An Irish Hostage

A Novel (Bess Crawford Mysteries, Book 12)

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

“[Readers] are bound to be caught up in the adventures of Bess Crawford.... While her sensibility is as crisp as her narrative voice, Bess is a compassionate nurse who responds with feeling.” (The New York Times Book Review)

In the uneasy peace following World War I, Nurse Bess Crawford runs into trouble and treachery in Ireland - in this 12th book in the New York Times best-selling 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 man being hunted for murder on her side, how can she possibly save herself, much less stop a killer?

©2021 Charles Todd (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Very good

I enjoyed this story and the characters. It did end with a romantic cliffhanger however. Wonder if this is a series.

not their best

repetitive dialogue—not enough substance to warrant its length. a shame— i enjoyed the earlier books in the series

Slow going

This Is a thin plot, so not much really happens for long stretches at a time, except a lot of tedious and repetitive internal thoughts on Bess part. The history was interesting. Eileen is an unlikable character and useless. I skipped and fast-forwarded quite a bit. Rosalyn is a stellar narrator, but she usually forgot to use the Irish accent. Sometimes it was there; mostly it was not.

Bess the nurse and maid of honor.

An Irish Hostage

Bess the nurse in World War I and the maid of honor who flew into Ireland for her best friend Eileen's wedding. Someone took Michael hostage and before they knew it the wedding was on without the groom. Last minute the groom came stumbling in and said I do. Bess the nurse took over and healed Michael the husband of her best friend.

Evil Grandmother

I didn’t know about an uprising in Ireland just as WW I was ending. This story gets Bess in the middle of things. Most interesting.

Disappointed

I really love the Bess Crawford series but the last few books have become a bit implausible and very repetitive. Bess’ stubbornness boarding now on stupidity. This story was not interesting and halfway thru I am very close to giving up. The story has not moved at all and scenes repeat over and over again. Sadly Bess’ actual story doesn’t seem to move at all with this book.

Excellent!!

I love this series and how well Rosalyn Landon narrates. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

Well Writtn

I enjoyed the story but not the narrator, the cadence is off. not sure if I would listen again

Bess seems so grown up & Simon has my heart!

The narrator is excellent! Sometimes I forget it’s one voice and could swear to you it’s multiple people narrating!

I love Bess. And every time someone tells her to leave it alone i lol inside because that means Bess WILL NOT be leaving it alone tyvm! Her intelligence, compassion and curiosity are so unique. Her sense of duty is full on this book. Making sure who she can save and protect is carried out. I enjoyed the plot and history very very much. I didn’t know this about Ireland history and so it led me to look it up after reading the book. I also truly appreciate her and Simon’s story. It’s not overdone and yet their affection and care has stolen my heart! I appreciate learning more about Bess’a feelings as she tries to work out what her next step in life & love will be. I hope Bess goes to Scotland soon and learns about Simon’s past soon!!! Also cuz I want to learn about Scotland through Bess’s eyes lol Thinking about waiting a full year for the next story is gonna be one of the hardest things I’ll have to do this year-no joke! Re-listening/reading here I go…!

Charles Todd

With Rosalyn Landor narrating this series excellent in every way.
I hope there is more to come.
Cheers