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jlmb's review against another edition
4.0
Glad I found this new mystery series set in England just after WWI. This is the second in the series and I was just as entertained as I was with the first one. I like the settings in rural England and the characters the author creates.
colibookworm's review against another edition
4.0
A enjoyable mystery, I loved reading it as the mystery unfolded. The ending didn't necessarily surprise me.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
In post World War I - July 1919 - Scotland Yard are asked to investigate when three people from the same family are suddenly dead. They appear to be two suicides and one accident. Inspector Rutledge is sent to Cornwall to look over the case.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery
An interesting and enjoyable mystery
ajlenertz's review against another edition
5.0
Pretty much read this in one sitting--couldn't put it down.
ericwelch's review against another edition
4.0
Inspector Ian Rutledge carries in his head the voice of Hamish Macleod. Rutledge had been forced to witness Hamish=s execution for disobedience of orders just before they were all buried by shelling that collapsed the walls of their trenches in the later part of WWI. Rutledge was hauled out barely alive, but the voice of Hamish and his running commentaries on Rutledge=s actions continues to haunt him so clearly that he wonders no one else can hear Hamish’s voice. The inspector is sent to investigate the deaths of three related individuals: two apparent suicides and an accidental fall down a long stairway. A well-connected relative finds the coincidence too unlikely and pressure from the Home Office being what it is, Ian is to verify or disprove the findings of the local constabulary. One of the suicides is an Olivia, a crippled poet. As Rutledge delves deeper into the tragedies, he learns from other members of the family that Olivia may be hiding several rather dark secrets. Evidence, all anecdotal, much to Rutledge’s despair, reveals that someone has been systematically murdering members of the family, making each killing appear to be an accident.. Soon even the local citizenry wish that this Scotland Yard interloper would just abandon the investigation, declare everything an accident, and go home. The wounds being opened are just too deep. After all, if Olivia is the culprit, and she is dead, what good can be served. “O. A. Manning [her pseudonym] is alive,” is Rutledge’s response. Todd writes very well and the suspense becomes quite unbearable as the suspicion moves from one member of the family to another. This is an excellent mystery.
mirandagrace's review against another edition
4.0
Well color me pleasantly surprised. I had read the first in the series and found it basically okay, but this book was significantly more engaging. I don't know if the mystery was better plotted (much more satisfying reveal IMHO), or because the setting and the characters felt more fully drawn (the first one had sort of a bland generic village aspect to them), but I found this a delightful mystery.
northstar's review against another edition
3.0
Inspector Ian Rutledge heads to Cornwall to investigate three suspicious deaths in the Trevelyan family. Two half-siblings, one a famous poet, allegedly committed suicide. Soon after, another half-sibling tumbles down the stairs to his death. Rutledge's suspicions are colored by the fact that the poet's verse provided him solace during his years in the trenches of WWI.
This is a classic English mystery with spooky moors, a rich but tragic family and angry villagers who don't want the past disturbed. Toss in one creepy old lady, one all-knowing servant and a dim local policeman and you could have a recipe for cliche, but I think this novel rises above that, in part because Ian Rutledge is such a strong character. He is a police inspector and shell-shocked vet trying to cope with his war nightmares, which often take the form of a dead Scottish corporal whose voice lives inside Rutledge's head.
If you want more of Rutledge's history, you probably should read the first book of this series before this second novel. I look forward to reading of Todd's books.
This is a classic English mystery with spooky moors, a rich but tragic family and angry villagers who don't want the past disturbed. Toss in one creepy old lady, one all-knowing servant and a dim local policeman and you could have a recipe for cliche, but I think this novel rises above that, in part because Ian Rutledge is such a strong character. He is a police inspector and shell-shocked vet trying to cope with his war nightmares, which often take the form of a dead Scottish corporal whose voice lives inside Rutledge's head.
If you want more of Rutledge's history, you probably should read the first book of this series before this second novel. I look forward to reading of Todd's books.
jenraye's review against another edition
4.0
I like Inspector Rutledge more with each book I read. My guesses as to 'whodoneit' were all over the board as the Inspector revealed a bit more with each passing moment. Kept me hooked to the end. Would have liked to have found out Bowle's reaction to the outcome of the investigation, but I doubt it would have been good. Eagerly anticipating reading the next in the series.