This review of The Cliff’s Edge appeared previously in the May 2023 issue of Historical Novels Review.
The Shadow of WWI
Thirteenth in the well-loved Bess Crawford series, The Cliff’s Edge is set in 1919 postwar England. WWI overshadows the lives of these characters, especially Bess, a battlefield nurse, as England attempts to return to a forever-lost normalcy. While staying at her parents’ home, Bess’s cousin asks her to go to Yorkshire to nurse a family friend after surgery. Bess’s chance encounter with a recovering soldier on the train to Yorkshire demonstrates Todd’s skillful interweaving of the lasting effects of the war and his new characters: “I couldn’t see his eyes, for bandages covered them, only the lower part of his face, high cheekbones and a strong jaw, and he had a walking stick by his side to help him find his way. Shrapnel in the eyes? I’d seen it often.”
Old Hatreds on The Cliff’s Edge
At news of a serious accident involving her patient’s godson, Bess decamps to another household only to find accusations of murder. Is this a case of unfortunate accident or old jealousies turning deadly? The primary suspect is now in Bess’s care, and she’d like to believe he’s innocent. Old hatreds from the past are at work, both from before the war and during. Then the body count rises, and Bess finds her own life in danger.
Another Expert Mystery in an Excellent Series
For long-time series readers, The Cliff’s Edge delivers another expert mystery. Todd develops the character of each suspect and victim with a depth and intrigue that glues readers to the page, and layers in the plot with a delightful richness. The portrayal of life in an isolated village and its simmering tensions is a particular strength of this mystery. The ongoing romantic elements of Bess’s life entwine here just enough to keep the series’ issues cooking.
Further Reading in this Series
To learn about an earlier Bess Crawford novel in this series, you can read my review of A Bitter Truth.
Where to find The Cliff’s Edge
Here’s the link if you’d like to buy a copy on Amazon (affiliate link)
Here’s the link if you’d like to buy a copy on Bookshop.org.