Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd


I stopped just outside the ward and leaned my head against the cool wood of the doorframe.  I couldn't remember when last I'd slept, or for that matter, eaten anything more than a few biscuits now and again with a hasty cup of tea. [opening paragraph]


An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd
William Morrow, 2012
Crime Fiction; 272 pgs


Yes, it is true.  I am in love with another series.  Yet again I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read a book so many people I know have raved about. Better late than never, right?

For those who don't know, the Bess Crawford mystery series is set during World War I.  Bess is a nurse, working for the British military.  An Unmarked Grave is the fourth book in the series, but my first foray into Bess's world.  The Spanish flu epidemic is sweeping through Europe, cutting down civilians and soldiers alike.  It's made the jobs of the doctors and nurses on the war front even more difficult.  They are overextended and exhausted, praying they don't fall ill too. 

When an unaccounted for body is found among the deceased flu victims on the front in France, Bess is asked for her opinion.  She knows right away it wasn't the flu that killed the officer, one she recognizes almost immediately.  Instead, she believes he's been murdered. Before she has a chance to tell her superior about the body, she is struck down by the flu, her life hanging in the balance. When she awakens in a hotel back in England among her family and friends, she wonders if the body was just a dream.  Enlisting the help of family friend, Simon Brandon, Bess sets out to find the truth.  Did she see the body of the dead officer?  Was it murder?  And if so, who was behind it and why? 

This is one of those books that puts me in the mood for a leisurely afternoon of reading--the sunlight streaming in the window, maybe a plate of crackers and cheese to nibble on with my ice water closeby.  It's not a fast paced book, but it is a page turner, one I enjoyed immensely.  Bess is someone I wouldn't mind having over for lunch now and again.  She is smart and independent, thoughtful and resourceful.  She has an easy way with people that probably works well for her in both her profession as a nurse and her side job as an amateur slueth. 

With a father high up in the military, Bess is able to get away with an awful lot. It explains away how easily Bess can get in and out of places, but at times it seemed to be too convenient. I didn't let this bother me much, however, since I was enjoying the characters and story so much.

I admit to having a little literary crush on Simon Brandon.  So little is said about him in this particular novel, but what I did learn made me like him very much.  He sounds like such a gentleman--sure he's protective of Bess, but he also trusts her opinion and isn't quick to dismiss her the way many men in that era might.

I do wish I had time to start with the first book in the series.  As with most series books, there is always a backstory that is worth knowing going into later books.  Just the same, An Unmarked Grave stands alone on its own well.

I loved the historical touches the authors put into the novel.  It brought the time period home for me and made me feel like I was actually there.

I can tell the mother and son team writing as Charles Todd will become a fast favorite of mine if this book is anything to go by.  I look forward to reading more about Bess Crawford--and hopefully getting to know Simon Brandon a bit more.


To learn more about the Charles Todd and their books, please visit the authors' website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say on the TLC Book Tours route!


Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of An Unmarked Grave provided by the publisher.





© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

20 comments:

  1. I can't imagine starting a series knowingly part way through.

    I have the first book to read which I need to get to soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marg - I used to be a stickler about reading series books in order, but somewhere along the line I stopped caring so much. Sometimes it matters, but most of the time, at least with mysteries, I find it doesn't. At least for me.

      Delete
  2. Everyone seems to love this series! I can't wait to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - I hear their Ian Rutledge series is even better. I think I'll try to get caught up with this one before trying the other.

      Delete
  3. I haven't read this one yet, but I loved the first two. And I am also crushing on Simon - I hope as the series goes on that their relationship deepens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie - I am looking forward to reading the earlier books in the series, and am so glad you loved the first two. I actually expected this series to be a bit grittier. I am not sure where I got that idea. I wouldn't have minded, but I am glad it wasn't.

      Delete
  4. I haven't read this, but it sounds really good. I'll have to check out the earlier books since I like to read series from the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne - It's definitely worth checking out! I hope you like it if you do read it.

      Delete
  5. My library has this whole series on audio and I can't wait to start listening to it. I've heard great things about the books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darlene - You'll have to let me know how the audio version is!

      Delete
  6. Well you've certainly made me curious about Simon! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna - I wish there was more about him, to be honest, but hopefully I'll learn more about him in the earlier books. :-)

      Delete
  7. I don't think you're the only one falling in love with another series ... most of the people on this tour are doing the same thing!

    Glad you enjoyed this one - I can't wait to read it myself and get to know Bess.

    Thanks for being on the tour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heather - It does seem to be popular, that's for sure! I hope you enjoy the series if you do read it.

      Delete
  8. The author is new to me so I think I will try to dig out this book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mystica - I am always fascinated by team writers, especially when they can pull off writing a novel in one voice as these two can.

      Delete
  9. I have book one of this series, I must get to it! what a lovely review of this the 4th one. I want to skip all the others and read this one! lol thanks,Wendy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan - Haha! If you have the time, I recommend starting with the first book just for the background story. Still, this one does hold up well on its own.

      Delete
  10. I have added this series to my list of must-read books for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Staci - I am so glad I finally got around to reading this series!

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.