A nice quick read to give us some background on Simon one of the central characters in the Bess Crawford mysteries. This is a novella, not a full novel. As such I missed hearing what Bess thought happened and what the real reason was behind her father's early retirement. The ambiguous ending allows me to fill in the blanks. I look forward to the next full novel in this series.

This title was given to me as a digital Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This was an intense but very helpful short story giving more insight into the past of Simon. It was fun to see Bess take a backseat in the story and to see the women in Simon's life (Bess's mother and aunt, for example). I already deeply admired the character of Simon before this story, and this work really helped give his character some extra depth and emotion. I *knew* the crux of the story wouldn't come to fruition, but I was still very anxious about the outcome-this speaks to the skillset that Charles Todd possess, in hooking the reader. As always, cannot wait for the next read in this series!

I read this and enjoyed it, but I don't know that I think it will help me to stay interested in the Bess Crawford series which has been repetitive in its last few books.

An interesting little novella into the background of Simon Brandon, who is featured so prominently in the Bess Crawford mysteries. A lot of questions get answered by this story which make it an enlightening read.

Great place to start the series!

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
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Although I have not read that many Bess Crawford book, I really enjoyed this short background story about Simon. I loved hearing how he was so much a part of the family while Bess was growing up in India. It will add depth to my reading when I return to a Bess Crawford story.

A short story from the world of Bess Crawford, a series that I've become quite fond of over the past few years. In here we get to learn more about the back story that brought Simon Brandon into her life.

Simon, a young soldier at her father's side, has always been there for Bess. A go-between for the military, a companion, a chauffeur, a confidant, and if the readers are correct in their wishing, a soon-to-be love interest (a very slow burn indeed).

He's a constant in the novels but until this story readers haven't had a lot of background as to how Simon became enmeshed with the Crawford family. We learn that the cool-headed man we know was somewhat of a hot-head in his youth but for all the right reasons. Joining the army to escape his family, his size hides his age and it's good youth that sets him on the path to the Crawfords.

A quick read it was nice to learn more about Simon and it'll be interesting to apply this new background knowledge to future books.

A novella length pre-story concerning Bess Crawford's childhood protector Simon. Not only do we learn more about his background and toughness and history with Bess's family, we become much better acquainted with Bess's parents who go to extraordinary lengths to save Simon from being executed after being falsely accused. A short but compelling read. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

At long last, the back-story on the mysterious Simon! I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I did the previous Bess Crawford short story, The Maharani's Pearls. My only quibble is that I felt A Hanging at Dawn ended rather abruptly.

If you are a fan of the Bess Crawford series you will enjoy this book. It takes you into her childhood in India, providing the backstory of Simon Brandon. It recounts how he first became connected to the Crawford family. There is a murder and a mystery as well. Enjoy.

A great back story to the Bess Crawford series. I’ve long wondered about the origins of Simon Brandon who figures so prominently in her life.