AN IRISH HOSTAGE by Charles Todd

Despite being happy to be at home while awaiting her next assignment from the Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, Nursing Sister Bess Crawford is a little disappointed that her parents are asking her not to stand up for Eileen Flynn, whose upcoming marriage will be taking place at her family home near a small village in Ireland. Eileen was a fellow Nursing Sister that Bess had saved from near death as a result of the injuries Eileen had experienced during the sinking of the Britannic in 1916. Yes, there was a lot of uncertainty and tension in Ireland; however, Eileen’s family had promised their protection. Surely, that would be enough? What could go wrong?

Bess loves her family but after nursing under extreme circumstances, she is used to being independent and coming up with her own effective solutions whatever the situation. Quickly thinking over her options, Bess has a plan. Taking advantage of her friendship with an American pilot, Captain Jackson, Bess lets her family know that the safest way for her to get to the wedding is by flying in and out of Ireland. It should prove to be a great experience and she will surely be safe.

The flying is glorious as Bess gets eagle-eye views over Wales to Ireland! Eager to see Eileen, Bess is shocked by her cold reception. What is happening that her reception is so hostile? And just where is the groom?

AN IRISH HOSTAGE is the twelfth book in the delightful Bess Crawford Mystery series by Charles Todd, the bestselling team of Charles Todd and his mother Caroline Todd. Along with this awesome series, the very talented Todd team also write the Inspector Ian Rutledge Series, and together both series bring to vivid life the WWI and post-WWI times that had such a tremendous impact on the lives of women and men in England and other countries. Of special note, the story in AN IRISH HOSTAGE circles back to the first mystery in the series entitled A DUTY TO DEAD.

I have read a number of mysteries in the Bess Crawford series and I really appreciate how she is developing into her own, especially as she has to grapple with key issues. Top concerns are whether she can continue in her nursing role, what can she do and what is happening (or not) in her love life, especially just what does her long-time best friend Simon Brandon means to her.

Bess is a very admirable and resolute character who is willing to do what she can to help Eileen and will not let danger or hostile relatives get in her way. I particularly enjoy Bess’s development as a character as she uses her spunk, wit, and tricks she learned over time to pass messages and in handling dangerous situations. I am positive Todd’s many fans, both new and long-standing, will have as much trouble as I had in putting AN IRISH HOSTAGE down to do other things in life!

So in summary, if you love British-based mysteries or historic novels, there is much to savour in AN IRISH HOSTAGE for both new and seasoned readers!

Again, be warned! You may end up reading late into the night as tensions and suspense are high as Bess experiences firsthand the aftermath of the Easter Rising of 1916, the conflict between the English and the Irish, between those Irish who fought in WWI hoping for eventual freedom and the many competing groups all wanting the Cause their way! Who can she trust?

In the uneasy peace following World War I, nurse Bess Crawford runs into trouble and treachery in Ireland—in this twelfth book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series.

The Great War is over—but in Ireland, in the wake of the bloody 1916 Easter Rising, anyone who served in France is now considered a traitor, including nurse Eileen Flynn and former soldier Michael Sullivan, who only want to be married in the small, isolated village where she grew up. Even her grandmother is against it, and Eileen’s only protection is her cousin Terrence who was a hero of the Rising and is still being hunted by the British.

Bess Crawford had promised to be there for the wedding. And in spite of the danger to her, she keeps that promise—only to be met with the shocking news that the groom has vanished. Eileen begs for her help, but how can Bess hope to find him when she doesn’t know the country, the people, or where to put her trust? Time is running out, for Michael and for Bess herself, and soon her own life is on the line. With only an Irish outlaw and a prisoner about to be hanged for murder on her side, how can she possibly save herself, much less stop a killer?