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Phyllis R. (East New Market, MD)
Too Many Lonely Deaths
In Charles Todd's 13th Ian Rutledge mystery, once again the puzzle seems to lead back to the war. I always enjoy these adventures and learn something new about the time or the war. Several young men have been killed in Eastfield near Hastings and the Yard is called in to avoid any favoritism. Rutledge still has strained relations with his superiors at the Yard, even leading to his being arrested for murder. This puzzle leads to a conclusion which goes beyond the war and has many deaths along the way. As in all previous books in the series, the voice of Hamish guides and chides Rutledge. And this story suggests a romantic interest for him, only to move it seemingly beyond his reach. Once again, Todd holds readers' interest with new developments and compelling twists as Rutledge works toward a conclusion. The scene was well set and the characters believable, but there seemed to me excessive violence for the motivation revealed.
Kathleen W. (New Brighton,, MN)
Slow and steady wins this race!
I have wanted to read something by Charles Todd for some time and A LONELY DEATH was my start. I could not read it at a fast clip which was actually a good thing. The author presents the novel in a very methodical pace and a swift reading would be disrespectful both to the language utilized and the developing plot of this complicated mystery. I also was refreshed by the author's "everyman" approach to Inspector Rutledge. He is presented as wonderfully human, with warts and all, not a Jack Reacher or a Mitch Rapp both of whom always tie everything up nicely.Worth my time and worth yours as well. I recommend this book.
Rebecca J. (Knoxville, TN)
A lonely death
As a mystery reader and history major, I enjoyed this book, especially the references to WWI which had ended shortly before the story takes place. A series of men are murdered and the question is whether their murders have to do with the war in which they all served. This book is evidently part of an Ian Rutledge (the detective) series and I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had first read other books featuring him. However, one does not have to have read the series, and the novel is well written and will be enjoyed by many.
Chris G. (New Albany, Ohio)
Good tale kept me guessing.
"A Lonely Death" by Charles Todd was my first introduction to Ian Rutledge. I was a little worried that I would not like the book at first as it is a little slow in the beginning but if you stick with it I promise you will not be disappointed.
Although this was my first Rutledge read, I did not feel that I had missed out on a ton of back story and was easily able to follow along.
Don't be put off by my rating of 4 as opposed to 5 stars. The story was very good and it kept me turning the pages - once I got over that little hump in the beginning. Had it not been for that, I would have given the book a 5.
I am pleased enough to go pick up some of the previous Ian Rutledge books and get caught up. Definitely pick up a copy of this one if you get a chance...Rutledge, a cozy fire and a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine could make for a very good weekend!
Terri H. (Battle Ground, Washington)
A Lonely Death
Charles Todd's latest novel was a little slow to start, but quickly turned into a roller coaster ride through the English countryside.
Filled with all the twists and turns and dead ends a good murder mystery provides along with a touch of unrequited love. You won't be disappointed!
Randi H. (Bronx, NY)
A Lonely Death
A Lonely Death was an entertaining mystery. The writing was excellent and kept me reading even after I'd figured out the "whodunit" before the end. And there was a secondary plot with a surprise twist at the end that was unexpected, if a bit far-fetched. This was the first Inspector Rutledge mystery I've read, and I found it enjoyable. I did not feel that I was missing any key information from not having read other books in the series. I was intrigued enough by Inspector Rutledge and some of the other characters that I plan to seek out the other books in the series.
Juliet F. (clarendon hills, IL)
best one of the series
This book delivers the pace, plot, characters, and atmospherics typical of the series, which I love. But even better, it casts 2 contemporary themes- PTSD and school bullying- very effectively into the historical context of post-WW1 England. It's very well done, and a great read to boot!
Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)
Interesting subject matter
A Lonely Death is my first Ian Rutledge read, and the author did a great job of writing it to stand alone. While it didn't rate 5 Stars with me, it was interesting and kept my attention. A tad slow in the beginning but I love an author who keeps me guessing, and this one did not fail. I liked it enough to now go back and start at the beginning of Ian Rutledge's history, which is intriguing and unsettling. This one is worth your time.
