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A Duty to the Dead

A Bess Crawford Mystery

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A Duty to the Dead

Written by: Charles Todd
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
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About this listen

 The daughter of a distinguished soldier, Bess Crawford follows in his patriotic footsteps, volunteering to serve her country as a nurse during the Great War. In 1916 she promises Lieutenant Arthur Graham that she will carry his dying request to a brother.

When Bess arrives at the Graham house in Kent, Jonathan Graham listens to his brother's last wishes with surprising indifference. Neither his mother nor his brother Timothy seems to think it has any significance. Unsettled by this, Bess is about to take her leave when sudden tragedy envelops her.

She quickly discovers that fulfilling this duty to the dead has thrust her into a maelstrom of intrigue and murder that will endanger her own life and test her courage as not even war has.

©2009 Charles Todd (P)2009 BBC Audio Detective Fiction Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Solider War

What the critics say

"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)
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This Charles Todd story begins with the WWI sinking of the hospital ship 'Britannic' off the coast of Greece and proceeds into a tale about dedicated nurse Elizabeth Crawford travelling to Kent to deliver a deathbed message to a patient's family. It then relates a narrative involving family secrets & murder.
The disappointingly straightforward plot lacks twists & turns and Todd overuses the "flawless nurse" paradigm to drive the action (volunteering to care for every character of any consequence in the story) - but the book is undeniably enjoyable overall.

Reader Rosalyn Landor likewise delivers an inconsistent (impressive but imperfect) reading performance. Her diction, timbre, cadence, and especially tone are commendable.. but the narration is marred by disappointing voice-acting (Landor's male character interpretations are subpar).

Altogether, 'A Duty To The Dead' rates a respectable 7.5 stars out of 10. It wasn't good enough to prompt me to continue with the 'Bess Crawford' series of post-WWI Mystery-Thrillers.. but it's easily worth your time as a 'Plus' title.
In fact, it would merit a Credit if Todd's characterization and writing style captivate you more than they did me.

Quality Period Mystery

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I picked up this book on the recommendation of my sister. I was looking for a new series and I am certainly glad that I listened to her! The author's style is very descriptive and that, combined with the skillful narration, puts the reader right in the middle of the story. I have already picked up the second book of the series and can hardly wait to start it!

Wonderful introduction to a new author

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The narrator brought this story alive.An amazing performance of a fantastic book. Very talented thoroughly enjoyable.

A Duty to the Dead

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Glad I decided to try this out - Bess is a great character and the story is complex and interesting

Enjoyable

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This book is not great. It’s very repetitive and the number of clichés used is ridiculous. I found the protagonist overwrought and at times completely insufferable . I stuck with it for some reason, would I recommend it? No.

Mediocre

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