To the Grave

By: Steve Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

A curiously dated child’s suitcase arrives, unannounced and unexplained, in a modern-day Washington suburb. A week later, American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is sitting in an English hotel room, staring at the wrong end of a loaded gun.

In his latest journey into the past, Tayte lands in wartime Leicestershire, England. The genealogist had hoped simply to reunite his client with the birth mother she had never met, having no idea she had been adopted. Instead, he uncovers the tale of a young girl and an American serviceman from the US 82nd Airborne, and a stolen wartime love affair that went tragically wrong.

With To the Grave, Steve Robinson confirms his status as a master of the taut and delicately constructed historical thriller.

This is the second audiobook in the Jefferson Tayte mystery series, which begins with In the Blood but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

©2014 Steve Robinson (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Worthwhile listen!

Totally absorbing story. A woman in her early sixties learns she was adopted. She hires a genealogist to discover her past. The story of her parent's past runs in parallel chapters with the genealogist current investigation. Very engaging! Totally enjoyable!

After this first listen, in the Jefferson Tayte series, I enjoyed it so much, I purchased another in the series.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

sad but true

The reality of social morals, standing and expectations of war weary England are on full display in this compelling, page turner. The second on the series does not disappoint, although, I did shed a tear.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Even better than the first

I’m really enjoying Steve Robinson’s books. I’ve been doing genealogy for 10 years and I can understand the records and documents he talks about.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

poignant

I try to avoid sad sad stories. This had some of the tragedy reminiscent of Dr Zhivago. All the mystery is there but beware. Excellent story and narration. I think I've found a new favorite author.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful performance and nicely written! Love the series!!

Steve Robinson has a smash hit series here with Jefferson Tayte. These books are highly entertaining, factual to the time period and always have a twist or two that leave you whirling. There are no curse words in the entire book! Imagine that these days! You don't ever have to be embarrassed if someone overhears the book. The love interests are believable, but not overly graphic. His descriptions are spot on, but not over the top like many books I've read. All in all, these books are wonderful! I hope Steve Robinson will continue the series for years to come!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great WWII Story of Romance, Love, Loss, Lies

This is another terrific mystery/history story. It seemed so real even though you know it is taking place in 1944. A family torn apart by secrets withheld. A young girl forced into a home for unwed mothers from which one never escapes. That was how the Catholic Church at the time 'helped' protect morality. Lock up the girls, give away their babies. Mena is tragic because she is too young to get away from her domineering, strict Catholic, mother. The mother was hiding her daughter's pregnancy. I could go on and on but the story was about an American Genealogist hired to find out why a red suitcase arrived at the house of a woman who becomes his client. The suitcase serves as the beginning point but it leads to all kinds of twists and turns to the past and back to the present. How the sender of the suitcase knew where to send it is still a mystery to me. The whole book keeps you on your toes to get to the end so you can find out what happened to Mena. Stories like this book depicts happened to many families and stills happen today when people keep secrets. Steve Robinson is an excellent story teller and Simon Vance is a great narrator telling the story. Can't wait to find out what Jefferson Tayte gets into in the next book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

strong series so far

the narration is very good. I'm planning to read the next entry soon. interesting plot lines

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

loved it. really captivates. I love his style.

usually don't leave reviews, but I really enjoy this series. I loved the mystery and intrigue.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Much better...

than the first book. I had been hesitant to buy the second book because the first was difficult to get into. I was, however, surprised to find myself interested in this one.

The WWII flashbacks were well done as were the characters and family interactions.

Simon Vance, as always, was a good listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tear jerker!

Found myself blobbing in tears over this wonderful story. Ok, a Steve Robinson fan I am for sure. And yes, we who have done genealogy work even as a hobby know the strange unusual heart breaking info we can find. Perfect book

Compelling mystery

Would you listen to To the Grave again? Why?

I would listen to it again. I found it absolutely compelling and just could not switch it off. Listened to it in one day.

What was one of the most memorable moments of To the Grave?

When it was revealed that Mena had been raped after keeping us guessing

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scene with JT and Eliza and Mr Wells when it was revealed that although Mena had had an unhappy life at least she knew some happiness in her final years.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely. Luckily I was on leave.

Any additional comments?

I intend to recommend this book to my family and friends. I enjoyed it so much more than 'In the Blood' and sincerely hope there will be more as good as this one from Steve Robinson.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Superb

I loved this book and it had me totally engrossed to the last when all the questions were answered. It was so very sad and as I got to the end the tears were brimming. The narrator did an excellent job. I would definitely read more by Steve Robinson.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Waiting for something to happen

Slow story. Fill of inaccuracies about British records of births, deaths and marriages. Second World War characters who's sound like they've learned English from Dick Van Dyke

To the Grave

From the very beginning i was lost in this beautifully written and narrated book. It was gripping and totally enthralling! A book showing how secrets and controlling families can ruin a life, that should have been happy and full of love, first book I've read from this author, but it won't be the last!

Excellent

An enjoyable story with a good narrator who tells the story well.
A good read!

Brilliant

Brilliant book, keeps you hooked right to the end. Surprising twist and turns, will definitely listen to another.

Slow

Enjoyed the first book in the series but just couldn't get interested in this one. Slow, slow and slow!

great listen

I got a bit confused at first with the characters but hang in there. great narration and great storyline

Mothers ruin

Interesting and thought provoking story of Victorian moral hang-ups that blighted our nation till the 60's. With both stories running together it was hard work to put the book down as one story built up the other started to gather speed. Very enjoyable and highly recommended .

Brilliant and heart wrenching.

I had tears in my eyes by the end. Living in Leicester it made me realise just how much the city and it's shires has seen. Made me proud and heartbroken.

An absolute must listen.