A review by nonna7
The Black Ascot by Charles Todd

5.0

As I was reading this, I realized that I missed the one that came before this one, The Gate Keeper, so there were some references that I didn't quite understand. This didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this one. Rutledge learns that a man who ran away before his trial for murder may be back in England. He reports it to his superior who tells him to follow up the report and bring back the fugitive if he can find him. Rutledge approaches this in his usual meticulous fashion. Then something shocking happens which causes him to rethink his ability to function with the shell shock he has been hiding from the world. Shell shock is considered shameful and weak which isn't surprising. We have really only come to grips with shell shock now known as PTSD. I don't want to give too much away in this one. Suffice it to say that there is a LOT going on here including a gross misunderstanding. As always the background is impeccable. I do find myself aching for Rutledge to find peace, but that would make the series far less interesting.