An Unmarked Grave (Bess Crawford #4)

Jan 29, 2013 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Set amidst the backdrop of World War I and the Spanish Influenza, a British nurse in France finds herself in danger as she investigates a suspicious death she is sure is in fact a murder. A historical mystery or thriller, An Unmarked Grave, the fourth book in the Bess Crawford Mystery series by Charles Todd, captured my attention from the first page and ne...more I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Set amidst the backdrop of World War I and the Spanish Influenza, a British nurse in France finds herself in danger as she investigates a suspicious death she is sure is in fact a murder. A historical mystery or thriller, An Unmarked Grave, the fourth book in the Bess Crawford Mystery series by Charles Todd, captured my attention from the first page and never let go. Well developed characters, historical accuracy and plenty of action brought World War I and the conditions in France to life for me in a way no textbook ever could.

The only child of a British Colonel and his wife, Elizabeth "Bess" Crawford has dedicated her life to serving wounded soldiers during World War I. While lonely for her family, Bess's skill and training help her as the Spanish influenza has decimated both the troops and the medical community serving them. When a trusted orderly brings her what he suspects is a case of foul play rather than death by illness, Bess intends to investigate. Instead, falling victim to the influenza herself, Bess soon finds herself back in England recovered and having to convince her parents, and a possible love interest, that she's healthy and ready to return to duty.

As Bess works at convincing others to let her return to what she considers her rightful duty, she discovers the trusted orderly has died under what she considers suspicious circumstances. More determined than ever, Bess manages to get reassigned to duty and France, swears to her friends to stay safe, and vows to get to the truth. I really enjoyed how the author introduced the numerous characters in this story and how they developed Bess' character. A strong and intelligent woman by nature, she's not above asking for help when she needs it. When her life is placed in danger, her resiliency and determination for justice to win is commendable.

Will Bess be able to solve two murders before she becomes a victim herself? I encourage you to read An Unmarked Grave to find out. While the fourth book in the series, I was able to read this book on its own without difficulty and look forward to reading the previous books in the series. This may have been my first reading of a Charles Todd book but it certainly won't be the last! And if you're a fan of Downton Abbey - this is a series you won't want to miss. (less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Drennan Spitzer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Charles Todd, the pen name for a mother-son writing duo, gives us the fourth installment in the Bess Crawford series, An Unmarked Grave. I have not yet read the preceding three books in the series, but An Unmarked Grave certainly made me want to.

An Unmarked Grave This murder mystery, in the tradition of Agatha Christie, follows the exploits of amateur detective, Bess Crawford, who serves as a field nurse during World War I. And it is the handling of this specific setting--the places she's statio...more Charles Todd, the pen name for a mother-son writing duo, gives us the fourth installment in the Bess Crawford series, An Unmarked Grave. I have not yet read the preceding three books in the series, but An Unmarked Grave certainly made me want to.

An Unmarked Grave This murder mystery, in the tradition of Agatha Christie, follows the exploits of amateur detective, Bess Crawford, who serves as a field nurse during World War I. And it is the handling of this specific setting--the places she's stationed in France, her return to wartime England, her work as a nurse, the larger pressures of the war, and her background as the daughter of a Colonel who has served in India--that make Bess a compelling character. In fact, it's maybe even this setting and the history surrounding Bess's inquiries that are more entertaining than the actual unfolding of the mystery itself. This is not the spy thriller so popular in contemporary culture. Rather, it feels more like a hybrid of the cozy mystery popularized by Christie and the costume drama ala Masterpiece Theatre. It is this sense of atmosphere and feeling of historical authenticity that I appreciate.

In addition to providing a compelling narrative and characters who are sympathetic and fully believable, Todd invites us to consider not just how war affects those left on the home front--Bess is confronted with a number of wives and parents who have lost their husbands and sons--but also how we might chose to find some sort of contentment and fulfillment while surrounded by adversity. Bess takes satisfaction in the work she does as a nurse and is committed to this work, even when it may not seem to be to her immediate advantage. She forms affectionate bonds with those around her, particularly Simon Brandon, a man who has served under her father's command for many years. She even finds ways to comfort others as they face grief. There is much to be learned from the way that Bess seems to deal with the hardship of war. Rather than allowing herself to slip into self-pity, even when the Spanish Influenza epidemic nearly kills her, Bess thinks beyond herself, putting others first.

During a time period when women have many fewer options than they do in our own society, Bess is a plucky character who makes a life for herself and who manages to accomplish what she sets out to do. It's easy for us to admire her for these qualities. And yet, because of her position in society, she is often forced to rely on the men who surround her for vital information and, in some cases, even for her own physical safety. Although she has experience driving a motor car, for example, her supervising doctor will allow her to use the car only if she's accompanied by a male. Although she is clearly able to navigate the world on her own, she often relies on her father and his rank to open doors for her. Part of me wants to be irritated that Bess cannot find a way to be more independent, and yet, they ways that she's forced into dependency on the males around her seems authentic, given the time period.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Charles Todd.

NOTE: This review originally published at Speaking of Books, a site devoted to thoughtful book reviews and discussions of literature and culture. Visit us at www.drennanspitzer.com

NOTE: A review copy was provided by the publisher. No other compensation was received.
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Oct 25, 2012 Michelle L rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-mystery, historical-fiction

Bess Crawford, battle-field nurse, WWI, and her circle (military/espionage father, his former batman, and her sturdily supportive mother), are the kind of stiff upper lip, upper class Brits who in other fiction would be the unsympathetic, "We just carry on" types. But in this Girl's Own Adventure school of historic female detective (amateur) they are our heroines and heroes. And quite enjoyable, especially with a glass of fizzy lemonade and some light bites close at hand. You could do worse to p...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Nikki rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-set-in-england, books-set-in-france, fiction, historical-fiction, mysteries

Although I've always been fascinated by World War I, the closest relatives I had who served in it (two great-uncles by marriage)both were prevented by illness from ever going to France. One survived his bout with TB and became a much-loved family member; the other died of influenza at Camp Devens, leaving my great-aunt a widow after a brief marriage. Since she died when I was 4, all I have of that early relationship is Uncle Charles's photo in his Army uniform.

I've enjoyed all Charles Todd's Wor...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Gloria Feit rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Bess Crawford series, in which this is the latest entry, takes place during World War I, with Bess serving as a nurse in France, but usually getting involved in all sorts of crimes, including murder. This time, deaths result not only as a result of the conflict, but the Spanish influenza epidemic and at least four murders, including that of a major who served with her father, the Colonel sahib, in India. Unfortunately, the major had no identification and was buried in an unmarked grave befor...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the most recent Bess Crawford books in the series by Charles Todd (actually a mother and son team). Unlike his/their other hero, Inspector Rankin, Bess isn't haunted by what today is called PTSD. She's a nurse in the stations closest to the front lines; she sees what comes in after a battle, and they send those who can be moved onto the back hospitals, and work on those who might not make it. In this book, their portable hospital is half full of victims of the Spanish flue, and the shed...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Luanne Ollivier rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recently had a patron ask if I knew of a good historical mystery series for her. She was older, and said she liked stories set in the war years such as Charles Todd's Bess Crawford books. (which she highly recommended) Well, I did indeed have a series for her, but although I was familiar with Charles Todd's Inspector Rutledge series, I had never read one of the Bess Crawford books. Her recommendation resulted in me picking up the latest installment of this series - An Unmarked Grave.

Bess Crawf...more I recently had a patron ask if I knew of a good historical mystery series for her. She was older, and said she liked stories set in the war years such as Charles Todd's Bess Crawford books. (which she highly recommended) Well, I did indeed have a series for her, but although I was familiar with Charles Todd's Inspector Rutledge series, I had never read one of the Bess Crawford books. Her recommendation resulted in me picking up the latest installment of this series - An Unmarked Grave.

Bess Crawford is a World War I nurse. 1918 finds her at the front lines in France, with war casualties and the Spanish influenza contributing equally to the dead waiting to be buried. But when an orderly points out a body to Bess that isn't wrapped right, she is shocked to find she recognizes the man from her father's regiment. It wasn't the flu or war that killed him - she suspects foul play. But exhausted and physically worn down, she falls prey to the flu herself before she can report what she thinks might be murder. Back in England she does advise her father of her suspicions. But the body is long buried. Did she imagine what she saw? Or is there a murderer in the ranks? Bess is determined to find the answer and wants to return to France.

Todd's writing brought this time period to life. The dialogue, social mores and expectations of the time were wonderfully depicted, creating a strong sense of atmosphere. Bess is such a great character - kind, dutiful, compassionate, strong, determined and intelligent. All of the characters were equally well drawn and just as engaging. I liked the idea of a woman being the sleuth in this time period, when men were the traditional 'leaders'. Bess is more than up to the task.

The plotting is good, slowly unravelling over time. This is a gentler mystery, meant to be savoured and enjoyed.

I choose to listen to A Unmarked Grave. The reader was Audie award winner Rosalyn Landor. She has a wonderfully rich, crisp British accent that perfectly suited the mental image I had of Bess. She portrayed all of the characters just as well. Most of the other characters were male and Landor came up with believable voices for them. Bess's father had a nice, gruff, regimental tone. The 'yank' soldier's voice was spot on as well. Her voice added much to the overall feel of the book, conveying emotion and setting easily.

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be picking up another in this series. Fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs character would enjoy this series. (This was my recommendation to my patron)(less)

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Jul 28, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

such captivating stories, complex plots, interesting characters. Read this one so fast I missed most of the "bread crumbs" and it didn't sort itself out till the very end. a few curiosities about the WWI contex: Bess always seemed to have enuf petrol no matter what. This stuck me as a bit unreal. Her Colonel Sahib mystery dad always seems to get her onto transportation and into a location. Nice use of dues ex machina.

Bess's mother always arranges to have Bess's uniforms starched and pressed. Be...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history, mystery

Fourth in the Bess Crawford mystery series set in World War I and revolving around Bess Crawford, one of the nursing sisters helping on the front in the spring of 1918.

My Take
Dang, it's just not safe anywhere with Bess Crawford around! Fortunately, she's not one to sit back. Between rescuing and protecting and investigating on both sides of the Channel, all the influence that Bess' father and Simon have comes in very handy.

I do enjoy Todd's characters and the homeyness he creates, yes, even on...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Val Sanford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british-mystery, historical-mystery, mystery, women-sleuths, ww1-mystery

I ate this book up right until the climax when Bess uncovers the devilish fiend trying to kill her. The plot tie-in came right out of left field. I'm sorry, but I think it's poor sport to not include ANY clues (that I could find, I realize) to who might be the killer and why they were killing. The obscure references to a 3rd party doing something that might be 'connected' were way to veiled and way-to obscure. Perhaps I should have said: Wait1 this doesn't belong and aha I now know why. But even...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, historical-fiction, murder-mystery, supense-thriller-fiction

France, Spring, 1918

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.

The Spanish Influenza had already cut down three of our nursing sisters, and two doctors were not expected to live through the night. The rest of us were struggling to keep men alive in the crowded wards and losing the battle hourly. Depressing to w...more France, Spring, 1918

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.

The Spanish Influenza had already cut down three of our nursing sisters, and two doctors were not expected to live through the night. The rest of us were struggling to keep men alive in the crowded wards and losing the battle hourly. Depressing to watch the bodies being carried out, one more soldier lost to an enemy we couldn't even see.

It was an insidious killer, this influenza. I'd watched men in the best of healthy in the afternoon gasping for breath by the next morning, tossing with fever, lying too ill to speak, then fighting to draw a next breath. I'd watched nurses and orderlies work with patients for days on end without showing a single sign of illness, only to collapse unexpectedly and join the ranks of the dying. The young were particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, Private Wilson, close to forty, seemed to be spared, even though he handled the dead, gently wrapping them in their soiled sheets and carrying them out to await interment. The shed just beyond the wards was filled with bodies, sometimes tacked like lumber. The burial details couldn't keep up. And those men too were dying. (pg 1-2).

In the latest novel from Charles Todd, An Unmarked Grave takes readers back to the chilling period of time as WW1 was just beginning while the Spanish Influenza was taking lives faster than the war wounded. Some wondered if there would be anyone left to fight the war. As Private Wilson is taking count of the bodies in the shed, separating the war dead from those that the illness had claimed, he noticed one extra body.

Taking care to avoid any extra attention he notifies, Nurse Bess Crawford to follow him to the shed. When he shows her the extra body, she realizes who it is. Major Vincent Carlson, and the wounds on his body are neither from the war or from the illness. He has been murdered.

When she attempts to contact Matron, the head nurse in charge of the facility, Bess herself finds she has succumbed to the Spanish Influenza as well and before she is able to tell anyone, she faints into a fever that may take her very life. Nurse Bess Crawford does recover but she begins to wonder if the body she discovered was a dream or did it really happen. All she knows is she needs to get better as soon as she can and begin to uncover what could be a murder, but how will she find the body of the Major in an unmarked grave?

I received An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd compliments of TLC Book Tours and William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. After reading previous novels by Charles Todd a year ago, I feel in love with his unique ability to draw the reader into his book immediately. This is my third book from him and my second in the Bess Crawford mystery series. I love having a woman character like Bess who represents a vulnerability in her character while matching wits much like Sherlock Holmes. Add to that element a bit of history and you have the blending of a perfect suspense mystery. So it's easy to see why I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to read more from him in the future and once again, this novel has found a forever home in my personal library.(less)

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Jul 02, 2012 Joanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 28, 2012 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars

“An Unmarked Grave” by Charles Todd is the fourth in the Bess Crawford series. In this outing, Bess is in France nursing wounded soldiers when one of the men who takes care of the dead begs her to follow her into the space where the dead are stored prior to burial. What she sees there is a man who has not died of war-related wounds, but rather was obviously killed and hidden in the storage shed. Before she can investigate, Bess is diagnosed with the dreaded Spanish flu. She is sent home to recov...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Judy rated it 3 of 5 stars

While I enjoy the Ian Rankin series more, I'm becoming a fan of the Bess Crawford series by mother-son writing team of Charles Todd. Set in the Spring of 1918, Sister Bess Crawford is a British nursing sister stationed in France in a forward aid station. Besides dealing with daily battlefield casualties, the Spanish influenza is killing thousands and there seems to be no defense against it. Working almost around the clock, Bess and the other medical staff, are beyond exhaustion when an orderly a...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Larraine rated it 5 of 5 stars

The mother/son team that calls itself Charles Todd continues to surprise and please their readers. This is the fourth in the Bess Crawford series which features a young woman from a privileged army background (her father is a retired major who is still active in special projects with the war office). It is 1918, the Americans seem to have made a difference, but the war still goes on. In addition, the vicious 1918 flu has struck hard. During this period, an extra body shows up where it shouldn't...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Kathleen Hagen added it

An Unmarked Grave, Bess Crawford Series #4, by Charles Todd, A, narrated by Rosalyn Landor, produced by Harper Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

This mystery is set against the background of WW I 1918. The war has dragged on for several years, losses have been huge for both sides, men are being gassed, and then the pandemic of the 1918 flu is killing people globally. Bess and the other nurses are hard pressed to handle the wounded and now the sick. Soldiers are dying so quickly in France that t...more

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May 20, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 110-books-in-2012-and-do-it-again, advanced-copy-review, family-relationships, free-book-for-honest-review, historical, mystery, read-in-2012, reviewed, series, wwi

In a military ward in France in 1918, the Spanish Influenza is killing as many soldiers as are dying in battle. The medical staff tries their best but as some of them also succomb to the disease, it appears to be a losing battle as more and more bodies are carried out to await burial.

Battlefield nurse Bess Crawford is asked by an orderly to look at one of the bodies. She sees Maj. Carson has been murdered and recognizes him as a family friend. Before she can report it, she's a victim to the dise...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Bonnie rated it 3 of 5 stars

An Unmarked Grave is co-written by a mother and son known as Charles Todd. In 1918, the Spanish flu epedemic spreads during WW1 and kills more people than the war raging in England and France. Bess Crawford is a nurse stationed in France and is overwhelmed by the flow of wounded soldiers and flu patients. The dead are taken from hospital to the dead house to wait for disposal, and Bess follows an orderly to the house after being told a man with a broken neck has been discovered crudely rolled in...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

While working as a nurse at a field hospital in France, a startling discovery is brought to Bess's attention: an orderly has found a suspicious body amongst the dead. He's certain that it doesn't belong and a second check of his counts confirms. What's more, the body is unmarked with the exception of an obviously broken neck, leaving both Bess and the orderly concerned. It would seem the dead man was slipped in amongst the other bodies in the hopes that someone could cover it up. What makes it m...more While working as a nurse at a field hospital in France, a startling discovery is brought to Bess's attention: an orderly has found a suspicious body amongst the dead. He's certain that it doesn't belong and a second check of his counts confirms. What's more, the body is unmarked with the exception of an obviously broken neck, leaving both Bess and the orderly concerned. It would seem the dead man was slipped in amongst the other bodies in the hopes that someone could cover it up. What makes it more shocking is that Bess recognizes the dead man as a member of her father's old unit. Before she can inquire or raise any alarms, Bess becomes the latest victim of Spanish Influenza. When she recovers, she fears it was all a dream. That is until the soldier's wife receives notification of his death. But the letter claims the man died on the front, which means his body would never have been at the field hospital at all. Furthermore, it claims he was hit by shrapnel with no mention of a broken neck. Unfortunately, while Bess was ill the orderly died under suspicious circumstances. Now Bess is the only one with any knowledge of the misplaced body.

Though this was my first Bess Crawford (and my first Charles Todd), I had no trouble at all diving in mid-series. The story seems to fare well on its own and I didn't feel as though I was missing any information pertinent to this particular installment. I was aware that I was missing a lot of backstory but if I didn't know this was the fourth in the series, I doubt I would have noticed in the least.

Bess is a truly engaging character. In my opinion she comes across both as a believable heroine of her time but also, considering her sensibilities, appealing to a modern reader. She's clever and determined as well as being a formidable young lady. In spite of being knocked over by the flu and the apparent danger of her knowledge of a murder, she's unwilling to forgo her responsibilities as a nurse and wait for danger to pass. Instead, she returns to France as soon as she has the opportunity -- thereby giving herself the opportunity to investigate in spite of the knowledge that she's put herself right in the crosshairs of a dangerous and ruthless killer.

Charles Todd is the pseudonym for mother and son writing team, Charles and Caroline Todd. This is one of two series the team writes together and, based on this particular installment, it seems they're the perfect union of skills. The story is seamless in both style and pacing. Their research and knowledge of the setting also comes across fantastically. Obviously I have no first hand knowledge of the period, but I found all of the details to be completely convincing.(less)

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Dec 23, 2012 Babs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-historical, mystery-romance

Wow! What and engrossing and engaging series that I am thoroughly enjoying. I’m so, so sad that I’ve just read the last book in the series, thus far. I want more!!!

A smart, strong nurse, serving in France during WWI is the heroine. This would not typically be an era that would interest me. It’s the lead character and her family that have hooked me and reeled me in – I am caught and just love this series.

The mysteries are complex, though you can follow them, and not at all obvious; at least to me...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Chris Wolak rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-thriller, world-war-i

In 2012 I won all four books of Charles Todd's Bess Crawford Mystery Series from Criminal Element. I wasn't able to dive right into them and normally I'm a stickler about reading things in chronological order, but one thing I'm discovering about myself in early middle-age is that I'm much more willing to let go of old patterns and traditions that no longer suit my needs. Therefore, I've thrown caution to the wind and read the fourth and most recent Bess Crawford Mystery, An Unmarked Grave, first...more In 2012 I won all four books of Charles Todd's Bess Crawford Mystery Series from Criminal Element. I wasn't able to dive right into them and normally I'm a stickler about reading things in chronological order, but one thing I'm discovering about myself in early middle-age is that I'm much more willing to let go of old patterns and traditions that no longer suit my needs. Therefore, I've thrown caution to the wind and read the fourth and most recent Bess Crawford Mystery, An Unmarked Grave, first. Crazy, I know.

Diving into a series that was already fully underway was like hopping on a ride already in motion. There was no slow introduction of characters and how they've come to know one another, what their motives are, etc., which may have added to the suspense for me (is Simon a trusted friend or is he involved in the murder?) On the other hand, stepping into this series four books in, the characters weren't described very well but it was easy enough to glean from the action what roles they must typically play within the series.

Much of the description of the war front and nursing was standard (deeply rutted roads, long lines of wounded to tend, the dread/desire to return to the front) and therefore I thought the atmosphere a bit lacking as these realities came off sounding like cliches at times. What was different was the emphasis here on people needing to show their papers/orders to move about, get transport, or use resources. It was not a feeling of "we're all in this together and you're wearing the right uniform," but rather that soliders and nurses often went wild and had to be disciplined, as well as the threat of spies being a real danger. The need for papers also heightened the dramatic tension of the plot.

And as far as the plot goes, there were some nice twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Overall, I thought the mystery was good, but that more care could have been taken to create a stronger atmosphere as well as a stronger sense of time and place. (less)

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Aug 28, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, mystery

Having read the previous three in the series, I can definitely say that this one is the weakest in the bunch. I always enjoy the historical details - Todd can definitely deliver on behind-the-scenes action of WII - but the rest of the mystery was barely serviceable. After one too many coincidences (a man she runs into in a barn is just the exact one she's been looking for, out of all of the millions fighting in Europe), I almost gave up. The killer, of course, always stayed one step ahead of Bes...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Patty rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Bess Crawford mystery series but the first of the books that I have read. Often when one picks up in the midst of a run like this the author explains the protagonist's past and relationships so the reader can understand what is going on with the characters. In this the writing team for An Unmarked Grave fell short for me. I felt at times as if I was foundering within the tale trying to sort out who was what to whom. It all eventually mostly made sense but it left m...more This is the fourth book in the Bess Crawford mystery series but the first of the books that I have read. Often when one picks up in the midst of a run like this the author explains the protagonist's past and relationships so the reader can understand what is going on with the characters. In this the writing team for An Unmarked Grave fell short for me. I felt at times as if I was foundering within the tale trying to sort out who was what to whom. It all eventually mostly made sense but it left me, at times, feeling lost. That being said, I did enjoy the book and would pick up another Bess Crawford mystery - probably the first few to get caught up on who is who and what is what.

In this tale Bess, a nursing sister is in France at the front working endless hours with the wounded. Things are getting decidedly worse as the Spanish influenza epidemic is afflicting the wounded and the doctors and nurses without discretion. Just as Bess learns of the murder of a family friend she comes down with the flu and is thought to be at death's door. She is whisked away home to England though the influence of her father, Colonel Crawford.

Bess slowly recovers but remembers the dead man. When she starts asking questions - did it happen or was it a dream she learns that the private who brought him to her attention is also dead. He committed suicide; or did he?

The books moves along at a slow, steady pace which is rather odd for a suspense book. Bess goes about investigating who might be killing people willy-nilly and why. People move about through the auspices of Colonel Crawford and his mysterious role in the government and Bess seems acquainted with just about everyone in both countries. Despite these contrivances I did find the book enjoyable. It was an easy read and Bess is a likable character. I can't figure out, though if she's a nun or the nurses are just called Sister. She seems to have men quite interested in her and she shows some interest in one man so that has confused me....(less)

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Jan 10, 2013 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read Unmarked Grave for TLC Book Tours.

Bess Crawford is up to her neck in surgeries, illnesses, and death. She has seen many since working at the front in France during WW1.

When she and another officer come upon a body of a officer. Something doesn't look right to her. But, she doesn't have the time to investigate further. She becomes ill with the Spanish Flu.

She is recuperating back in England, at her parents home. when she realizes what she witnessed. The officer that was killed by gunshot...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tlc, own, fiction

This is my first encounter with Charles Todd and his Bess Crawford mystery series. I was intrigued by the idea of a murder mystery set during WWI and the in the midst of the Spanish Influenza outbreak. The book had a strong start, and though there was a lot going on during the middle, I found it just a bit lacking, but it did have a solid ending. Perhaps I would have appreciated the substance of the narrative more had I read prior Bess Crawford books and had a better understanding of her father...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Judy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-novel, mysteries

I am enjoying this series, set during WWI and moving back and forth with the heroine, Bess Crawford, between the front in France and her home in England. Bess is a battlefield nurse, but at the beginning of this book she succumbs to the Spanish flu, and is transported back to England to recover. Right before she falls ill an orderly shows her the body of an officer who used to serve under her father, and who appears to have been murdered. As she recovers from the flu she isn't sure whether this...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Kai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

An Unmarked Grave is based in World War I setting. The influenza of 1918 has hit Europe. Not only was the Allies fighting against Germany, they were also fighting against the disease which killed as silently as the poisonous gas created by Germany. With the virus raging on, a killer took the perfect opportunity to strike. He would have gotten away with it if it hasn't been for Private Wilson who discovered the extra body in the shack for burial.

Because due to his fatigue, he involved Bess Crawf...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-uk-etc-thing, mystery-just-waiting-for-the-next-b

The latest in a series about Bess Crawford, an English nurse serving in World Way I, involves a mystery that connects documented war events (e.g., revenge among country men sought on the battle fields) to local events in the small English villages with which Beth is so familiar.
The challenge of attempting to deal with the wounded reminds the reader not just of this daunting task over 90 years ago but also what faces the medical profession and families with soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghan...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Lynne Perednia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Intrepid Bess Crawford is just behind the trenches in wartorn France, tending to the wounded, when the Spanish Influenza strikes in the spring of 1918. In the mdist of the chaos, an orderly notices something wrong with one of the many bodies. He didn't die of war wounds or the flu. His neck was broken.

The orderly informs Bess as someone he trusts. She promises to alert the proper people. She promises not only because she trusts the kindly older man who is the orderly and sees for herself that th...more Intrepid Bess Crawford is just behind the trenches in wartorn France, tending to the wounded, when the Spanish Influenza strikes in the spring of 1918. In the mdist of the chaos, an orderly notices something wrong with one of the many bodies. He didn't die of war wounds or the flu. His neck was broken.

The orderly informs Bess as someone he trusts. She promises to alert the proper people. She promises not only because she trusts the kindly older man who is the orderly and sees for herself that the dead man was murdered, but also because the victim was a family friend who served in her father's regiment.

But before she can get anywhere, the flu strikes her as well. In the near-fairytale atmosphere in which Bess Crawford exists, she is spirited out of France and convalesces back home as strings are pulled. For Bess Crawford has connections, most importantly her father, the Colonel Sahib.

This imposing figure and dearest family friend Simon are full-fledged confidants as she pieces together bits of information and visits various figures connected to the victim. These figures are representative of various strata in Britain's WWI class system, and as such provide a fascinating picture of people carrying on while the Great War goes on and on and on. Although Bess initially isn't quite believed, it's soon evident that the orderly, who died soon after she was taken ill, showed her something important.

Before long, more people connected with the investigation die. Bess knows the killer will target her, but her sense of duty demands that she continue. And if that means she has to take along with her a brash American officer recovering from his war wounds, that's what she will do. Even if he and Simon don't exactly take to each other. The killer gets closer and closer to Bess and her inner circle before the end, which is a classic case of the sleuth figuring it all out in the nick of time.

The world for Bess that the Todds have created is a genuine homage to the World War I era. The violence is off-screen, the characters do not directly express their feelings for each other (really, how thick are Bess and Simon to not have figured that out?) and duty reigns supreme, the plot unfolds in true tricky Agatha Christie style. The series also has other aspects of the historical era it depicts. There is no irony or nod to modern sensibility in Bess calling her father the Colonel Sahib. Women and lower class folk are expected to know their place. In one of the poignant stories told during the unveiling of the plot, a widower father who has lost several sons to the war doesn't understand why the widow of one of them won't come work the farm. Her son would grow up in fresh air but the workload would obviously kill her.

Downton Abbey fans would be well served by reading the Bess Crawford novels while waiting for a new season. Fans of Inspector Rutledge, the first series character brought to life by the Todds, will find a lighter version of the tone in that post-war series.
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Jul 23, 2012 Charlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

First, a confession . . . for some reason, I'm fascinated by WWI and its long lasting effects on the world. This is one of the mystery series that is set during WWI action (on both the front lines in France and the homefront back in England). Author, Charles Todd, writes a better series, centering on Ian Rutledge, a Scotland Yard detective, who is scarred by the War. This one, with Bess Crawford/nurse, as the detective is not as good -- perhaps because the author struggles to tie her in to each...more

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title link	preview: An Unmarked Grave
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13426049-an-unmarked-grave?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332059591l/13426049.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13426049-an-unmarked-grave?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd[/url]

An Unmarked Grave (Bess Crawford #4)

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