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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I just finished the entire series. Is it epic literature? Nope. Is it pretty decent mysteries with occasionally intriguing twists. What I love about the series is how it sharpens the experience of the World War One Veteran and how shell shock was something to be ashamed of to the point of loosing one's job. The key "gimmick" is really interesting and crescendos around book ten or so. But the last two books, I think the author lost how to deal with it as it barely makes an appearance. It also drives me batty that he never ever refers to past experiences despite a tight timeline of just a year or so.
Good first effort. Some difficulties: POV jumps around and some characters become suddenly omniscient.
First book finished in 2023. I like Ian Rutledge as a character, will probably keep going but historical mystery is not really my thing. My grandmother recommended this book and after reading all of Ann Cleeve's books, it's a hard act to follow. Is this a TV series? It felt like it would be a good one. It probably already is. Like Hamish. I did lose a little interest in the last 1/4.
Inspector Ian Rutledge, the Scotland Yard investigator featured in this series of books by Charles Todd that begins with A Test of Wills has returned from the trenches of WWI, suffering from shell-shock, and struggling to regain command of the skills that established him as one of the Yard's most promising investigators. In this mystery, his superior, Chief Superintendent Bowles, has sent him to Warwickshire to investigate the murder of Colonel Harris. Suspects include a decorated airman, who is engaged to Colonel Harris' ward, and another local who also suffers from the debilitating effects of warfare. Attempting to uncover the murderer pits Rutledge against not only the gruff rural denizens of the English town, but also his own inner demons. Colorfully written, with a unique take on the "troubled sleuth", Todd has created a memorable character whose adventures I eagerly anticipate.
medium-paced
3.5 stars. This book was a little repetitive and the ending was nutso but I enjoyed it. I liked Inspector Rutledge and his past and present make an interesting character. I will definitely read some more of this series.
Really a pretty good book, both as a mystery and a period piece. I can't believe I managed to let the solution very nearly catch me by surprise, except that I was perhaps distracted by the other aspects (history, setting). The story is set immediately following WWI, which is not a time period I am very familiar with. Some of the technology seemed a little too modern, but that may just be my ignorance.
The interesting thing about this series is the narrator's "handicap." The social stigma surrounding this issue was very well-handled, and the author manages to avoid any gimmickry or sentimentality, but I personally found it a little creepy.
The interesting thing about this series is the narrator's "handicap." The social stigma surrounding this issue was very well-handled, and the author manages to avoid any gimmickry or sentimentality, but I personally found it a little creepy.