Pages

2.06.2013

A Review: An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd


Bess Crawford is serving as a nurse in France during WWI when she suddenly comes down with Spanish influenza. An illness that is killing more than the shots fired on the battlefield, Bess is quickly transported back to England and into the care of her parents. However, when Bess finally emerges from her prolonged sickness, she remembers the events that occurred just before she succumbed to the illness. Was the body Private Wilson revealed to her that of Major Carson, a family friend and celebrated military man? And, if so, why was his body covered in an ill-fitting uniform without identification? Slowly Bess begins to put the pieces together in order to uncover an act that she believes must be shown justice. As Bess trust her instincts and takes action, in her desperate attempt to discover the murderer, the target begins to track her every move and harm all those that stand in the way.

An Unmarked Grave is a title in a series of novels following the nurse/detective Bess Crawford during the Great War. I was unfamiliar with this series, but agreed to read this one without first discovering the others written before.  If you're looking for a new series to get involved with, I suggest taking the time to look this one up. I could easily grasp the characters and the dynamics between them without reading the novels prior. I had a sense of who Bess was on her own, through her actions and thought processes, without really needing other characters to provide much detail.

I was drawn to this title because it sounded very similar to the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear, which I've become quite fond of. While the two focus on the same period, same profession and face the same hardships, Todd's novel felt like a more authentic description of life as a nurse on the lines, or a soldier on leave in a busy city, slowly being lost to an enemy.  There was grit and reality that seemed to shine through in An Unmarked Grave that I've always wanted to find in the Maisie Dobbs series. I also appreciated that the authors didn't repeat Bess's story again and again to keep the reader up to speed if they had not read the previous titles in the series. While I understand the logic behind adding these details, I have always felt that Winspear takes it a level that is unnecessary and spoils the pacing of the story.

My only complaints were that many of the situations seemed to work out too perfectly against odds that just were not plausible, and the motive, finally uncovered, was hastily explained and just a bit weak. The charming characters and their stories, trials and successes really made this book an enjoyable read for me.

If you enjoy historical wartime dramas, with strong female leads, and mysteries that keep you going until the very conclusion of the book, a Bess Crawford mystery is worth looking into.


I received a copy of An Unmarked Grave from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review of the title.

To learn more about the authors, visit their website: http://charlestodd.com/.

14 comments:

  1. I never thought I was a fan of historical fiction but the book I'm reading now turned out to be historicial-ish and I really like it! I'm thinking I should add Maisie Dobbs to my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenna,
      I'll admit that I am a history nut. I love historical pieces! I enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series when I want something that's light and will keep me entertained; however, I can't actually say it's a favorite of mine. The particular title I reviewed had all the makings of a solid novel, but it just wasn't the right read for me. If that makes sense? You know a book is good but you just don't think it was right for you? That's how I felt. I strongly encourage people to check out the Maisie Dobbs series and this one to see if it's the right fit because the writers are talented.

      Delete
  2. I've only read one of the Maisie Dobbs books for TLC and I loved it - which makes me wonder why I haven't read anymore. I need to start reading them - they are so good. Charles Todd sounds good, but not sure its up to Dobbs level, so I'm thinking I'll pass on it. However, your post definitely has me considering downloading the first Dobbs book - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nadia,
      I just saw that TLC is hosting another Maisie Dobbs book and I'm sad I haven't reached that point in the series because it would be fun to review. I've heard the series gets better and better so I'm trying to catch up. Like I said to Brenna, it's not my favorite series in the world, but I recognize the talent and the entertainment value. I actually thought the woman detective in WWI was pretty rare, but I've found this and some others rely on the same formula. Weird! Also, I just finished The Confidant and YOU HAVE TO READ IT. I just think it would totally be something you'd enjoy!

      Delete
  3. I haven't read a good series in ages. I'm a big fan of historical stuff and this one sounds good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer,
      Have you read any of Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear? It's very similar in some ways. It would be fun to discuss this someone that's read it to sort my thoughts further.

      Delete
  4. I love the cover of this one. On the surface this doesn't seem like my kind of book but my reading has been feeling a bit stale lately, so maybe I should mix it up with some different reading choices?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sam,
      Ugh. That's the worst. It's pretty historical so I think you'd like that aspect. The pacing is slow so it wouldn't knock your socks off, but it might be a nice change. Let me know!

      Delete
  5. I'm a big fan of the Bess Crawford series. The first two in the series are my favorites. I really like the character of Bess, but I do agree sometimes things work out so perfectly for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Upon reflection, I realize most Maisie titles kind of work out too perfectly as well. The atmosphere in these is great and the description of war seems authentic. I enjoyed it and will make sure to get my hands on the first!

      Delete
  6. I had heard of the Maisie Dobbs series, but this is the first time I've heard about this one. I will have to check them out when I need my historical fiction fix!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was new to me as well! I really like the Maisie Dobbs series so I thought this would be perfect. Let me know if you get the chance!

      Delete
  7. I've read the first two books in this series and the first in the Maisie Dobbs series, and I have to say that I really enjoy Bess Crawford more. I can't wait to read the rest of her series!

    Thanks for being on the tour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heather,
      I definitely want to read another because I remember it taking me a bit to get into Maisie Dobbs. Thanks for giving me the opportunity!

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...