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

Better but still disappointing

I have read all of the Bess Crawford series and I have been very dissatisfied with the last few. This book was a bit better than the previous books but it still left me expecting and hoping for better.

Irish history is a sore subject for me and I did sympathize with the Flynns and the Irish people. The discussion of the history was pretty accurate. I was glad to see that the Famine was addressed correctly. Bess again takes chances and practices her medical skills while trying to solve a murder and kidnappings.

Finally, I am really annoyed by the Bess-Simon storyline. I urge the Todds to settle that rather than string their loyal fans along.

Rosalyn Landor’s narration was, as usual, fantastic.

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…!

Disappointed

For the first time I did not like this Bess Crawford story. The historical background was interesting but the story was very formulaic and thus the history didn’t add much to the story.

They Just Keep Getting Better!!

I have to admit that my initial reaction to the subject matter of this story was not very positive.. on several levels. But it quickly became apparent that this was to be a multi-layered, totally engrossing story. And, finally, the question we have all been asking, … what about Simon??… well, can’t say more without saying too much!! And Rosalyn Landor: Another fantastic job!!! Can’t wait for the next phase of Bess Crawford’s life!!

Bravo, Continue the Sister Beth Saga!

Loved it! I always look forward to this series, and after finishing this book, I am again in Charles Todd droughtville, until the next book is released.🌞

one of the best Bess Crawford books

i love this series but was slightly disappointed in the last book. This one made up for that I like Irish history as well as the history if the Great War. Excellent narration Rosalyn Landor is terrific

Intrigue, suspense, excitement

I love the whole Bess Crawford series💖
I enjoy the war details, and how the medical field played a part.

Bravo!

I've always been a big fan of this series, but I must admit that I wondered how it could continue when Bess' raison d'etre as a WWI nursing sister came to an end when the war was over. In the previous two novels, Bess seemed to struggle with adjusting to the post-war period and with understanding what role she might now play in society. No spoilers here, but suffice to say that in this novel we begin to see Bess facing her future, and this transition is handled with great nuance and sensitivity. Oh, but it's going to be so hard to wait until the next installment....!

Riveting

This is another of the you can’t put it downs by Charles Todd. Tight plot with clever characters..I can hardly wait for the next one.

Loved it

Loved this book I have all the books in the series please tell me there will be another book

Best of Bess

This is the best Bess Crawford novel to date. Exciting from start to tense finish. I was particularly interested in the Irish perspective having an Irish Grandfather who taught in the first world war and myself being brought up in England later to live in Ireland.