Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge finds himself caught in a twisted web of vengeance, old grievances, and secrets that lead back to World War I in the nineteenth installment of the acclaimed bestselling series.On the eve of the bloody Battle of the Somme, a group of English officers having a last drink before returning to the Front make a promise to each other: if they survive the battle ahead—and … ahead—and make it through the war—they will meet in Paris a year after the fighting ends. They will celebrate their good fortune by racing motorcars they beg, borrow, or own from Paris to Nice.
In November 1919, the officers all meet as planned, and though their motorcars are not designed for racing, they set out for Nice. But a serious mishap mars the reunion. In the mountains just north of their destination, two vehicles are nearly run off the road, and one man is badly injured. No one knows—or will admit to knowing—which driver was at the wheel of the rogue motorcar.
Back in England one year later, during a heavy rainstorm, a driver loses control on a twisting road and is killed in the crash. Was it an accident due to the hazardous conditions? Or premeditated murder? Is the crash connected in some way to the unfortunate events in the mountains above Nice the year before? The dead driver wasn’t in France—although the motorcar he drove was. If it was foul play, was it a case of mistaken identity? Or was the dead man the intended victim after all?
Investigating this perplexing case, Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge discovers that the truth is elusive—and that the villages on the South Downs, where the accident happened, are adept at keeping secrets, frustrating his search. Determined to remain in the shadows this faceless killer is willing to strike again to stop Rutledge from finding him. This time, the victim he chooses is a child, and it will take all of Rutledge’s skill to stop him before an innocent young life is sacrificed.
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Learned about a bygone era while solving a mystery.
This was an unpredictable and amazing book. Characters are well thought out and the story keeps you glued to the page through the very end.
I can always depend on Charles Todd to have an entertaining read; keeps me interested until the end.
This mother son writing team has a wonderful way developing their plot. Using beautiful locale.
Classic Charles Todd. Always good when I need a good read.
Charles Todd books always rate 5 stars.
A little hard to follow most of the way, there were so many characters that it got confusing as to who was who. I guessed the villain early since he was singled out as an unsympathetic character so it was a bit transparent, The detective’s mental anguish was a bit much and his running around day and night while no one else did anything much didn’t seem realistic.
Charles Todd and Inspector Ian Rutlesge never disappoint! Rutledge’s persistence and logical mind don’t let him accept a death at face value, especially when he learns if a recent similar death in a nearby town. The series is set after World War I, so the reader is in Rutledge’s mind as he figures out the mystery. And he is not always alone in,his mind.
I always look forward to the next Chuck Todd book. I love the detective and the stories are always remarkable.
One of my favorite series
I enjoyed it a lot. It was a “keep reading” story
I’m a serial Charles Todd reader 🙂
isnt grabbing me
Always love books by Charles Todd. This did not disappoint.
Suspenseful plot, interesting historical setting.
Great characters. I appreciate the way they have portrayed the effects of war on the main character.
Just finished Racing with the Devil. Great read and plausible resolution. I like that Hamish is mellowing a little and Ian seems better able to manage the interruptions. Maybe we all have a Hamish for some reason – coukd it be karma? The fact that I’m asking the question is tribute to the Todds’ skill. Thank you!
If you are a fan of mysteries set in post WW1 England then you will enjoy this book. Very reminiscent of Agatha Christie novels. Fun to read. I would recommend it.