A Hanging at Dawn audiobook

Ah! It was great finally getting the background story behind Simon Brandon's early relationship with the Crawford's and how it came about. Excellent descriptions of the historical framework with the political setting of the colonial British and Indian détente of the time.

A very enjoyable prequel that allows us to see Simon Brandon in his youth up to his relationship with the Crawfords and how that all came about. Circumstances in India hold center stage for much of the action as Simon is falsely accused. It is a compelling story, well written and much appreciated by any fan of this series. In fact, I find myself to be in a very good mood after reading this novella!I think there are other novellas that I may pick up now that I was not aware of (unless I already ready them)..The Piper and The Maharani's Pearls.Additional Note: I just had to edit this review to add how much I appreciated the strong role Clarissa (Bess Crawford's mother) played in this story. She knew how to put up a fight in India where it may not have been well regarded.Kindle Purchase

A "tell all" short story about Simon Brandon. I'm a fan of the Charles Todd books, especially the Ian Rutledge series but I've read most of the Bess Crawford books so I knew exactly who Simon was and what a major role he has played in some of the series offerings. And Simon has always been a favorite character whose history was hard to get hold of. This short story gave me all I could want regarding Simon as a young boy and during his service in the military.The major incident happening in this story is very well written and well plotted just as I have come to expect from one of my favorite writing teams. Simon is serving in India during the time Bess and her family are there so the strong commitment to that family is fully explained for the role Simon will play in the adventures Bess finds herself in later. This is the perfect way to get to know the details about Simon which aren't usually disclosed in the Bess Crawford books. Quite enjoyable and recommended whether you are already a fan or not.

All Bess Crawford fans want to know more about Simon Brandon, close friend of the family. This novella unfolds his early life and explains his intimate connection with Bess’ parents, who consider him a sort of son, and with Bess, who once saw him as a brother and now, maybe more. So many avid Bess readers want them to marry; now that his mysterious past has been uncovered, will they? The next book in the series, An Irish Hostage set for release next summer, can’t come soon enough!

A must for Bess Crawford fans.Charles Todd recently released novella features Bess Crawford as a young girl in India, where she’s accompanied her parents, Colonel Richard and his wife Clarissa during their military years. We also meet Simon Brandon as a young man who rises through he enlisted ranks to Sergeant Major, watches over Bess, and gets himself into trouble. We also meet Richard’s cousin Melissa who took an interest in protecting Brandon and steering him Richard’s way.It’s a wonderful mystery that provides the back story that sets the stage for Bess’ career as a nurse during WWI and Simon’s military service under and devotion to Colonel Richard Crawford. While this one is a mystery, it’s steeped in the history of the British military in NW India on the Afghanistan border in the years after the Great Sepoy Rebellion. You get a good feel for military life in India. If only there were pictures of the scenery, the clothing, and the beautiful palaces. I’d love a few spin-off mysteries set during Crawford’s posting in India.The novella includes a sneak peak at the next Inspector Ian Rutledge mystery “A Fatal Lie” due out Feb 2021.

As with all Charles Todd books this was beautifully written; however, I did not realize it was a short story. I must have been so excited to see a new book by them that I didn't pay close attention. Nonetheless it was an excellent story.

This prequel to the Bess Crawford stories provides a lot of insight into the major characters and about the relationship of Simon to the family. Short and very worthwhile reading for Bess’s fans.

Backstory about Simon Brandon when the family was based in India (pre WWI). I was going to rate it 3 stars, but then started picking it back up to re-read sections so obviously it made more of an impression than most of my 3 star ratings.

A brief preamble to what was to become a favourite series of mine, learning how the characters originally became acquainted, and why. At 130 pages it was a very quick read.

This is a favorite series of mine. This read was a novella that explored the early life of one of the main characters in the series, Simon Brandon. Enjoyable read!

I enjoyed finding out Simon’s background and how he fit in with the Crawfords.

If you haven't read the Bess Crawford series, this novella about her friend Simon Brandon is a good place to start- it's a prequel of sorts. If you have read the series, then you will be pleased to learn more about Simon, who has always been an enigma. Set on the Northwest Frontier of India, it presents Simon as a young man and Bess as a girl. Simon, who might have been a fractious youth, is accused of a crime and sentenced to die but, as will be obvious, he does not. He does become a protector for the Crawford family. It's told from several points of view, which could have been tricky with so short a story, but it works. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A good read that left me looking forward to the next full length book.

I'm slowly making my way through all of the Charles Todd books, not in sequence and woven in between reading other types of fiction. These are my comfort stories - reliable, satisfying, predictable in that I've come to know the characters and the world. A Hanging at Dawn takes us back to the formative years of Simon, a key but somewhat shadowy character in Bess Crawford's life. The book brings him out of the shadows, adding more pieces to the ever-growing puzzle of this time, setting and Bess's adventures.But now I want more about Simon in any new Bess stories and I hope the authors will deliver!

This is an enthralling and engrossing short story prequel that begins with the introduction of Simon to the Crawford family. The authors weave an intricately plotted story in the second person from the view points of the other major characters in the Bess Crawford books. There is action, personal relationships, murder, suspense, treachery and political history - quite a feat for a short story but it is accomplished well and is exquisite in the telling. I loved that we learned more about Simon and how he became such an integral part of Bess's family - first as a soldier, then as almost a son and brother and then I hope what will ultimately become a romantic life partner for Bess. Although this book is not necessary to the rest of the series, it gives us some additional background on all of the characters (especially Simon) in the novels and is a wonderful addition to the series! As a bonus the book includes two chapters from the next upcoming Inspector Rutledge novel - an exciting teaser.