"Another winner....Todd again excels at vivid atmosphere and the effects of war in this specific time and place. Grade: A."
--Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Readers who can't get enough of Maisie Dobbs, the intrepid World War I battlefield nurse in Jacqueline Winspear's novels...are bound to be caught up in the adventures of Bess Crawford."
--New York Times Book Review
Charles Todd, author of the resoundingly acclaimed Ian Rutledge crime novels ("One of the best historical series being written today" --Washington Post Book World) debuts an exceptional new protagonist, World War I nurse Bess Crawford, in A Duty to the Dead. A gripping tale of perilous obligations and dark family secrets in the shadows of a nightmarish time of global conflict, A Duty to the Dead is rich in suspense, surprise, and the impeccable period atmosphere that has become a Charles Todd trademark.
About the Author :
Charles Todd is the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries, the Bess Crawford mysteries, and two stand-alone novels. A mother-and-son writing team, Caroline passed away in August 2021 and Charles lives in Florida.
Review :
"Todd's novels are known for compelling plotting with a thoughtful whodunit aspect, rich characterization, evocative prose and haunting atmosphere, and A Duty to the Dead excels at each. Another moving entry in a growing and distinguished body of work, it is neither easily put down nor easily forgotten." - Richmond Times-Dispatch
"A Duty to the Dead has all the elements of a good mystery--action, suspense, murder, love, a damsel in distress." - Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)
"The Todd books offer an insight into and a grim reminder of the avalanche of broken bodies and minds that came back from France in 1918 as well as a reminder of how little was done to restore them." - Washington Times on A Duty to the Dead
"An absorbing story that will not disappoint Todd's fans." - Contra Costa Times on A Duty to the Dead
"Here is a brave, smart and likable young heroine who will please Todd fans." - Evansville Courier & Press on A Duty to the Dead
"A compelling story, a complex mystery and a revealing look deep into human nature." - Winston-Salem Journal (NC)
"The superb start of a new historical series....A welcome old-fashioned mystery and a brilliant start to a character with plenty more to discover in future books." - New Mystery Reader
"A tense psychological drama, steeped in the tragedy of the Great War." - Iron Mountain Daily (Michigan)
"Anyone who cares to loll in early-20th century English villages and mores and follow a plucky heroine as she confronts the stupidity of war will find solace in this old-fashioned mystery." - Kirkus Reviews
"Todd employs all the elements of a satisfying cozy mystery, with an absorbing plot and a charismatic heroine that will leave the reader wanting more." - Library Journal
"Full of rich historical details, this novel contrasts the beauty of the English countryside with the horrors of a war that devastated families....Absorbing." - Romantic Times
"Another winner....Todd again excels at vivid atmosphere and the effects of war in this specific time and place. Grade: A." - Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Winning....Fans of independent women sleuths like Maisie Dobbs will welcome this new addition to their ranks." - Publishers Weekly
"Readers who can't get enough of Maisie Dobbs, the intrepid World War I battlefield nurse in 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
"Unnervingly beautiful historical novels. . . . The mother and son who write under the name Charles Todd get it all right." - New York Times Book Review
"Todd's Ian Rutledge mysteries are among the most intelligent and affecting being written these days." - Washington Post Book World
"This is a wonderful new mystery series that will let us see the horrors of World War I through the eyes of Bess Crawford, a battlefield nurse. A Duty to the Dead is a richly realistic depiction of both the era and people who lived through it. - Margaret Maron, Edgar Award-Winning author of Death's Half Acre
