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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Charles Todd never disappoints, this is a very good read whether it is raining or not.
I have read all of the Charles Todd Books with this main character. have loved them all. Waiting for more.
I had no idea that this book was part of a large series, but coming in cold presented no problem to following the story. It easily stands on its own. It has also tempted me to seek out others in this series.
The book takes place shortly after the end of WWI, as men are coming to deal with the aftermath of what they saw in France during the war. When a suspicious motorcar accident occurs in the town of Burling Gap on the East Sussex coast, Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard is called in to assist the local constable. As Rutledge attempt to unravel what happened in Rector Nathaniel Wright’s last hours, he discovers a puzzle within a puzzle within a puzzle.
Assisted by a few helpful if reluctant locals and some old friends, Inspector Rutledge works to solve a case that might have been an accident or a murder. As he unfolds the details, he discovers a growing series of similar cases that acts to complicate his investigation.
Rutledge is a capable investigator. He’s thorough, but he’s also kind and caring, a good man who wants to see justice served. He’ll do what it takes to find the culprit, but he’ll be sympathetic and compassionate while he does, if he’s able.
This is an excellent British mystery, complete with dreary atmosphere, suspicious small-town residents, a beloved church rector, and a wealthy squire who might also be involved. There’s also a bumbling but capable second constable from a neighboring town.
This was a highly satisfying read. It’ll keep you guessing as it introduces you to a series of wonderful characters. The setting is interesting, and the book provides some informative information about the local geography.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I thank them for their generosity, but it had not effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
I love the way the authors are able to pull the reader into the time period after WW1. While the book may seem slow to readers of action books, it’s a reflection of the time and investigation methods available. Love the character Hamish.
CharlesTodd is the Author
I enjoy Charles Todd’s books very much.
Classic English murder mystery. Excellent plot.
Another fantastic read by Charles Todd. If you haven’t read any of the Ian Rutledge novels, you are missing a great series.
Anything by Charles Todd is good
I LOVE Ian Rutledge and all of the Todd novels about him. Cannot wait for the next one. I like the WWI historical setting as well.
I have enjoyed most of the Todd books and found this to be one of the better ones. Am particularly happy to see “Hamish” taking a less active role. I am tired of him.
This is another series but each is stand alone. There is strong character development in each novel so I read in order the minute they are published. Hamish haunts me. English life post war is extremely well portrayed. There have been many towns and trips back to London. Don’t miss this detective.
This is not one of the better books in the Ian Rutledge series. Perhaps Todd, mère et fils, is tired. But the plot is interesting and the depiction of post-war England riveting as always. Worth a read.
This is an ongoing series that I usually enjoy, but this one is slow and seems choppy. However it could be me. It’s worth trying another one in the series to make your own judgment. Setting is after WWI, in England.
liked it best of the Charles Todd novels.
A fine addition to the series.
A British Scotland Yard inspector in the year after WW I, carrying his own personal demons from that war, investigating a strange death in a sparsely inhabited costal area of Britain.
Todd invokes the period superbly and the plot moves forward slowly but surely. It has a uniquely British flavor and pace to it and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Great writing by this Mother-Son duo. So seamless that you can never guess which one wrote which part.
Very well-written historical fiction. A good protagonist who will be sustainable through many more adventures.
I always read the latest book from this author and am never disappointed.