An Irish Hostage (Bess Crawford Series #12)

by Charles Todd

Overview

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 has finally come to an end, but tensions remain high throughout Europe. In Ireland, no one has forgotten the bloody 1916 Easter Rising that fought to end British rule in the country. Bess’s old friend, nurse Eileen Flynn, returns to her isolated Irish village where two factions continue to battle against each other. Eileen’s time with the British army makes her a target for retaliation. Her missing cousin, who was active in the rising and is still being hunted by the British, is her only protection.

Despite concerns about her safety, Bess keeps her promise to her wartime friend and travels to Ireland to be part of Eileen’s wedding party. But on her arrival, Bess discovers that the groom has gone missing. Then a body is fished from the sea. The villagers are hungry to see justice carried out—for wrongdoings new and old—and Eileen’s protection is running out. But clearing her name may mean sacrificing another beloved friend’s neck to the noose instead. Bess must unravel a dark, deceptive plot before someone she loves dies. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063090354
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	07/06/2021
Series:	Bess Crawford Series , #12
Edition description:	Large Print
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Charles Todd is the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries, the Bess Crawford mysteries, and two stand-alone novels. A mother-and-son writing team, Caroline passed away in August 2021 and Charles lives in Florida.

Editorial Reviews

As with all other Bess Crawford mysteries, this one is historically accurate, entertainingly written, and thoroughly enjoyable.” 

New York Journal of Books on A Cruel Deception

"As always, the mother-son writing team of Charles Todd does a magnificent job with atmosphere and dialogue, all while keeping their good-hearted heroine one step (but only one) ahead of the bad guys .

BookPage on A Cruel Deception

"As usual, Todd mixes historical verisimilitude with exemplary character design and sharp plotting. Another fine entry in this popular series.

Booklist on A Cruel Deception

[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

"Bess is among the most compassionate and intelligent characters, whose observations on life and people are advanced for the era in which she lives.."

The Sun-Sentinel (Florida)

Intensely personal, as all great stories should be.

Anne Perry

I love series that follow particular characters over time and through their experiences, so I automatically read the latest installments from . . . Charles Todd.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Terrific . . . A Cruel Deception shows that there are still plenty of stories left for Bess Crawford, and I cannot wait to see what happens next."

Book Reporter on A Cruel Deception

"Bess is among the most compassionate and intelligent characters, whose observations on life and people are advanced for the era in which she lives.."

null The Sun-Sentinel (Florida)

Terrific . . . A Cruel Deception shows that there are still plenty of stories left for Bess Crawford, and I cannot wait to see what happens next."

null Book Reporter on A Cruel Deception

"So much happens within this complex plot, and there is a level of suspense throughout the book that readers of the previous 11 novels haven’t experienced. Those who are aware of the historical events that drive this story will find themselves torn between the sentiments of the British and Irish characters. An Irish Hostage is yet another triumph for Charles Todd and one of the most memorable additions to the series." — Book Reporter on An Irish Hostage

"The Crawford series has been consistently strong, each book as crisply written and suspenseful as the last." — Booklist on An Irish Hostage

“[A] fast-paced historical mystery…Bess demonstrates presence of mind under fire, strong nursing skill, and adept calls of judgment.” — New York Journal of Books on An Irish Hostage

“A captivating mystery of treachery and bravery during the post WWI Irish troubles!” — Fresh Fiction on An Irish Hostage

“Sensitive, beautifully written, disconcertingly familiar.” — Kirkus Reviews

“[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

"Bess is among the most compassionate and intelligent characters, whose observations on life and people are advanced for the era in which she lives.." — The Sun-Sentinel (Florida)

“Intensely personal, as all great stories should be.” — Anne Perry, Internationally Bestselling Author

"As always, the mother-son writing team of Charles Todd does a magnificent job with atmosphere and dialogue, all while keeping their good-hearted heroine one step (but only one) ahead of the bad guys .” — BookPage on A Cruel Deception

“I love series that follow particular characters over time and through their experiences, so I automatically read the latest installments from . . . Charles Todd.” — Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Times Book Review

"As usual, Todd mixes historical verisimilitude with exemplary character design and sharp plotting. Another fine entry in this popular series.” — Booklist on A Cruel Deception

“Terrific . . . A Cruel Deception shows that there are still plenty of stories left for Bess Crawford, and I cannot wait to see what happens next." — Book Reporter on A Cruel Deception

“As with all other Bess Crawford mysteries, this one is historically accurate, entertainingly written, and thoroughly enjoyable.”  — New York Journal of Books on A Cruel Deception

From the Publisher

"The Crawford series has been consistently strong, each book as crisply written and suspenseful as the last."

Booklist on An Irish Hostage

[A] fast-paced historical mystery…Bess demonstrates presence of mind under fire, strong nursing skill, and adept calls of judgment.

New York Journal of Books on An Irish Hostage

A captivating mystery of treachery and bravery during the post WWI Irish troubles!

Fresh Fiction on An Irish Hostage

"So much happens within this complex plot, and there is a level of suspense throughout the book that readers of the previous 11 novels haven’t experienced. Those who are aware of the historical events that drive this story will find themselves torn between the sentiments of the British and Irish characters. An Irish Hostage is yet another triumph for Charles Todd and one of the most memorable additions to the series."

Book Reporter on An Irish Hostage