“Todd has written a first novel that speaks out, urgently and compassionately, for a long-dead generation….A meticulously wrought puzzle.”—New York Times Book Review“An intricately plotted mystery. With this remarkable debut, Charles Todd breaks new ground in the historical crime novel.”—Peter Lovesey, author of The Circle“You’re going to love Todd.” —Stephen King, Entertainment WeeklyThe first … Entertainment Weekly
The first novel to feature war-damaged Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge, A Test of Wills is the book that brought author Charles Todd into the spotlight. This Edgar® and Anthony Award-nominated, New York Times Notable mystery brilliantly evokes post-World War I Great Britain and introduces readers to one of crime fiction’s most compelling series protagonists. Here the shell-shocked Rutledge struggles to retain his fragile grip on sanity while investigating the death of a popular army colonel, murdered, it appears, by a decorated war hero with ties to the Royal Family. A phenomenal writer, a twisting puzzle, a character-rich re-creation of an extraordinary time and place…it all adds up to one exceptional read that will delight fans of Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, Jacqueline Winspear, Ruth Rendell, and other masters of the British procedural.
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This is my discovery of the year (2016) – the series on Inspector Ian Rutledge. I have read fifteen books in the series so far and enjoyed them immensely, although I am not necessarily a fan of detective novels or of books dealing with World War 1. Nevertheless, the main character, the different storylines, the writing, have all drawn me in and I …
I love English movies, love the countrysides.
The audio version of this book really brought the characters to life. I liked the setting and the quirk that the main character had to deal with. There were some parts that dragged, but it is a good first in series book.
I actually don’t know if I recommend this book or not – am struggling with the rating – someplace between a 3 and a 4 star rating…I found the ending unlikely, which is my main point of struggle. The Inspector is a WWI vet struggling with his own inner demons – and superiors who set him up for failure.
CharlesTodd is the Author
Author builds suspense well. Protagonist. Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge, attempts to re-establish pre-war detective skills/instincts in order to solve a grisly murder mystery as he struggles to maintain his sanity despite various symptoms of “shell shock.” Set in post WWI (1919) England. Engaging on a number of levels.
The first Ian Rutledge story is a very good read. The main character’s WW I experiences have affected him deeply, and are used in a very original way by the author, who does a good job of evoking the post-WW I era in Britain. Both the character development and the mystery are intriguing. Don’t expect an action-packed thriller; the build up is …
One of my favorite writers, mom and son..these aRe so entertaining..you wI’ll be a fan too…
A Test of Wills is as fine an English country mystery as I’ve ever read. Inspector Ian Rutledge is an enigmatic protagonist, broken by horrible experiences in the Great War, voices speaking in his head, now returned to Scotland Yard to pick up the scattered threads of a life he once had. An envious superior has Rutledge assigned to a case that is …
Very enjoyable. Highly recommend the series.
I love the Ian Rutledge series. I read one of the the later books in the series and liked it so much I then started reading from the beginning. Unfortunately, I now have read almost every book in the series.
The protagonist, Ian Rutledge, is a tragic figure you will come to admire and encourage in his mental struggle to survive the insanity and …
I love the Charles Todd Rutledge books and recommend them without question
I really like this author and this character is unique and a little different than usual. I want to read more of this series and get deeper into this character and how he handles life.
I have enjoyed all the Ian Rutledge mysteries.
This author really is developing a great series based on WW I
most original side-kick for a detective
Exceptional
One of my favorite Charles Todd books. I really enjoy each new book about Insp. Rutledge. They stand alone but also build on their characters.
The Ian Rutledge ismy favorite series. They are well-written and always interesting. Highly recommend.
First of an excellent series set in post WWI London, following a detective with a secret case of PTSD…I can never figure out the murdered, excellent suspense