wonderful historical mystery
I have read all the previous novels in the Ian Rutledge series and they have all been not only well-developed mysteries but also fascinating insights into the effects of war on the human character. This latest novel was no exception and I highly recommend it.
While this novel, as all the others, can be enjoyed on its on merit, I found that starting with the first in the series is helpful.
Rated of 5
by Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Another Great English Mystery
The mother and son writing team, Charles Todd, have produced another great mystery in their Ian Rutledge series. Lonely Death is the 13th book which features a young Scotland Yard Inspector, recently returned from the Great War, shell-shocked with mental war wounds which are always present. Set in 1920 the series is an atmospheric depiction of the post-war era in England. Never far from his war memories, Inspector Rutledge uses his intellect and his experience from the war to investigate step-by-step until he solves his cases. He's a character you will respect, enjoy and root for. This book stands alone if you have not read the series, but once you read it, you will probably want to read the first book in the series, A Test of Wills.
Rated of 5
by Pamela S. (Winnetka, CA)
A Lonely Death
This is the first book I have read of An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery. I thought it was very interesting & kept my attention. The characters were well developed & you learn to like or dislike them with all their faults. It's an enjoyable read. I would like to read the books in the series.
Rated of 5
by Anne M. (Austin, TX)
Excellent mystery
Although this mystery is quite far along in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel -- although some background knowledge of the detective does help.
The setting is rural England, post-Great War Rutledge is a shell-shocked veteran, and three men -- all veterans -- have been murdered. It's interesting to see how Rutledge manages to solve the mystery without today's technology (he has to go to another village to use the phone, and of course DNA is not even a pipe dream yet), but also to see how little English country life has changed in almost a century.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to dig in to other Rutledge novels!
Rated of 5
by Carrol Ann S. (Ventura, CA)
A Lonely Death
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my introduction to the Charles Todd mysteries. Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge is so real and likable, clever and determined in his detective work all while dealing with his own demons from his World War I experience.
Who is murdering the soldiers trying to put their lives together after surviving the hell of war? And why them, who is next? Inspector Rutledge must dig deep to puzzle out the answer, for his reputation is in the balance.
I want to see more of the inspector so will be hunting up the previous Charles Todd mysteries.
Rated of 5
by Jenny P. (Cupertino, CA)
Excellent Read
The latest entry in the "Inspector Ian Rutledge" series is a great read, full of twists and turns and perfectly captures the atmosphere of England after the 1st World War. The mother-son duo writes seamlessly and some of the descriptive passages are truly engaging. Even though the identity of the villain becomes clear as the plot develops, my interest was held to the very last page. The character of Ian Rutledge is endlessly fascinating and the setting in the south of England is extremely vivid. The circumstances in which Inspector Rutledge finds himself remind me of the William Monk stories by Anne Perry and anyone who has read these books will be sure to find this series riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a well plotted mystery.
Rated of 5
by Patricia S. (New Canaan, CT)
Another Inspector Rutledge winner
Although I haven't read any of the other 12 Rutledge mysteries written by the mother-son writing team Charles Todd, I'm looking forward to starting tomorrow. I had to refer back to a review of the first book to understand more about Rutledge's alter ego Hamish Mcleod. This book has many layers and many deaths and just when you think you've solved the mystery-something else happens in the small towns in England. I liked that it took place in the 1920's when life was a little less electronic.
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by Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
