Walnut Tree PB - by Charles Todd (Paperback)

About the Book

The author of the acclaimed Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford mysteries returns with a bittersweet love story, set at Christmas during the dangerous opening days of World War INa delightful holiday gift in the tradition of the award-winning television series "Downton Abbey."

Book Synopsis

"You're going to love Todd."
--Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

The critically acclaimed creator of the Inspector Ian Rutledge and battlefield nurse Bess Crawford mystery series, Charles Todd now offers readers a bittersweet love story and romantic mystery that unfolds at Christmas during the dangerous opening days of World War I. The Walnut Tree is an unforgettable story of a woman who puts herself in the line of fire for the sake of wounded soldiers and falls deeply in love with a man who may be forbidden to her. For anyone who has fallen under the spell of Downton Abbey, and for all the fans of the British-set mysteries of Elizabeth George, Anne Perry, Ruth Rendell, Martha Grimes, and Jacqueline Winspear, The Walnut Tree is essential reading.

From the Back Cover

In the tradition of Downton Abbey comes this bittersweet love story, set at Christmas during the opening days of World War I

In 1914, while in Paris visiting her friend Madeleine, Lady Elspeth Douglas's life is thrown into chaos when the Germans quickly overrun Belgium. Made-leine's brother Alain, leaving to join his regiment, has just proposed, and Elspeth sets out for England to tell her family. Instead, she finds herself trapped in the fighting along the French coast, shelled by the enemy. To her rescue comes Captain Peter Gilchrist. But before they can say good-bye, Elspeth and Peter are separated.

Safely in London, Elspeth is haunted by the horrors she wit-nessed in France. And she cannot forget the gallant Peter Gilchrist.

Abandoning her aristocratic world, Elspeth trains as a nurse and returns to France. There, she finds the man she has no right to love, and amid the ferocity and uncertainty of battle, she must decide whether to follow her heart or her duty--or will a cruel war take both men from her?

Review Quotes

"Unnervingly beautiful historical novels. . . . The mother and son who write under the name Charles Todd get it all right." - New York Times Book Review
"Todd's novels are known for compelling plotting with a thoughtful whodunit aspect, rich characterization, evocative prose and haunting atmosphere." - Richmond Times-Dispatch
"Find some cures for the post-Downton Abbey blues ... Charles Todd has been producing a series of highly praised detective novels set in the years immediately after World War I." - Tulsa World Scene
"Few writers surpass Todd in depicting the insanity of war." - Kirkus Reviews on A Bitter Truth
"Engaging...highly recommended for fans of wartime mysteries, plucky women sleuths like Maisie Dobbs, and the DOWNTON ABBEY television series." - Library Journal
" (The) spirited heroine and her tribulations will appeal to romantics...That walnut tree has a sweet Christmas cameo." - USA Today
"Waiting for PBS's Downton Abbey to resume or pining for the pleasure of a new Todd mystery? This World War I story, with a pleasant nod to the Christmas season, will give longtime fans a reason to rejoice and will surely attract new fans lucky enough to receive a gift copy. " - Library Journal