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Bess Crawford #4
An Unmarked Grave
“A wonderful new mystery series that will let us see the horrors of World War I through the eyes of Bess Crawford, battlefield nurse.”
—Margaret Maron “Readers who can’t get enough of Jacqueline Winspear’s novels, or Hester Latterly, who saw action in the Crimean War in a series of novels by Anne Perry, are bound to be caught up in the adventures of Bess Crawford.”
— New York Times Book Review The critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of the Ian Rutledge mystery series, Charles Todd once again spotlights World War I nurse Bess Crawford in An Unmarked Grave . Gripping, powerful, and evocative, this superb mystery masterwork unfolds during the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918, as Bess discovers the body of a murdered British officer among the many dead and sets out to unmask a craven killer.
—Margaret Maron “Readers who can’t get enough of Jacqueline Winspear’s novels, or Hester Latterly, who saw action in the Crimean War in a series of novels by Anne Perry, are bound to be caught up in the adventures of Bess Crawford.”
— New York Times Book Review The critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of the Ian Rutledge mystery series, Charles Todd once again spotlights World War I nurse Bess Crawford in An Unmarked Grave . Gripping, powerful, and evocative, this superb mystery masterwork unfolds during the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918, as Bess discovers the body of a murdered British officer among the many dead and sets out to unmask a craven killer.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
416 people are currently reading
3416 people want to read
About the author
Charles Todd
112 books3,494 followersCharles Todd was the pen name used by the mother-and-son writing team, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd. Now, Charles writes the Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford Series. Charles Todd ha spublished three standalone mystery novels and many short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 746 reviews
February 22, 2016
The year is 1918 and the Spanish flu epidemic is rampaging, killing both soldiers and civilians. Battlefield nurse Bess Crawford and the rest of the nurses and doctors are swamped with patients. But, then Bess discovers that among the dead bodies are the body of a murdered officer that used to serve in her father's former regiment. However, she falls ill in the terrible flu herself before she can report it...
The Bess Crawford series has quickly become a favorite of mine. One of the reason is that I find Bess Crawford to be a competent young woman that happens to stumble over problems now and then. Like this time where she must find out who killed an officer that she knew and respected. But, she has also just been terribly ill, the body of the dead man is buried and the only other witness to it has hanged himself. So, there isn't much to go on. But, she won't give up, and luckily she has Simon Brandon and Captain Barclay, a Yankee with a poor knee to help her.
This is the first book in this series that I just couldn't find myself really engrossed with. It could be because of the absence of my favorite Aussie, but I think that most of the problem lies in the fact that the case just doesn't draw me in. I don't say that the book was bad, it was just not memorable. I definitely felt that when I started to write the review and for a moment was I at a loss to why the man, in the beginning, was killed. The conclusion of the book was just not that thrilling.
Thankfully, Bess makes this book worth the while, she is still a strong and interesting character despite the rather lackluster storyline. There are those that favor a romantic relationship between her and Simon, but I just don't see it. For me, he is an older brother. Then again, this may because I have already in my mind a perfect candidate for her heart. And, that's Sergeant Larimore who is mostly tragically absent from this book. The books most precious parts are when she arrives back in France and he is there to greet here and Bess learning that he is the one that alerted Bess mother that she was ill.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
The Bess Crawford series has quickly become a favorite of mine. One of the reason is that I find Bess Crawford to be a competent young woman that happens to stumble over problems now and then. Like this time where she must find out who killed an officer that she knew and respected. But, she has also just been terribly ill, the body of the dead man is buried and the only other witness to it has hanged himself. So, there isn't much to go on. But, she won't give up, and luckily she has Simon Brandon and Captain Barclay, a Yankee with a poor knee to help her.
This is the first book in this series that I just couldn't find myself really engrossed with. It could be because of the absence of my favorite Aussie, but I think that most of the problem lies in the fact that the case just doesn't draw me in. I don't say that the book was bad, it was just not memorable. I definitely felt that when I started to write the review and for a moment was I at a loss to why the man, in the beginning, was killed. The conclusion of the book was just not that thrilling.
Thankfully, Bess makes this book worth the while, she is still a strong and interesting character despite the rather lackluster storyline. There are those that favor a romantic relationship between her and Simon, but I just don't see it. For me, he is an older brother. Then again, this may because I have already in my mind a perfect candidate for her heart. And, that's Sergeant Larimore who is mostly tragically absent from this book. The books most precious parts are when she arrives back in France and he is there to greet here and Bess learning that he is the one that alerted Bess mother that she was ill.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
August 29, 2012
Having read the previous three in the series, I can definitely say that this one is the weakest in the bunch. I always enjoy the historical details - Todd can definitely deliver on behind-the-scenes action of WII - but the rest of the mystery was barely serviceable. After one too many coincidences (a man she runs into in a barn is just the exact one she's been looking for, out of all of the millions fighting in Europe), I almost gave up. The killer, of course, always stayed one step ahead of Bess; even while he was posing as a soldier, he apparently had all sorts of magical ways to stay undetected. And Bess seems to attract all of these men who will take on danger to either protect her or help her find information (and she doesn't have to really do anything to gain or keep their loyalty).
Finally, the motivation behind the "serial" killings was weak, and had almost nothing to do with the rest of the plot. I'm not convinced I'll read another (yet).
Finally, the motivation behind the "serial" killings was weak, and had almost nothing to do with the rest of the plot. I'm not convinced I'll read another (yet).
October 29, 2014
Well written and rich in historical detail and atmosphere, as always. But the plot was a complete shambles.
February 28, 2018
Šoreiz daudz spriedzes, slepkavību un skriešanās ar laiku. Bija labi, lai gan pārsteidza motīvs, gaidīju ko citu.
September 19, 2021
I like WWI stories and this mystery involves a nurse, who succumbs to the Spanish Flu at the beginning of the book, before recovering enough to help investigate some murders. I would definitely read another book in this series.
March 7, 2016
Several things have changed since the third tome, A Bitter Truth, of the series. The language is less winsome, flowing, less formidable. I've gone on record saying that I embrace low brow potboilers and dime novels. It's still sad to witness this book and consequently its authors finding it necessary to up the stakes, to add exponential action and to provide parody-like happenstances. Charles Todd was a name I've come to associate with quality and bravery. One can only repel the lure of ease for only so long.
The number of times people survive gun wounds in this story seems greater than the great unwashed's fatal brush with the Spanish Flu. The myriad times of such situations bordered on the farcical. I also didn't like the insinuations that great men by default survived war and that grades in the military was solely based on meritocracy. Charisma cannot substitute for luck and connections in the real world. I wondered if the authors wanted its audience to believe what should be called a deception.
The authors did well to shroud the chilling multi murderer in darkness. Ralph Mitchell was nothing short of a terminator. The mysterious man brought about a smoother climax than any of the previous books. Danger had dogged the heels of the heroine so often that the ending didn't seem forced. While I couldn't keep much concentration in the early chapters, I could keep a hawk like focus on the ever increasing cast of new names that kept adding. I'm a bit hazy about why the killer had embarked on a rampage and the motive escapes me for now. I'm glad I didn't waste my time reading this book - you know what I mean. It was a very good book, and I'm glad I'll remember parts of it forever.
The number of times people survive gun wounds in this story seems greater than the great unwashed's fatal brush with the Spanish Flu. The myriad times of such situations bordered on the farcical. I also didn't like the insinuations that great men by default survived war and that grades in the military was solely based on meritocracy. Charisma cannot substitute for luck and connections in the real world. I wondered if the authors wanted its audience to believe what should be called a deception.
The authors did well to shroud the chilling multi murderer in darkness. Ralph Mitchell was nothing short of a terminator. The mysterious man brought about a smoother climax than any of the previous books. Danger had dogged the heels of the heroine so often that the ending didn't seem forced. While I couldn't keep much concentration in the early chapters, I could keep a hawk like focus on the ever increasing cast of new names that kept adding. I'm a bit hazy about why the killer had embarked on a rampage and the motive escapes me for now. I'm glad I didn't waste my time reading this book - you know what I mean. It was a very good book, and I'm glad I'll remember parts of it forever.
August 25, 2015
First Sentence: I stopped just outside the ward and leaned my head against the cool wood of the doorframe.
WWI is raging but it is influenza that battlefield nurse, Bess Crawford, and others which is killing off soldiers. In the midst of the dead is a man whose death isn’t from either war or illness; he’s been murdered and Bess recognizes him. Those who’ve seen the body start to die in ways that seem natural. Before Bess can do anything, she also succumbs to the flu and is sent back to England, but that doesn’t stop her determination to find out who killed the man and why.
The story begins with a powerful and effective opening relating to the impact of the influenza epidemic in the midst of war. What sets the Todds apart is the ability to describe an horrific scene, conveying all the impact, but without going into graphic detail. By contrast, you truly can feel the love and caring that Bess and her family have for one another. It’s also nice to see the progression, albeit very slow progression, of the relationship between Bess and Simon, her father’s bagman.
There is a large collection of characters, but they weren’t confusing. The Todds have truly captured the dedication of the war-time nurses and the contrast of their lives from being on the battlefield and when they return to England, remember that most of the nurses came from the upper classes
“An Unmarked Grave” may be the best in the series, so far. There is drama, intensity and some excellent red herrings.
AN UNMARKED GRAVE (Hist Mys-Bess Crawford-France/England-1918) – VG+
Todd, Charles – 4th in series
William Morrow, June 2012
WWI is raging but it is influenza that battlefield nurse, Bess Crawford, and others which is killing off soldiers. In the midst of the dead is a man whose death isn’t from either war or illness; he’s been murdered and Bess recognizes him. Those who’ve seen the body start to die in ways that seem natural. Before Bess can do anything, she also succumbs to the flu and is sent back to England, but that doesn’t stop her determination to find out who killed the man and why.
The story begins with a powerful and effective opening relating to the impact of the influenza epidemic in the midst of war. What sets the Todds apart is the ability to describe an horrific scene, conveying all the impact, but without going into graphic detail. By contrast, you truly can feel the love and caring that Bess and her family have for one another. It’s also nice to see the progression, albeit very slow progression, of the relationship between Bess and Simon, her father’s bagman.
There is a large collection of characters, but they weren’t confusing. The Todds have truly captured the dedication of the war-time nurses and the contrast of their lives from being on the battlefield and when they return to England, remember that most of the nurses came from the upper classes
“An Unmarked Grave” may be the best in the series, so far. There is drama, intensity and some excellent red herrings.
AN UNMARKED GRAVE (Hist Mys-Bess Crawford-France/England-1918) – VG+
Todd, Charles – 4th in series
William Morrow, June 2012
July 2, 2012
Yay, a new Charles Todd mystery featuring Bess Crawford, the WW1 nurse. Here she's battling the Spanish influenza at the front when one of the orderlies alerts her to a dead body unlike the others. Turns out she knows him - he was in her father's regiment - but she comes down with the Flu herself, and by the time she's better, she's back in England and too far away to do anything about it. Except - she does. Back and forth between France and England, and interviewing various people who might have had a grudge against the victim.
Seems that there was a perfectly serviceable plot possibility with the first victim's special assignment to Intelligence Work. Murdering two or three additional people for the sake of espionage would have been somewhat believable. The eventual lunatic killer, killing simply because some woman threw him over, does not. Fie, fie, fie. And the idea that Bess just *happens* to run into one of her suspects in France, in a deserted barn, out of the thousands or hundreds of thousand of people who must have been there, is just ridiculous.
So I didn't like the ending at all. Tiresome.
Seems that there was a perfectly serviceable plot possibility with the first victim's special assignment to Intelligence Work. Murdering two or three additional people for the sake of espionage would have been somewhat believable. The eventual lunatic killer, killing simply because some woman threw him over, does not. Fie, fie, fie. And the idea that Bess just *happens* to run into one of her suspects in France, in a deserted barn, out of the thousands or hundreds of thousand of people who must have been there, is just ridiculous.
So I didn't like the ending at all. Tiresome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2012
I ate this book up right until the climax when Bess uncovers the devilish fiend trying to kill her. The plot tie-in came right out of left field. I'm sorry, but I think it's poor sport to not include ANY clues (that I could find, I realize) to who might be the killer and why they were killing. The obscure references to a 3rd party doing something that might be 'connected' were way to veiled and way-to obscure. Perhaps I should have said: Wait1 this doesn't belong and aha I now know why. But even if I had said and done those things, I still could never have guessed.
The mother-son team of Charles Todd paints an incredibly rich and realistic portrait of France and England at the end of WWI. The affections, character flaws and dimensionality of the people who walk across the pages are superb. The story is compelling, but like Bess, we are in the dark until the end. That bothered me.
Of course, I stayed up way to late to finish it, which will tell you how much I really enjoyed watching Bess and Simon and a Yank ferret out a cold-blooded murder and possible German spy. (not a spoiler).
The mother-son team of Charles Todd paints an incredibly rich and realistic portrait of France and England at the end of WWI. The affections, character flaws and dimensionality of the people who walk across the pages are superb. The story is compelling, but like Bess, we are in the dark until the end. That bothered me.
Of course, I stayed up way to late to finish it, which will tell you how much I really enjoyed watching Bess and Simon and a Yank ferret out a cold-blooded murder and possible German spy. (not a spoiler).
May 25, 2023
4.5 stars. I love this series and these characters! The WWI setting is so interesting, too.
April 8, 2017
An Unmarked Grave
3.5 Stars
At the height of the Influenza epidemic of 1918, combat nurse Bess Crawford must contend not only with the wounded and the sick, but with the sudden appearance of an unidentified body among those slated for burial. In the aftermath of her own bout with illness, Bess works with her father's connections to collect evidence and unmask a lethal killer who will stop at nothing to fulfill his mission.
The Bess Crawford mysteries is well-written and entertaining. The historical descriptions of the Spanish 'flu and the wartime conditions both at home and at the front are detailed and interesting. Nevertheless, the book does require a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that the heroine can go traipsing all over France during WWI.
The mystery has two possible explanations. While the first option makes more sense based on the details presented throughout the story, the ultimate resolution lacks foundation and foreshadowing, and ends up being convoluted, contrived and lacking in believability.
In terms of the characters, Bess is a likable heroine, but she can be somewhat haughty and imperious. Moreover, the possibility of a romance with Simon Brandon remains frustratingly underdeveloped even though there are some intriguing insights into his past service in India.
In sum, this is not the best book in the series mainly due to the weak mystery. That said, the atmospheric setting and potential for character and relationship development will keep me reading.
3.5 Stars
At the height of the Influenza epidemic of 1918, combat nurse Bess Crawford must contend not only with the wounded and the sick, but with the sudden appearance of an unidentified body among those slated for burial. In the aftermath of her own bout with illness, Bess works with her father's connections to collect evidence and unmask a lethal killer who will stop at nothing to fulfill his mission.
The Bess Crawford mysteries is well-written and entertaining. The historical descriptions of the Spanish 'flu and the wartime conditions both at home and at the front are detailed and interesting. Nevertheless, the book does require a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that the heroine can go traipsing all over France during WWI.
The mystery has two possible explanations. While the first option makes more sense based on the details presented throughout the story, the ultimate resolution lacks foundation and foreshadowing, and ends up being convoluted, contrived and lacking in believability.
In terms of the characters, Bess is a likable heroine, but she can be somewhat haughty and imperious. Moreover, the possibility of a romance with Simon Brandon remains frustratingly underdeveloped even though there are some intriguing insights into his past service in India.
In sum, this is not the best book in the series mainly due to the weak mystery. That said, the atmospheric setting and potential for character and relationship development will keep me reading.
October 22, 2012
An Unmarked Grave starts out with a dramatic scene in which Private Wilson, an orderly in the nursing station where Sister Crawford is working, asks her to come to the shed in which dead bodies are kept before burial. He wants to show her a man whose body that is improperly wrapped and who appears to Wilson to have been murdered. His neck has been broken and his body is with those of victims of the Spanish Influenza, not with those who died from war wounds. Bess recognizes him as a family friend, Captain Carson, and promises to tell the Matron about it as soon as the woman wakes from her nap. . . .
To see the rest of my review go to my blog at:
http://maryslibrary.typepad.com/my_we...
To see the rest of my review go to my blog at:
http://maryslibrary.typepad.com/my_we...
July 29, 2016
This was good! It was better than I thought it would be. I will have to look for the others in the series.
October 23, 2016
An Unmarked Grave, although fourth in the Bess Crawford Mystery series, was my introduction to the mother-son writing team that is Charles Todd. Upon learning of this duo, I was intrigued by the pairing. How interesting that mother and son choose to write as one. I have two grown sons but they do not share my love of books. I have a hard time imagining writing anything with either. Caroline and Charles Todd have combined their love of history, literature, and mysteries and created two very successful series, the first being the Inspector Rutledge series, published in 1996, titled A Test of Wills. Both series are centered around the Great War, WWI. Inspector Rutledge is a Scotland Yard detective. In the second series, Bess Crawford is a highly trained British army nurse and, like the Todds, loves a good mystery.
So, why am I, a very OCD reader, starting with the fourth book in a well developed series? *Thankfully, I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was provided with the opportunity to get started with a series I've been longing to read. Gotta start somewhere, right? As a newbie to the world of Bess Crawford I really don't have a lot of knowledge about her story as a whole. Jumping in at the middle is not usually my thing and I should probably mention, based on what I've read here, it's best to start at the bestselling-beginning. I wouldn't consider this a standalone because there are well developed characters and I'm not certain of everyone's intentions. For example, there is a fella named Simon Brandon who is very protective of Bess. While I can ascertain Simon and Bess are close, how close are they? Crawford's father is a high ranking officer, which is essential to the character of Bess. It's easier to move around and gather intelligence when one's father has certain privileges but, again, I know very little about his service to country. There is quite a bit of referencing to India. I'm assuming the Crawfords once lived there, which would probably be the reason Bess refers to her father as 'the Colonel Sahib'. Now, does any of this detract from the storyline? No. I'm simply telling you this, dear reader, just in case you were wondering if this was indeed a standalone. Oft times, a particular book in a series can be read as a standalone. Just start with the first volume. I've heard phenomenal things about THAT book. I very much enjoyed THIS book though. Todd gives a wonderful description of the English countryside, from Cheddar Gorge to Fowey, and I've now discovered new places to visit. It was just as easy to place myself in Rouen, following closely behind Bess as she tracked down the killer(s). The Todds have extensive knowledge of WWI and their love for England can be felt in every page. This story portrays Bess as an independent force to be reckoned with. She's a great heroine with a brilliant mind. Readers that seek a strong female character will admire Ms. Crawford. However, I felt she was all business here and I'd like to see a softer side of Bess. I look forward to continuing this series and getting to know Bess Crawford. She lives in an age that I want to explore. I've read many books that use WWII as a backdrop. It's time to familiarize myself with the Great War. I'm ready. I purchased a signed copy (Both Todds signed it as Charles Todd) of A Duty to the Dead and the reviews for this first book are glowing. I think I've found an author I'm really going to love.
"I couldn't turn down my orders. They had been cut, and even the Colonel Sahib, as my mother and I called him, would find it difficult to cancel them now. I should have to make the best of it, go to France and do what I did so well: help save lives."
Bess Crawford, nurse extraordinaire, is knee-deep in wounded soldiers, just outside the trenches of the battlefield. The Spanish Influenza epidemic in the spring of 1918 is cutting down soldiers and entire families. Caring for the battered, bloody soldiers is taking its toll on the doctors and nurses. The epidemic is deadlier than a battlefield and does not discriminate. Bess does her best to comfort the dying and diseased. She's one of the best nurses in her field but even Bess is not immune. Shortly before falling ill, Bess believes she is witness to a cover up. Bess is alerted to an officer lying amongst the dead waiting for burial. The officer's death has been reported as killed in action but his body indicates murder. Fighting for her life in more ways than one, Bess is surrounded by mayhem and death. Having looked into the cold, calculating eyes of a killer, Bess resolves to uncover the truth and give the dead their due.
" I looked down at the little pistol. Nurses were not permitted to carry weapons, but this time, remembering my feeling of helplessness when that arm had come around my throat and how lucky I was that I'd been able to kick the water pail, then scream, I touched it with my fingertips and then settled it carefully in the pocket of my uniform."
For more information about this author: www.charlestodd.com
*I won an ARC through the Goodreads giveaway and sincerely wish to thank Harper Collins Publishers.
So, why am I, a very OCD reader, starting with the fourth book in a well developed series? *Thankfully, I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was provided with the opportunity to get started with a series I've been longing to read. Gotta start somewhere, right? As a newbie to the world of Bess Crawford I really don't have a lot of knowledge about her story as a whole. Jumping in at the middle is not usually my thing and I should probably mention, based on what I've read here, it's best to start at the bestselling-beginning. I wouldn't consider this a standalone because there are well developed characters and I'm not certain of everyone's intentions. For example, there is a fella named Simon Brandon who is very protective of Bess. While I can ascertain Simon and Bess are close, how close are they? Crawford's father is a high ranking officer, which is essential to the character of Bess. It's easier to move around and gather intelligence when one's father has certain privileges but, again, I know very little about his service to country. There is quite a bit of referencing to India. I'm assuming the Crawfords once lived there, which would probably be the reason Bess refers to her father as 'the Colonel Sahib'. Now, does any of this detract from the storyline? No. I'm simply telling you this, dear reader, just in case you were wondering if this was indeed a standalone. Oft times, a particular book in a series can be read as a standalone. Just start with the first volume. I've heard phenomenal things about THAT book. I very much enjoyed THIS book though. Todd gives a wonderful description of the English countryside, from Cheddar Gorge to Fowey, and I've now discovered new places to visit. It was just as easy to place myself in Rouen, following closely behind Bess as she tracked down the killer(s). The Todds have extensive knowledge of WWI and their love for England can be felt in every page. This story portrays Bess as an independent force to be reckoned with. She's a great heroine with a brilliant mind. Readers that seek a strong female character will admire Ms. Crawford. However, I felt she was all business here and I'd like to see a softer side of Bess. I look forward to continuing this series and getting to know Bess Crawford. She lives in an age that I want to explore. I've read many books that use WWII as a backdrop. It's time to familiarize myself with the Great War. I'm ready. I purchased a signed copy (Both Todds signed it as Charles Todd) of A Duty to the Dead and the reviews for this first book are glowing. I think I've found an author I'm really going to love.
"I couldn't turn down my orders. They had been cut, and even the Colonel Sahib, as my mother and I called him, would find it difficult to cancel them now. I should have to make the best of it, go to France and do what I did so well: help save lives."
Bess Crawford, nurse extraordinaire, is knee-deep in wounded soldiers, just outside the trenches of the battlefield. The Spanish Influenza epidemic in the spring of 1918 is cutting down soldiers and entire families. Caring for the battered, bloody soldiers is taking its toll on the doctors and nurses. The epidemic is deadlier than a battlefield and does not discriminate. Bess does her best to comfort the dying and diseased. She's one of the best nurses in her field but even Bess is not immune. Shortly before falling ill, Bess believes she is witness to a cover up. Bess is alerted to an officer lying amongst the dead waiting for burial. The officer's death has been reported as killed in action but his body indicates murder. Fighting for her life in more ways than one, Bess is surrounded by mayhem and death. Having looked into the cold, calculating eyes of a killer, Bess resolves to uncover the truth and give the dead their due.
" I looked down at the little pistol. Nurses were not permitted to carry weapons, but this time, remembering my feeling of helplessness when that arm had come around my throat and how lucky I was that I'd been able to kick the water pail, then scream, I touched it with my fingertips and then settled it carefully in the pocket of my uniform."
For more information about this author: www.charlestodd.com
*I won an ARC through the Goodreads giveaway and sincerely wish to thank Harper Collins Publishers.
November 3, 2014
While working as a nurse at a field hospital in France, a startling discovery is brought to Bess's attention: an orderly has found a suspicious body amongst the dead. He's certain that it doesn't belong and a second check of his counts confirms. What's more, the body is unmarked with the exception of an obviously broken neck, leaving both Bess and the orderly concerned. It would seem the dead man was slipped in amongst the other bodies in the hopes that someone could cover it up. What makes it more shocking is that Bess recognizes the dead man as a member of her father's old unit. Before she can inquire or raise any alarms, Bess becomes the latest victim of Spanish Influenza. When she recovers, she fears it was all a dream. That is until the soldier's wife receives notification of his death. But the letter claims the man died on the front, which means his body would never have been at the field hospital at all. Furthermore, it claims he was hit by shrapnel with no mention of a broken neck. Unfortunately, while Bess was ill the orderly died under suspicious circumstances. Now Bess is the only one with any knowledge of the misplaced body.
Though this was my first Bess Crawford (and my first Charles Todd), I had no trouble at all diving in mid-series. The story seems to fare well on its own and I didn't feel as though I was missing any information pertinent to this particular installment. I was aware that I was missing a lot of backstory but if I didn't know this was the fourth in the series, I doubt I would have noticed in the least.
Bess is a truly engaging character. In my opinion she comes across both as a believable heroine of her time but also, considering her sensibilities, appealing to a modern reader. She's clever and determined as well as being a formidable young lady. In spite of being knocked over by the flu and the apparent danger of her knowledge of a murder, she's unwilling to forgo her responsibilities as a nurse and wait for danger to pass. Instead, she returns to France as soon as she has the opportunity -- thereby giving herself the opportunity to investigate in spite of the knowledge that she's put herself right in the crosshairs of a dangerous and ruthless killer.
Charles Todd is the pseudonym for mother and son writing team, Charles and Caroline Todd. This is one of two series the team writes together and, based on this particular installment, it seems they're the perfect union of skills. The story is seamless in both style and pacing. Their research and knowledge of the setting also comes across fantastically. Obviously I have no first hand knowledge of the period, but I found all of the details to be completely convincing.
Though this was my first Bess Crawford (and my first Charles Todd), I had no trouble at all diving in mid-series. The story seems to fare well on its own and I didn't feel as though I was missing any information pertinent to this particular installment. I was aware that I was missing a lot of backstory but if I didn't know this was the fourth in the series, I doubt I would have noticed in the least.
Bess is a truly engaging character. In my opinion she comes across both as a believable heroine of her time but also, considering her sensibilities, appealing to a modern reader. She's clever and determined as well as being a formidable young lady. In spite of being knocked over by the flu and the apparent danger of her knowledge of a murder, she's unwilling to forgo her responsibilities as a nurse and wait for danger to pass. Instead, she returns to France as soon as she has the opportunity -- thereby giving herself the opportunity to investigate in spite of the knowledge that she's put herself right in the crosshairs of a dangerous and ruthless killer.
Charles Todd is the pseudonym for mother and son writing team, Charles and Caroline Todd. This is one of two series the team writes together and, based on this particular installment, it seems they're the perfect union of skills. The story is seamless in both style and pacing. Their research and knowledge of the setting also comes across fantastically. Obviously I have no first hand knowledge of the period, but I found all of the details to be completely convincing.
March 21, 2019
3.5 stars...
I liked this story, it had a good measure of suspense that I enjoy in a mystery novel. It really kept me reading because I wanted to know who the murderer was and why the murders were committed. However, after it all came to light, I could not surmount my dissatisfaction . I felt that the murder's motive was too weak and somehow the element of suspense I enjoyed did not align with the conclusion I don't think my anticipation was overly done, I have a penchant for mystery novels and discovering the whodunit and the "why-du-nit" is the consolation prize for reading all the details.
The heroine was likeable although I had objections to the repeated lack of awareness to her surroundings. I grew weary at the amount of times where she just didn't seem to think of and prepare for her journey. she was spunky though, and didn't hesitate to act quickly and pursue justice. This, fortunately reconciled her character flaw in my eyes.
Overall, i enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading another book by the author. I will start at book 1
Not realizing that this a part of a series, I started to read and immediately the story transported me to the middle of the Spanish flu crisis during 1918 that killed millions of people. The story moved with pace and I soon learned that a solider had been murdered and our heroine is quickly called into this knowledge . The Heroine being naturally curious and analytical observed that there was something awry about the entire business..but before she could conceive her next step, she succumbs to the flu. Thankfully, she recovers, but by this time things had become more complicated. The unknown solider had already been buried and the only other witness to the body has allegedly committed suicide. Bess must recover her memory and piece together the little she knew to catch a killer before he kills her.
I liked this story, it had a good measure of suspense that I enjoy in a mystery novel. It really kept me reading because I wanted to know who the murderer was and why the murders were committed. However, after it all came to light, I could not surmount my dissatisfaction . I felt that the murder's motive was too weak and somehow the element of suspense I enjoyed did not align with the conclusion I don't think my anticipation was overly done, I have a penchant for mystery novels and discovering the whodunit and the "why-du-nit" is the consolation prize for reading all the details.
The heroine was likeable although I had objections to the repeated lack of awareness to her surroundings. I grew weary at the amount of times where she just didn't seem to think of and prepare for her journey. she was spunky though, and didn't hesitate to act quickly and pursue justice. This, fortunately reconciled her character flaw in my eyes.
Overall, i enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading another book by the author. I will start at book 1
October 26, 2012
Bess Crawford, battle-field nurse, WWI, and her circle (military/espionage father, his former batman, and her sturdily supportive mother), are the kind of stiff upper lip, upper class Brits who in other fiction would be the unsympathetic, "We just carry on" types. But in this Girl's Own Adventure school of historic female detective (amateur) they are our heroines and heroes. And quite enjoyable, especially with a glass of fizzy lemonade and some light bites close at hand. You could do worse to pleasantly while away a couple of reading sessions.
It's fun to compare this series with Todd's other series featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge, because they are opposites with nearly mathematical precision. Not just because of the sex and professional differences between the two protagonists, either. Tho' both are products of WWI, Rutledge, suffering from PTSD, is a highly introspective man struggling existentially with every wonderfully convoluted mystery sent his way, not to mention his heavy guilt over the execution of his sergeant on the battlefield.
Bess on the other hand, is bothered by only a modicum of an interior life, very little intellect (tho' intelligent) and the almost total self-assurance of her class. And there's always a man to get her over the worst, or to even the playing field for her. And very good at bossing them she is! Poor Rutledge's women just make his life worse.
Both series are a history buff's treat. World War One is explored, or shown, in different aspects with what seems fine accuracy. The Rutledge series is more demanding and thoughtful; but we all need picnicking in our lives too, and Bess (you can guess her stolid qualities by that name) provides it.
It's fun to compare this series with Todd's other series featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge, because they are opposites with nearly mathematical precision. Not just because of the sex and professional differences between the two protagonists, either. Tho' both are products of WWI, Rutledge, suffering from PTSD, is a highly introspective man struggling existentially with every wonderfully convoluted mystery sent his way, not to mention his heavy guilt over the execution of his sergeant on the battlefield.
Bess on the other hand, is bothered by only a modicum of an interior life, very little intellect (tho' intelligent) and the almost total self-assurance of her class. And there's always a man to get her over the worst, or to even the playing field for her. And very good at bossing them she is! Poor Rutledge's women just make his life worse.
Both series are a history buff's treat. World War One is explored, or shown, in different aspects with what seems fine accuracy. The Rutledge series is more demanding and thoughtful; but we all need picnicking in our lives too, and Bess (you can guess her stolid qualities by that name) provides it.
May 20, 2012
In a military ward in France in 1918, the Spanish Influenza is killing as many soldiers as are dying in battle. The medical staff tries their best but as some of them also succomb to the disease, it appears to be a losing battle as more and more bodies are carried out to await burial.
Battlefield nurse Bess Crawford is asked by an orderly to look at one of the bodies. She sees Maj. Carson has been murdered and recognizes him as a family friend. Before she can report it, she's a victim to the disease and evacuated to England.
Being a courageous person, when she returns to France, she tries to inquire about the man's death. Back in England she had been told that the major died from shrapnal wounds. She is informed that the orderly who informed her about Maj. Carson became depressed and committed suicide.
Bess won't let this sit because she understands human reactions and the orderly didn't seem like a person who would committ suicide. To get answers, she uses her persuasive ability and visits people in England when she's on leave. She wants to see if what happened in France made sense. Unknowingly, she also becomes a target.
The story is well written and painstakingly plotted with some surprises and keen psychological insights into the characters.
Battlefield nurse Bess Crawford is asked by an orderly to look at one of the bodies. She sees Maj. Carson has been murdered and recognizes him as a family friend. Before she can report it, she's a victim to the disease and evacuated to England.
Being a courageous person, when she returns to France, she tries to inquire about the man's death. Back in England she had been told that the major died from shrapnal wounds. She is informed that the orderly who informed her about Maj. Carson became depressed and committed suicide.
Bess won't let this sit because she understands human reactions and the orderly didn't seem like a person who would committ suicide. To get answers, she uses her persuasive ability and visits people in England when she's on leave. She wants to see if what happened in France made sense. Unknowingly, she also becomes a target.
The story is well written and painstakingly plotted with some surprises and keen psychological insights into the characters.
July 6, 2013
An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd Thank you Goodreads for the great book you sent me. This mystery took place during WWI. Three people were found dead. A Nurse,a Major and a Private all because one person wanted revenge, was jealouse and was always blaming someome else for his mistakes. He never took responsibility for his actions. He was caught.
Read
June 12, 2020Ehhhh.
I really liked the first two books in the series, thought that book #3 was highly unlikely, and this one wasn't completely redeeming. It deeply unsettled me that Bess was okay with putting others in danger when she knew she was being pursued.
Side note: It's interesting to read about a pandemic during another pandemic.
I really liked the first two books in the series, thought that book #3 was highly unlikely, and this one wasn't completely redeeming. It deeply unsettled me that Bess was okay with putting others in danger when she knew she was being pursued.
Side note: It's interesting to read about a pandemic during another pandemic.
February 1, 2021
Set in England and France during the first half of 1918, Bess is about to get involved in a new mystery when she is stricken with The Spanish Influenza. By the time she recovers the mystery is more complex and a couple other people have been murdered and her life is in danger. Of course, this does not slow down Bess’ desire to get to the bottom of who is killing who and why. This is the fourth of the series, though any one of them could be read as a stand alone mystery. Todd is also the author of the Ian Rutledge mystery series and I am a fan of both series.
December 28, 2018
I only read this a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't tell you how the mystery of this novel was resolved. I feel I had trouble keeping up with the characters throughout this one. I'm pretty sure I just kept reading it without comprehending who was who. Too bad, as the interesting perspective on the Spanish Influenza and how it spread throughout battlefields was very interesting.
May 4, 2020
Behind the lines in World War I France, British nurse Bess Crawford and her co-workers are working hard trying to keep up with the Spanish influenza. The victims are kept in a shed before burying them. But when Bess counts them, there is an extra body. Major Carson, a friend of her father's, has a broken neck. A murder? Before she can check out her suspicions, Bess catches the flu.
September 4, 2022
I think I might be done with this series. So much of it is completely beyond belief. The murder mystery itself is fine and the war setting is interesting. But I'm annoyed that four books in, I do not have a handle on the relationship (if you can call it that) between Bess and Simon, her father's right-hand fellow spy. Bess seems to have NO emotions other than a drive to solve a mystery. She is blank slate beyond a standard affection for her parents, and yes, she is caring when it comes to the soldiers that she attends on the battlefield. The paternalism toward Bess from both her father and Simon is oppressive. Maybe I'll give it another go next year.
April 23, 2019
Loved it. I knew there had to be a book coming where Bess is the target, and Bess really steps up. The book spends more time in the battle fields than usual. I really loved this.
December 2, 2024
An excellent read, but I did find the list of characters a little long, especially a few that did not have any influence in the story. Overall this is a great series!
December 9, 2024
Kept me guessing and engaged to the end
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book
April 11, 2020
While this book was rich in historical details, there were a lot of coincidences and the final was just one to many.
April 3, 2016
Fourth in the Bess Crawford mystery series set in World War I and revolving around Bess Crawford, one of the nursing sisters helping on the front in the spring of 1918.
My Take
Dang, it's just not safe anywhere with Bess Crawford around! Fortunately, she's not one to sit back. Between rescuing and protecting and investigating on both sides of the Channel, all the influence that Bess' father and Simon have comes in very handy.
I do enjoy Todd's characters and the homeyness he creates, yes, even on a battlefield! Todd brings the time period to life in its manners, expectations, and dialog. There are some aspects to the time that I can appreciate. There are others that are simply too bizarre!
There are some loose bits in this particular story. Just how is the order that puts Bess in danger set up? Dr. Hicks claims he checked it out, but with all the paperwork that the army requires, I can't believe this move was set up this easily.
Wait just a minute...Captain Carson? I thought he was a major? And how does the Prince of Wales fit in with the worry about German spies. I do wish Todd hadn't put so many Julias in this story. What was the point of bringing in Mrs. Campbell's divorce? Yes, divorce is, omigod, the kiss of death socially, but for the little dribs that Todd drops I just don't see the point.
The Story
As if the horror of war isn't enough. As if these men aren't suffering enough, the Spanish influenza hits Europe and the battlefront. Doctors, nurses, soldiers, all are dying from this plague. But this flu is still not as insidious as the man who murders so many for his own purposes.
Her father has warned her of German spies and Bess is well aware that men will also murder for revenge. When those around Bess are murdered, even she begins to exercise a caution.
The Characters
Bess Crawford is a young woman who understands the responsibility of duty. Her father, Colonel Sahib, and her mother have raised Bess with the regiment and she is fully aware of the men who have passed through it. Her own honor demands that she aid the wounded, her nursing skill requires that she do so on the front lines. Sergeant-Major Simon Brandon was her father's batman and retired, technically, from the regiment when her father did. Technically.
Private Wilson is holding up under all of it. The influenza. The sorrow of having to bury all these promising young men. Yet, never did Bess believe he was depressed. Nor does his wife, Joyce Wilson, believe he would commit suicide.
Dr. Gaines is the doctor in charge of the convalescent clinic in Somerset. Captain Thomas Barclay is recovering there and is too eager to return to battle. Or play the role of bodyguard. Trelawney is one of the Colonel's men, assigned to drive Bess on her undercover mission. Lucky for Bess that Captain Grayson knows her so well.
Major Vincent Carson was a promising soldier. A man whom Colonel Sahib thought would one day lead the regiment. Colonel Prescott wrote the letter to his widow, Julia, informing her of his death. Sabrina Carson, the major's sister, married to please herself and not her family. It's quite possible that her husband's family took revenge for the slight. William Morton, her husband, has six other brothers in the war, some of whom could have done it. Hugh, David, Llewellyn, young Ross, and the twins with Ross Morton their father trying to run the farm on his own. With the tremendous numbers of men dying in this misled war, it's not that surprising that those idiots in charge finally realized that they shouldn't take every son in a family. It's too bad they didn't figure this out in this war!
The Cover and Title
The cover is Bess in her nursing uniform of a dark dress and the white apron, its straps criss-crossing in the back. Bess is standing in front of a window, her back to us, holding a paper, lost in thought.
The title is too accurate as Bess falls ill within hours of finding Major Carson who will find his final resting place in An Unmarked Grave.
My Take
Dang, it's just not safe anywhere with Bess Crawford around! Fortunately, she's not one to sit back. Between rescuing and protecting and investigating on both sides of the Channel, all the influence that Bess' father and Simon have comes in very handy.
I do enjoy Todd's characters and the homeyness he creates, yes, even on a battlefield! Todd brings the time period to life in its manners, expectations, and dialog. There are some aspects to the time that I can appreciate. There are others that are simply too bizarre!
There are some loose bits in this particular story. Just how is the order that puts Bess in danger set up? Dr. Hicks claims he checked it out, but with all the paperwork that the army requires, I can't believe this move was set up this easily.
Wait just a minute...Captain Carson? I thought he was a major? And how does the Prince of Wales fit in with the worry about German spies. I do wish Todd hadn't put so many Julias in this story. What was the point of bringing in Mrs. Campbell's divorce? Yes, divorce is, omigod, the kiss of death socially, but for the little dribs that Todd drops I just don't see the point.
The Story
As if the horror of war isn't enough. As if these men aren't suffering enough, the Spanish influenza hits Europe and the battlefront. Doctors, nurses, soldiers, all are dying from this plague. But this flu is still not as insidious as the man who murders so many for his own purposes.
Her father has warned her of German spies and Bess is well aware that men will also murder for revenge. When those around Bess are murdered, even she begins to exercise a caution.
The Characters
Bess Crawford is a young woman who understands the responsibility of duty. Her father, Colonel Sahib, and her mother have raised Bess with the regiment and she is fully aware of the men who have passed through it. Her own honor demands that she aid the wounded, her nursing skill requires that she do so on the front lines. Sergeant-Major Simon Brandon was her father's batman and retired, technically, from the regiment when her father did. Technically.
Private Wilson is holding up under all of it. The influenza. The sorrow of having to bury all these promising young men. Yet, never did Bess believe he was depressed. Nor does his wife, Joyce Wilson, believe he would commit suicide.
Dr. Gaines is the doctor in charge of the convalescent clinic in Somerset. Captain Thomas Barclay is recovering there and is too eager to return to battle. Or play the role of bodyguard. Trelawney is one of the Colonel's men, assigned to drive Bess on her undercover mission. Lucky for Bess that Captain Grayson knows her so well.
Major Vincent Carson was a promising soldier. A man whom Colonel Sahib thought would one day lead the regiment. Colonel Prescott wrote the letter to his widow, Julia, informing her of his death. Sabrina Carson, the major's sister, married to please herself and not her family. It's quite possible that her husband's family took revenge for the slight. William Morton, her husband, has six other brothers in the war, some of whom could have done it. Hugh, David, Llewellyn, young Ross, and the twins with Ross Morton their father trying to run the farm on his own. With the tremendous numbers of men dying in this misled war, it's not that surprising that those idiots in charge finally realized that they shouldn't take every son in a family. It's too bad they didn't figure this out in this war!
The Cover and Title
The cover is Bess in her nursing uniform of a dark dress and the white apron, its straps criss-crossing in the back. Bess is standing in front of a window, her back to us, holding a paper, lost in thought.
The title is too accurate as Bess falls ill within hours of finding Major Carson who will find his final resting place in An Unmarked Grave.
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