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May Keaps #0.5
The Last Post
It is April 1918. May Keaps is a twenty-year-old ambulance driver stationed at The Front. As if transporting hideously wounded soldiers, sleep deprivation and constant shell bombardment weren’t enough, she becomes unwittingly entangled in the untimely death of a young captain, Tobias Fairfax.
Newly-arrived in Northern France he was found with a discharged pistol by his side; rumours on the battlefield were that it wasn’t an accident and he had taken the coward’s way out, committing suicide.
Whatever the explanation, Tobias left a dangerous legacy that puts May in the line of fire. But she is not the only one with a reason to want to uncover the truth. And in a world where life can be extinguished in the blink of an eye, May might regret her search for answers…
The Last Post is the haunting introduction to the May Keaps series.
The Last Post was previously published as Faith's Reward25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
49 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
B.K. Duncan
5 books12 followersBorn on a steam railway and brought up on the South Coast of England, such beginnings were destined to leave BK Duncan with a love of vintage transport, crashing seas, and Art Deco architecture.
Following a career encompassing developmental learning and management consultancy, specialising in personal and organisational change, she made the switch to full time writer, combining producing her own work with lecturing in creative writing in colleges and academies in Hertfordshire and Cambridge. Her summers are spent on two never-ending tasks – re-pointing the walls of her flint cottage and reclaiming the wilderness of her meadow garden.
For relaxation she reads, goes to the theatre, and explores the local countryside but her two great passions are longbow archery and the Argentine Tango. Sadly, she is not nearly as accomplished at either as she’d like.
Her proudest moment was when she overcame her fear of deep water to go potholing in the Yorkshire Pennines.
To find out more about BK Duncan, go to http://www.bkduncan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 29, 2017
The Last Post is a short novella introducing us to May Keaps who is the main character in an upcoming series of which the first full length novel will be published next month.
It literally took me less than half an hour to read this so is perfect for some one wanting something quick whilst being a bit of a taster of whats to come in the full length novels.
Though only a short read, there is with out a doubt enough for the reader to get a feel for May and what a gutsy lady she is I have to say. To be in the thick of things as a war is going on, I really didn’t envy her.
The Last Post is a quick and captivating read that has left me looking forward to future books in the series.
It literally took me less than half an hour to read this so is perfect for some one wanting something quick whilst being a bit of a taster of whats to come in the full length novels.
Though only a short read, there is with out a doubt enough for the reader to get a feel for May and what a gutsy lady she is I have to say. To be in the thick of things as a war is going on, I really didn’t envy her.
The Last Post is a quick and captivating read that has left me looking forward to future books in the series.
August 31, 2018
What a great short story set amid the confusion of battle and the terror of trench warfare during World War I.
The author recounts the story from a young female ambulance driver. Struggling with the daily loss of young men blown apart; seeking to get any back to casualty centres to stand a chance or die in peace.
May has befriended a nurse forced to share May’s room after being bombed out of her own billet.
Tragedy becomes more personal when her fiancé is found dead at the front. She shares his diary with May to unlock the mystery and find a poem that reflects his love and sense of duty.
The suspicion is that he may have killed himself and one last entry points to this conclusion.
The diary must not become public knowledge and then one night it is taken from May’s room. May now has an even delicate mission and the shelling starts up again as she sets off after the thief.
Telling, enlightening and a human story as old as life, recounted at time of immense stress told with passion but nothing sweet and dreamy here.
The author recounts the story from a young female ambulance driver. Struggling with the daily loss of young men blown apart; seeking to get any back to casualty centres to stand a chance or die in peace.
May has befriended a nurse forced to share May’s room after being bombed out of her own billet.
Tragedy becomes more personal when her fiancé is found dead at the front. She shares his diary with May to unlock the mystery and find a poem that reflects his love and sense of duty.
The suspicion is that he may have killed himself and one last entry points to this conclusion.
The diary must not become public knowledge and then one night it is taken from May’s room. May now has an even delicate mission and the shelling starts up again as she sets off after the thief.
Telling, enlightening and a human story as old as life, recounted at time of immense stress told with passion but nothing sweet and dreamy here.
November 28, 2017
This is a cracking way to get to know a little about the main character in a new series. May Keaps, at just twenty, is a young woman who can think fast on her feet, show compassion and be realistic too.
In this novella the year is 1918 and May is an ambulance driver in the heart of WW1 in France. It tells of her brief encounter with a young soldier facing a life or death decision, yet again, in the middle of a war that the young man has seen rip apart everything and everybody round him.
May is a young woman with a head on her shoulders far older than her years, her chance meeting with Tobias is entwined with a mystery and choices that will affect others lives far into the future.
BK Duncan can certainly capture an era and take you there with vivid descriptions of the war raging while for a brief moment it was as if time stood still until Tobias’s and May’s meeting solved a puzzle that involved more than a war.
Looking forward to more from this author and May Keaps.
In this novella the year is 1918 and May is an ambulance driver in the heart of WW1 in France. It tells of her brief encounter with a young soldier facing a life or death decision, yet again, in the middle of a war that the young man has seen rip apart everything and everybody round him.
May is a young woman with a head on her shoulders far older than her years, her chance meeting with Tobias is entwined with a mystery and choices that will affect others lives far into the future.
BK Duncan can certainly capture an era and take you there with vivid descriptions of the war raging while for a brief moment it was as if time stood still until Tobias’s and May’s meeting solved a puzzle that involved more than a war.
Looking forward to more from this author and May Keaps.
December 12, 2017
In this story we meet for the first time, May Keaps. She is an ambulance driver on the front, transporting casualties of the war to hospital. For a novella, this book has a big presence. BK has for me, captured the despair, fear, sombreness and fear of life in the war, with vivid descriptions.
As an introduction to this author and also the character of May Keaps, I cannot find fault. It was a great read and did its job well, I look forward to the next story. A full length one.
As an introduction to this author and also the character of May Keaps, I cannot find fault. It was a great read and did its job well, I look forward to the next story. A full length one.
November 28, 2017
The Last Post is a short novella that introduces us to May Keaps. When we meet May, she’s driving an ambulance during World War I, right in the thick of things. This already tells us quite a bit about her. She’s able to stay calm under pressure and keep her composure in the most terrifying circumstances as she drives injured soldiers from the Front to the medic station while bombardments go on all around her.
When she needs to find shelter during a bombardment, she stumbles upon a young man who is clearly upset about something and maybe even dangerous. Will May be able to help him?
It’s really hard to write a review about a story this short without giving anything away but suffice to say this packs quite the punch and really sets the tone for what promises to be a rather exciting new series. How the author managed to fit so much realism and emotional heartache into a mere 25 pages is utterly beyond me. I very much look forward to reading the first full novel starring May in a few weeks time and getting to know this character better.
When she needs to find shelter during a bombardment, she stumbles upon a young man who is clearly upset about something and maybe even dangerous. Will May be able to help him?
It’s really hard to write a review about a story this short without giving anything away but suffice to say this packs quite the punch and really sets the tone for what promises to be a rather exciting new series. How the author managed to fit so much realism and emotional heartache into a mere 25 pages is utterly beyond me. I very much look forward to reading the first full novel starring May in a few weeks time and getting to know this character better.
November 27, 2017
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I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was a good introduction to the character - May Keaps, I can see her being a really dynamic character that gets in to all sorts of dramas!
I am really excited about reading the next book in the series and seeing how the story from this first book develops. The writing style is great and I do love a drama set during the war period so this one is right up my street being a massive fan of historical fiction.
Four stars from me, a great start and I'm looking forward to more very soon from BK Duncan when Foul Trade the first full length novel in the series is released!
I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was a good introduction to the character - May Keaps, I can see her being a really dynamic character that gets in to all sorts of dramas!
I am really excited about reading the next book in the series and seeing how the story from this first book develops. The writing style is great and I do love a drama set during the war period so this one is right up my street being a massive fan of historical fiction.
Four stars from me, a great start and I'm looking forward to more very soon from BK Duncan when Foul Trade the first full length novel in the series is released!
December 1, 2017
Brilliant Novella
What a fantastic novella set during the First World War. The writing was do good that I felt like I was with May Keaps,as she went about her job as an ambulance driver. A great introduction to this author, and a new series that I will definitely be reading.
What a fantastic novella set during the First World War. The writing was do good that I felt like I was with May Keaps,as she went about her job as an ambulance driver. A great introduction to this author, and a new series that I will definitely be reading.
September 17, 2014
This free short story offers something that is strangely (and dishearteningly) uncommon: the perspective of a woman in a war zone.
The story takes us through the barbarity of war and the resulting personal tragedies that unfold as we are introduced to May Keaps, an ambulance driver on the front line in 1918.
It's definitely worth a look and I'm now going to go and read Foul Trade (the novel that reunites us with May a couple of years after the war).
It's short, it's free. Read it.
January 26, 2018
I'm glad I didn't read this before Foul Trade. I don't think I would have bothered to read the novel and that would have been my loss. Foul Trade is a book worth reading.
This is just a bit too short to be a novella. It does paint a good picture of what it was like to be near the front during the First World War, but it needs to be developed more. Everything happens too quickly and there's really no time to be afraid on May's behalf when her life is in danger. The events of the last few paragraphs are very jumbled, which I suppose is how they would appear to someone who was there, but the reader is not really engaged.
This is just a bit too short to be a novella. It does paint a good picture of what it was like to be near the front during the First World War, but it needs to be developed more. Everything happens too quickly and there's really no time to be afraid on May's behalf when her life is in danger. The events of the last few paragraphs are very jumbled, which I suppose is how they would appear to someone who was there, but the reader is not really engaged.
December 6, 2017
In April 1918, with WW1 in full flow in Northern France, we are introduced to May Keaps, aged 20 and an ambulance driver. This is nothing like she, or anyone, imagined. The horror is unimaginable.
Rachael, engaged to Captain Tobias Fairfax, learns of his demise. Talk is rife about his discharged weapon which was found next to him. Was this suicide? May does what she can to sympathise even after meeting a young soldier, Joe.
This short story is so well written and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
Rachael, engaged to Captain Tobias Fairfax, learns of his demise. Talk is rife about his discharged weapon which was found next to him. Was this suicide? May does what she can to sympathise even after meeting a young soldier, Joe.
This short story is so well written and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
November 23, 2017
.A great short about an ambulance driver during WW1. It dealt well with a taboo issue of the time. Well written and I look forward to the release of this authors next book
November 29, 2017
The Last Post
I was asked to read this and give my honest review on it and I can say that it is a short read and can be read in under thirty minutes and it is the first of the series to follow.
I was asked to read this and give my honest review on it and I can say that it is a short read and can be read in under thirty minutes and it is the first of the series to follow.
December 1, 2017
I have always enjoyed reading novellas especially ones that are linked to a series. In most cases if you miss the novella, you will not be lost while reading the series. However if you do read it, you are made privy to some very interesting info about the characters. Novellas sometimes provide explanations of the actions and feelings of the characters, like exclusive insider info. The Last Post serves as a bold introduction to a strong, kind, and courageous woman.
May Keaps is an ambulance driver for the wounded soldiers during World War I. May has been posted on the front line and faces danger along with the soldiers. The camp is also under the shadow of the suspicious death of the respected Captain Fairfax. While rumors swirl about the Captain’s death, May finds herself in a life threating situation that is connected to Fairfax’s life and death.
The Last Post is fast paced and filled with action. The writing is so vivid that I could picture the bombs dropping and the ground shaking. While reading I found myself unfamiliar with some of the terminology. A few times I had to stop reading and find definitions of these words. The words are used to describe things and places that were common during World War I. The use of these words made the story seem more authentic. May is resourceful and smart but also understanding and kind. I look forward to learning more about May.
Murder and Moore Rating
4 out of 5 stars
May Keaps is an ambulance driver for the wounded soldiers during World War I. May has been posted on the front line and faces danger along with the soldiers. The camp is also under the shadow of the suspicious death of the respected Captain Fairfax. While rumors swirl about the Captain’s death, May finds herself in a life threating situation that is connected to Fairfax’s life and death.
The Last Post is fast paced and filled with action. The writing is so vivid that I could picture the bombs dropping and the ground shaking. While reading I found myself unfamiliar with some of the terminology. A few times I had to stop reading and find definitions of these words. The words are used to describe things and places that were common during World War I. The use of these words made the story seem more authentic. May is resourceful and smart but also understanding and kind. I look forward to learning more about May.
Murder and Moore Rating
4 out of 5 stars
August 30, 2014
A gripping introduction to May Keaps in this moving and compelling short story from BK Duncan (author of Foul Trade). Shining brightly through the darkness and pain of life at 'the Front' are the efforts of a compassionate and dedicated ambulance driver doing the best she can to help others. May's kindness and empathy for others, in the face of death, make her a worthy heroine indeed and bring a tear to the eye. Great read -- loved it.
November 29, 2017
This is a lovely little short story and a nice introduction to May Keaps, the heroine of the piece.
May is an ambulance driver towards the end of the First World War. She's stationed at the front right in the thick of it all and seeing some horrendous sights for a 20 year old, as you can imagine. She finds herself embroiled in a potentially dangerous situation and the story really works well and has a nice bit of intrigue for such a short read.
I spent a pleasurable half an hour or so reading this story. I liked May and can see great potential for her in future books, including the upcoming Foul Trade. I think she'll be just as feisty and brave in that book as she was in this story.
May is an ambulance driver towards the end of the First World War. She's stationed at the front right in the thick of it all and seeing some horrendous sights for a 20 year old, as you can imagine. She finds herself embroiled in a potentially dangerous situation and the story really works well and has a nice bit of intrigue for such a short read.
I spent a pleasurable half an hour or so reading this story. I liked May and can see great potential for her in future books, including the upcoming Foul Trade. I think she'll be just as feisty and brave in that book as she was in this story.
March 10, 2017
This is nothing that it says it is. While classified as a "short story", it was too short, disjointed, and poorly written. I've read short stories that bring depth to characters, have a smooth story line, and raise fewer questions.
Also, the nurse is hardly the subject of the story as the summary would imply- the majority of the focus is on a homosexual romance between two soldiers. I was looking forward to getting a different perspective of WWI from a nurse and her experiences in the war, but it definitely was not. It's good this was free on my kindle and only took 7 minutes to read. Otherwise, I'd be ticked I spent money and time with it.
Also, the nurse is hardly the subject of the story as the summary would imply- the majority of the focus is on a homosexual romance between two soldiers. I was looking forward to getting a different perspective of WWI from a nurse and her experiences in the war, but it definitely was not. It's good this was free on my kindle and only took 7 minutes to read. Otherwise, I'd be ticked I spent money and time with it.
November 29, 2017
May Keaps has an open mind ..and a beautiful soul
May Keaps is a 20 year old ambulance driver in 1918 ...She has seen so much bloodshed...Young lives wasted on a war that seems to go on forever.. and had her own sad memories to deal with, May is good at what she does.When Tobias Fairfax is found dead with a pistol by his side, Rachel his fiance asks May to browse his diary..Then the diary dissapears..May's life is in danger...What did happen to the young Captain..?This is a story of secrets , lies , love...compassion ..and a young woman with a beautiful soul...
May Keaps is a 20 year old ambulance driver in 1918 ...She has seen so much bloodshed...Young lives wasted on a war that seems to go on forever.. and had her own sad memories to deal with, May is good at what she does.When Tobias Fairfax is found dead with a pistol by his side, Rachel his fiance asks May to browse his diary..Then the diary dissapears..May's life is in danger...What did happen to the young Captain..?This is a story of secrets , lies , love...compassion ..and a young woman with a beautiful soul...
November 24, 2017
What a punchy packed read, within this free short novella we are introduced to May Keaps, who will be featuring in a new series starting in December.
Duncan fitted so much realism and emotion in to this short, if this is a taste of what is to come I for one can’t wait.
May came across as practical, compassionate and level headed in a sticky situation.
If you are looking for an introduction to a new series this is a superb quick read - a teaser of high quality prose.
Duncan fitted so much realism and emotion in to this short, if this is a taste of what is to come I for one can’t wait.
May came across as practical, compassionate and level headed in a sticky situation.
If you are looking for an introduction to a new series this is a superb quick read - a teaser of high quality prose.
March 21, 2018
Short story that worked
Main character is a female ambulance driver during World War One. An interesting point of view. Sad episode in her service. Probably not too many that weren’t sad in her occupation at that time. It sounds like the book series to follow will be set after the war.
Main character is a female ambulance driver during World War One. An interesting point of view. Sad episode in her service. Probably not too many that weren’t sad in her occupation at that time. It sounds like the book series to follow will be set after the war.
February 22, 2018
I really don't understand the thought process of releasing this as a "book" - 25 pages??? I only 'purchased' this was because it was "book 1" to the series and because it was free. Great - but why not just include it in the "book 2" and call THAT one number 1?
November 29, 2017
The Last Post is an excellent introduction to BK Duncan's soon-to-be-released book, Foul Trade. It's the start of what promises to be a gripping series.
It might be short, but it certainly packs a punch. I found it to be quite a powerful story which introduces us to May Keaps who is a 20 year old ambulance driver. Keaps is stationed on the front line (set in 1918). The men she transports have horrific, all too often fatal, injuries. I can't even begin to imagine having to do that.
When a young captain is found dead, it looks like suicide. Keaps finds herself in the possession of something which may explain why.
Keaps is an intriguing character. Feisty, but likeable. I'm looking forward to catching up with her again.
The Last Post is FREE to download and I highly recommend you give it a go.
I'm very much looking forward to reading Foul Trade.
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It might be short, but it certainly packs a punch. I found it to be quite a powerful story which introduces us to May Keaps who is a 20 year old ambulance driver. Keaps is stationed on the front line (set in 1918). The men she transports have horrific, all too often fatal, injuries. I can't even begin to imagine having to do that.
When a young captain is found dead, it looks like suicide. Keaps finds herself in the possession of something which may explain why.
Keaps is an intriguing character. Feisty, but likeable. I'm looking forward to catching up with her again.
The Last Post is FREE to download and I highly recommend you give it a go.
I'm very much looking forward to reading Foul Trade.
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
November 25, 2017
A very good quick read.
If the next book is as well written then Iook forward to reading it. Lots of action and a story plot.
If the next book is as well written then Iook forward to reading it. Lots of action and a story plot.
November 26, 2017
Teaser
If this was a mere snippet of what is to come, I can't wait for Foul Trade to be released.
If this was a mere snippet of what is to come, I can't wait for Foul Trade to be released.
November 27, 2017
A great quick read. Looking forward to reading Foul Trade where we meet May Keaps again.
December 3, 2017
short but gritty novella that sets out the introduction of a new series and character. May Keaps She makes her debut in Foul Trade later this month.
December 9, 2017
What Is Truth?
B.K. Duncan reveals the horror of the First World War in her novella. She deals with the nature of love and truth. She asks the age old question, what is truth.
B.K. Duncan reveals the horror of the First World War in her novella. She deals with the nature of love and truth. She asks the age old question, what is truth.
February 22, 2018
Great Beginning
A short story, but good. The beginning of the journey of May Keap. In this story an ambulance drive in the war.
A short story, but good. The beginning of the journey of May Keap. In this story an ambulance drive in the war.
March 19, 2018
So short it is hard to tell whether this is going to be a good series.
May 9, 2018
A very short story
This story shows one of the various increments of war action that could very well have happened, it creates strange elements.
This story shows one of the various increments of war action that could very well have happened, it creates strange elements.
July 7, 2019
April 1918 and while serving as an ambulance driver at the Front, May Keaps becomes entangled in the life of nurse Rachel Dallman and the death of her fiancé.
An interesting short story
An interesting short story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews