What do readers think of An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd? Write your own review.

Charles Todd books are favorites of mine, particularly the Inspector Rutledge series. I am having trouble getting interested in their new Bess Crawford series, which follows a British army nurse in France during World War I. As opposed to Rutledge, there is simply not much depth to this character. Moreover, Jacqueline Winspear covers this topic so much better in her Maisie Dodds series.

In AN UNMARKED GRAVE, the fourth in his series featuring Bess Crawford, Charles Todd presents an unexplained death among all the wartime dead. When Bess finds a body that doesn't belong with the others, and of a family friend, no less, she tries to find his murderer. First, she must overcome an attack of the Spanish flu that keeps her from following up until the body is interred in an unmarked grave. Using her father's military connections, and the help of an American patient, she tries to continue her nursing duties while detecting. The American patient introduces a possible romantic interest for future stories. Bess evades her own murder while resolving her case after several false starts. This is a strong entry in the series and encourages one to keep reading.

Being an avid fan of Charles Todd through the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, it is difficult for me to see this with fresh eyes. I entered the Bess Crawford mysteries out of order as “An Unmarked Grave” is the fourth novel in the series and the first I have read. Most of the things I really love about books written by Todd are present, the vivid portrayal of each scene, the insightfulness that comes through the main character (Bess in this series) and the broad range of historical context/perspective - all excellent. There are a number of main characters that are very likeable. What got in the way of my full enjoyment of “An Unmarked Grave” was the plot itself. The motivations of the villains, the speculations involved in solving the mystery, the behavior of various characters and the circumstances surrounding how people came to be in one place or another at the time they did left me thinking “Huh? Oh well” and then I would read on. I believe that as long as you’re not a real stickler for how neatly the plot is knit together or for believability there is plenty in this novel to enjoy. For those first reading Charles Todd’s Bess Crawford series, I recommend starting with the first of the series and read through. When you progress to this book, you will buy it, enjoy it and likely say “It's not one of the best” and go on to the next one. From my experience with the Ian Rutledge series, I expect you will be rewarded. What saved “An Unmarked Grave” for me is that it is written by a very gifted writing team. The plot represented a bit (albeit a central bit) of gristle in an otherwise good steak (vegetarians please edit with a suitable metaphor). Much good writing and enjoyable personality amidst a story not so well crafted.

Lately I've been entranced by all things British and this book didn't disappoint in satisfying me. I've not read the preceding books in the series but will.
Bess Crawford is a wonderful character, way ahead of her time as an independent woman. She delves into solving the mysteries of the deaths presented with determination and courage. She's clever and very feisty.
The author's vivid descriptions of time and place were easily seen in my mind's eye.
The book would appeal to any period mystery lover, especially women.

Another Charles Todd success! I thoroughly enjoy reading their little mysteries set during WWI. Nurse Crawford's voice puzzles over the increasing facts and events leading from a murder on the fields of war. She is as tenacious as a bull dog, not willing to give up until she gets to the very bottom of the mystery. I have enjoyed all of the Todd mysteries and recommend them to others who like light, entertaining mystery reading.

I always enjoy books by Charles Todd, and this was no exception. The characterization made you care about the people and most seemed very believable. The historical background added to the authenticity with its accuracy. The only complaint has to do with the Dickensian string of coincidences. Otherwise the plot holds and the ending surprises. A satisfying read.

When I received my copy of An Unmarked Grave I was very excited. I had wanted to read both series by Charles Todd, (actually a mother and son team) known for their Ian Rutledge series and then for this series about Bess Crawford, a WWI nurse. The setting is during the Spanish Influenza, a most devastating time in history. Bess is working right in the trenches in England and France, saving lives and overwhelmed with soldiers who have been wounded or have contracted the deadly disease. In the midst of this is a mystery and I believe that while many will enjoy it, I found that I just could not get attached to Bess Crawford, the main character. It may be because I have not read the 3 mysteries that precede this book. It left me rather cold and disappointed. I felt this same way about the Maise Dobbs series, so probably if you are a fan of those you will like this book. I was glad when I finished it and could move on to something else.

I had not read any of the prior books in this series, so that may have affected my view of this book. Even though the historical descriptions of the WWI settings in France and England were very detailed, the characters could have been developed a little more.

This being said, it is still an average historical mystery with a couple of twists and some suspense. So if you are looking for an quick and easy, as I call them, "vacation read" (one that doesn't make me think too hard), An Unmarked Grave would be a good choice.