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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
abeth_parker's review against another edition
3.0
I love Charles Todd. I hope to one day be able to say I've read all of their books. This one is not my favorite. The plot seemed a little too over the top. But, as always, Inspector Rutledge saved the day, and met some interesting people along the way. This one definitely had a bit more in the way of war flashbacks, since one of the characters knew Rutledge in the war. I will always pick up a Charles Todd book when I'm at the library.
chuckri's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
megmcardle's review against another edition
4.0
A rainy afternoon seemed the perfect time to read the newest entry in the moody Charles Todd mysteries about shell-shocked Scotland Yard detective Ian Rutledge. As a big fan of the time period, I have always liked series like this and the Maisie Dobbs books by Jacqueline Winspear, because they take you so vividly to a time and a place absolutely dominated by a shared experience, World War I. Rutledge is an interesting character, deeply scarred by his war experiences, but trying to move on with his career in Scotland Yard. His coping mechanism is an unusual one, in that he hears (in his head) the voice of one of the men who died under his command in the trenches. This distinctive inner voice is both an intense distraction, but also a second conscience. And strangely enough it makes him a better policeman. The plots of the series are not nearly as interesting as watching poor Rutledge battling his demons. Author Todd writes classic examples of what used to be called the "fair play" mystery, where all of the information that a reader might need to solve the mystery is provided, if hidden amongst red herrings. He cheats a bit here, and the story drags a little in the middle, but it contains a good climax and reveal, which manages to surprise due to the large number of possible suspects. If it had been a little tighter plotted, I would have happily given it more than a guarded 4 stars. As it is I still look forward to the next in this interesting series.
hudsone45's review against another edition
4.0
i feel like the series has taken an upward trend. Also enjoyed the resolution here.
Must admit was confused and thought Hamilton was from another book earlier in the series.
Must admit was confused and thought Hamilton was from another book earlier in the series.
carebear102106's review against another edition
5.0
These books are so good. And they always keep me guessing until the end.
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
3.0
This was not the best in the series. I am hopeful that it picks up again, but this one was rather preposterous. The whole fake hostage situation was just stupid.
nonna7's review against another edition
3.0
This novel takes place starting in February, 1920. Ian Rutledge has been back in Scotland Yard after the Great War for less than a year. The war haunts him as it has so many of the men who survived. Rutledge is working an important case in London when he is told that a case in a small town along the southern English coast requires his attention. A man is holding a woman hostage and insists that Rutledge personally investigate. He served under Rutledge in the war. Rutledge despises him because his uncle, a bishop with connections, had him pulled out of combat. Despite his personal dislike, he agrees to investigate. The former officer is holding the wife of a retired foreign service officer. They were in love before the war, but he told her not to wait. She met Matthew, a retired foreign service worker, and fell in love. When the war was over, her former love followed her to her new town. When her husband is badly beaten, her former lover is suspected. He takes her hostage but with her help which complicates matters. This book seemed to be a bit of a stretch compared to some of the others. Even in Great Britain of 1920, I doubt that civility would allow someone to be held hostage for that long. It really is a intriguing story though with a interesting ending.