Great place to start the series!
by Charles Todd
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A political mystery set in 1900 India. At this time a place of flux, with various kingdoms vieing to retain what autonomy they have, and unease at all levels of society, from the streets to the zenana.
I had never read a Bess Crawford mystery and this introduction already has me marking down books to read. Todd states you needn't be a fan to read the prequel, and let me just add that after reading this, if you're like me, you'll definitely be a fan!
I love the character of the woman behind the beginning of the story, Melinda Crawford, the well connected widow of a British army officer, who sees a young man in pain and decides to do all she can to assist him. She arranges an alternative path for young Simon Brandon in India where he excels at his now chosen path, until accused of murder when in charge of the Indian Princess Parvati's protection detail. That's also where we see more of the political tensions between the British and the Indians. What I enjoyed was the forceful and competent workings of Mrs Richard Crawford, wife to the Colonel in charge, Bess' mother, and Bess as a child as they seek to change the outcome for Simon. I was struck by the women in the story who, in many cases quietly and determinedly, use their positions and abilities to assist matters to satisfactory outcomes.
A satisfying read for someone like me who really loves historical fiction and mysteries set in India.
A William Morrow and Custom House ARC via NetGalley
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