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The ultimate resolution is both exciting and credible.
Unfortunately, there is still very little development on the personal front. Bess receives a proposal of marriage, but it is more or less glossed over, and her relationship with Simon Brandon is still stagnating. When will she realize there is more between them than an almost sibling-like affection?
Overall, a solid addition to the series and it will be interesting to see where the Todds take their intrepid heroine now that the Great War is over.
nursenell's review
5.0
This is the last book in the series. Armistice Day has arrived although Bess is still billeted in France as there are still the injured to care for. I wonder if the authors will continue the series post WWI. I hope so.