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valefimbres's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
I was thrilled to learn that I'd won an Advanced Reader's Edition of the latest installment of the Inspector Ian Rutledge series. I have dipped in and out of this series, but this was the first time that I'd wished that I'd read the previous book before diving in. Despite missing the full backstories on certain plot points, I still thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. It made me want to go back and read its most immediate predecessors to find out what happened, which I'd say is a good sign. As I've come to expect from this writing duo, I found the writing style engaging and loved that the location was just as integral to the story as the characters were. The historical details that were woven in brought the time and place to life; I always appreciate the careful research that the authors do for this series to ensure the setting is just right.
Rutledge is sent to the village of Avebury, which is set inside a great prehistoric stone circle not far from Stonehenge, to investigate a seemingly impossible case on the heels of solving another one. A respected colleague already investigated the murder of an unidentified woman found near the stones, reaching no conclusions about the motive or murderer. None of the villagers recognize the woman, who seems to have been lured to the village only to be killed.
Rutledge is convinced that his supervisor has set him up to fail and that he will reach no better conclusion than his more senior colleague. However, the meticulous Rutledge soon begins to unearth clues that take him down unexpected paths, leading to dangerous conclusions. I found the pacing to be excellent and liked how Rutledge's investigation proceeded slowly, building up to the big reveal. Like Rutledge, the reader is reluctant to believe, but cannot ignore, the evidence as the pieces come together. While the revelation of the murderer's identity was not entirely a surprise, the events that take place afterwards are and provide quite the cliffhanger ending. I am curious to see the direction the series takes based on how this one ended.
Many thanks to William Morrow for my Goodreads Giveaways win and giving me a sneak peek at the latest Rutledge novel!
I used this for the 2020 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge advanced prompt "a book by an author who has written more than 20 books." This is number 22 in the Rutledge series. There are also 11 entries in the equally excellent Bess Crawford series (which I adore!), two stand-alone novels, and several novellas and short stories.
Rutledge is sent to the village of Avebury, which is set inside a great prehistoric stone circle not far from Stonehenge, to investigate a seemingly impossible case on the heels of solving another one. A respected colleague already investigated the murder of an unidentified woman found near the stones, reaching no conclusions about the motive or murderer. None of the villagers recognize the woman, who seems to have been lured to the village only to be killed.
Rutledge is convinced that his supervisor has set him up to fail and that he will reach no better conclusion than his more senior colleague. However, the meticulous Rutledge soon begins to unearth clues that take him down unexpected paths, leading to dangerous conclusions. I found the pacing to be excellent and liked how Rutledge's investigation proceeded slowly, building up to the big reveal. Like Rutledge, the reader is reluctant to believe, but cannot ignore, the evidence as the pieces come together. While the revelation of the murderer's identity was not entirely a surprise, the events that take place afterwards are and provide quite the cliffhanger ending. I am curious to see the direction the series takes based on how this one ended.
Many thanks to William Morrow for my Goodreads Giveaways win and giving me a sneak peek at the latest Rutledge novel!
I used this for the 2020 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge advanced prompt "a book by an author who has written more than 20 books." This is number 22 in the Rutledge series. There are also 11 entries in the equally excellent Bess Crawford series (which I adore!), two stand-alone novels, and several novellas and short stories.
marieleigh73's review against another edition
4.0
I have always enjoyed the Inspector Rutledge books. This was filled with a few more twists and turns and I couldn’t put it down.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook: 11hr 11m
If this book were music, it would be set in a minor key. I found this book a rather heavyhearted mystery, though still written with excellence. Another good installment in a series I have come to love.
If this book were music, it would be set in a minor key. I found this book a rather heavyhearted mystery, though still written with excellence. Another good installment in a series I have come to love.
400mom's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy this series, about Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard. Yes, I know that some readers don't enjoy the ongoing storyline of Rutledge's shell-shock from World War I or the way he always seems to be on the wrong side of his boss, but for me these make him an interesting character that I can root for. I also enjoy the way the effects of the war influence the stories. I think this was one of the better books in the series.
wendys's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.
I’m a fan of the of the Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd, and this was my first in the Ian Rutledge series. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characterization is intriguing and the pacing is perfect. I was able to follow it without having read the earlier books in the series. I’ll be going back to read this whole series through starting with the first one, and I look forward to it.
I’m a fan of the of the Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd, and this was my first in the Ian Rutledge series. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characterization is intriguing and the pacing is perfect. I was able to follow it without having read the earlier books in the series. I’ll be going back to read this whole series through starting with the first one, and I look forward to it.
thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
4.0
A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd the 22nd instalment in the " Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery" series. I won a copy from a Goodreads giveaway in 2019. Even though this is the 22nd instalment in the series, the authors did an excellent job in not letting you feel lost so it can quite easily be read as a stand-alone.
I have read a few of the earlier books years ago but nothing recent. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It made me wish I had kept up with the series especially the most recent ones to find out what happened.
The setting of Avebury Henge and the historical details that were woven into the story brought it to life in my mind. I could picture myself there which I personally always think is a good thing. I appreciated all the research that the authors must of had to do for this series to ensure everything is accurate. I googled some of the sites etc. and liked that I good see photos of Avebury Henge.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end.
I highly recommend this series to all my British Crime Mystery loving friends.
I won this novel from a giveaway on GoodReads and was asked for an honest review
I have read a few of the earlier books years ago but nothing recent. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It made me wish I had kept up with the series especially the most recent ones to find out what happened.
The setting of Avebury Henge and the historical details that were woven into the story brought it to life in my mind. I could picture myself there which I personally always think is a good thing. I appreciated all the research that the authors must of had to do for this series to ensure everything is accurate. I googled some of the sites etc. and liked that I good see photos of Avebury Henge.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end.
I highly recommend this series to all my British Crime Mystery loving friends.
I won this novel from a giveaway on GoodReads and was asked for an honest review
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
2.0
Temporarily engaging and generally inoffensive. A review for this book and, in fact, this entire series.
kriscricket's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No