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Edward Hahn
, November 02, 2014
(view all comments by Edward Hahn)
A good friend, whose reading tastes are similar to mine, recommended that I try the Inspector Rutledge Series by Charles Todd. I must thank him the next time I see him. This was a wonderful book. Interestingly, Charles Todd is the pen name of the son and mother duo of Charles and Caroline Todd.
The story is gripping. Inspector Ian Rutledge has returned from the WW I trenches of France to his position at Scotland Yard. He's afraid he's lost his knack for seeing things other people would miss. In many ways he's a broken man; his fiance ended their engagement and what is even worse he has a dead Scottish soldier named Hamish, whom he had to execute for desertion, living in his head as an unwanted split personality constantly trying to drive him crazy. On top of everything his boss, Superintendent Bowles, hates him for his competence and assigns this case in the hopes it will drive him over the edge and out of Scotland Yard.
The case, which takes place in Warwickshire, is to investigate the brutal murder of the highly decorated and admired Colonel Harris. Since the number one suspect is also a highly decorated, well connected war hero, Bowles hopes putting Rutledge in such an impossible situation will result in his ouster from Scotland Yard. As Rutledge pursues the investigation he meets people with things to hide and/or an unwillingness to be open with "The Man from London".
The plot moves slowly but inexorably towards the final solution, which is a surprising one - a satisfying ending for both the reader and Inspector Rutledge, though not his boss.
If you like British "who-dunnits" in the tradition of Agatha Christie, et al, you will enjoy this book. I intend to continue with the following books in this series.
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