If you're one of the many people who watched this week's episode of Downton Abbey, you might find yourself suddenly curious about–spoiler alert–Spanish Influenza. I did some googling this morning, and apparently in 1918, 20somethings were in trouble:
"Not only was the Spanish Flu (as it came to be known) strikingly virulent, but it displayed an unusual preference in its choice of victims—tending to select young healthy adults over those with weakened immune systems, as in the very young, the very old, and the infirm. The normal age distribution for flu mortality was completely reversed, and had the effect of gouging from society's infrastructure the bulk of those responsible for its day to day maintenance. No wonder people thought the social order was breaking down. It very nearly did."
Seriously, though, if you haven't seen the episode yet, don't read this blog post, which questions the accuracy of Downton's experience with the epidemic. Instead, I recommend taking some precautionary vitamin C and getting started on the Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd (a mother and son writing team who have garnered fans, and accolades, the world over). The latest book in the series, An Unmarked Grave, has our intrepid battlefield nurse/sleuth taking on Spanish Influenza and a soldier's mysterious murder. Fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series and Agatha Christie devotees will especially enjoy Charles Todd. But don't just take my word for it–if you're going to PLA next month, meet Caroline Todd (one half of the duo) and see for yourself. Caroline will be participating in the AAP's Mystery Solved Panel and afterwards, signing at the HarperCollins booth (#523). Not going to Philly? You can catch her on the Mystery PopTop Stage at ALA this summer.
So many mysteries, so little time! You might just want to call in sick for this series.
-Kayleigh