Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent book. Just when you think you have the mystery figuered out, the author surprises you. Great ending!
Helpful Score: 1
"Seamless.... a compelling insight into the home front during 1916." -- Washington Post Book World
Helpful Score: 1
I prefer the Inspector Rutledge novels, but Charles Todd always delivers a top-notch read.
Helpful Score: 1
After her grandfather's death, Francesca - being the last of the Hattons, is approached by several people unknown to her with seemingly strange requests. Additionally, there is Richard, a soldier wounded in WWI, who claims that her grandfather murdered his mother. Francesca is forced to unravel her grandfather's secrets ... is she and were her cousins (who all died in WWI) indeed related to her grandfather? Why did he conceal two estates from them? And what was the connection between him and Richard's mother?
A very readable novel, not really *that* suspenseful, but great characters, and evoking the times and horrors of WWI in 1916 England. I like Todd's style, but I liked "A Cold Treachery" better than this one.
A very readable novel, not really *that* suspenseful, but great characters, and evoking the times and horrors of WWI in 1916 England. I like Todd's style, but I liked "A Cold Treachery" better than this one.
A departure from the author's usual characters, but very enjoyable and a satisfying read.
I love murder mysteries in historical settings so this book sounded very interesting. I had also never read any books by this author before. All I can say is that I was very disappointed. Halfway through the book I couldn't take it anymore. I was bored to tears with the plot and the characters. The story was so slow-moving. I kept waiting for something meaningful to happen and it never did.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Charles Todd's Ian Rutledge WWI mysteries, I was surprised to find this non-Rutledge title by Todd, pleasantly surprised! This is a 'thumping good read,' not easy to put down. Just the sort of mystery to take you out of a reading funk. This is on my top 10 list for the year.
An English mystery set during World War I.
As always Charles Todd delivers a thrilling page turner.
Liked it as much as the Inspector stories
The Great War is still raging when Francesca Hatton's adored grandfather dies on the family estate in England's isolated Exe Valley. Among his effects, Francesca is stunned to find an unsigned letter cursing the Hattons and their descendants. Then a stranger appears, accusing her grandfather of murder. Was the loving protector Francesca remembers really a vindictive man who cultivated dangerous enemies?
