New York Times bestselling author Charles Todd takes readers on a trip to Ian Rutledge's past, with the story of the last case the Scotland Yard detective tackles before he goes off to fight in World War I. New York Times bestselling author Charles Todd takes readers into Scotland Yard detective Ian Rutledge's past-to his perplexing final case before the outbreak of World War I. On a fine summer's day in June, 1914, Ian Rutledge pays little notice to the assassination of an archduke in Sarajevo. An Inspector at Scotland Yard, he is planning to propose to the woman whom he deeply loves, despite intimations from friends and family that she may not be the wisest choice. To the north on this warm and gentle day, another man in love-a Scottish Highlander-shows his own dear girl the house he will build for her in September. While back in England, a son awaits the undertaker in the wake of his widowed mother's death. This death will set off a series of murders across England, seemingly unconnected, that Rutledge will race to solve in the weeks before the fateful declaration in August that will forever transform his world. As the clouds of war gather on the horizon, all of Britain wonders and waits. With every moment at stake, Rutledge sets out to right a wrong-an odyssey that will eventually force him to choose between the Yard and his country, between love and duty, and between honor and truth.
Author Info
Charles Todd is the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector IanRutledge mysteries, the Bess Crawfordmysteries, and two stand-alone novels. A mother-and-son writing team, Caroline passed away in August 2021 and Charles lives in Florida.
Reviews
If you are a fan of the Ian Rutledge mysteries, then this is the best gift ever from author team Charles Todd. The novel begins on a summer day in June, the day Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated -- and coincidentally, the day Ian proposes to Jean, the woman he loves. This is a completely different look at Ian, before he is damaged by his war experiences. He is a young man in love, planning his wedding and trying to balance his demanding career in Scotland Yard with his engagement obligations to Jean. The events leading up to the British involvement in World War I are wonderfully described -- even though we know what happens, there is somehow hope that level heads will prevail. Ian's current case is possibly murder or suicide, with similarities to other suspicious deaths in the region. His imagination in looking at the crimes -- at first glance completely unrelated-- allows him to see the evidence in a completely different way than his superior, Chief Superintendent Bowles. How he maneuvers around the limitations Bowles puts upon him is totally engaging. We see Hamish McCloud at home in Scotland in peacetime, proposing to his love, then later in the novel where he meets Ian for the first time. Attentive readers will find some unexpected ties to the Bess Crawford novels. The case is satisfyingly concluded, however, the ending is bittersweet because you know what Ian will face in the war and the damage he will suffer. - Kym Havens, Wellesley Books
The inveterate inspector is at it again in the latest from the prolific pens of the mother/son duo. On a lovely summer day, the inspector and his soon-to-be fianc?e Jean Gordon are headed to Kent for a house party at Melinda Crawfords. Melinda doesnt think Jean is quite the right girl for him and wants to spend more time with her. The plot runs against the backdrop of a Europe in turmoil after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife. But that isnt the only thing on Ianâs mind. The Yard will hand him a new murder case on his return to London, one that will lead him all over Britain and to a contretemps with his new Chief Superintendent. A great read. - King's English
Ian has made up his mind. He's in love and he's asked Jean to marry him. He's not sure why the women in life (sister, aunts and friends) aren't as enthused about as he is, but he's sure she's the one he wants. She has a father who has been in the military and thinks he ought to leave Scotland Yard and immerse himself in a job that would keep him more at home. That doesn't sound like something Ian would willing to do to me. William Morrow & Company and Edelweiss allowed me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you). It's being published January 6th, so you can find a copy now at your local bookstore. Ian finds himself investigating cases where an usual death has been reported. There appears to be no reason for these men to commit suicide. Yet each of them appears to have drank poisoned milk willingly. They have nothing in common except the mode of death. Even more discouraging is the fact that his boss wants him to forget pursuing one of the deaths because the constable has arrested another man. It's the wrong man, but his boss doesn't want to hear that. There's a lot of information in this book. It talks about the start of WWI and how the English lads thought it'd be a short war and they would be home by Christmas. You learn about how Ian started as a young policeman and how he uses his own contacts to get more information. You wonder how his future marriage will work out. And you especially wonder about who is killing these men. The real kicker is even when the killer is identified, there is nothing they can do to him. The men drank the milk willingly. The last murder wasn't successful but the killer is going into the service to skip the country. No one can reach him. Or can they? - Book Faerie
“An excellent tale. As always when it comes to Charles Todd, this mother/son team of authors are in-depth, refined, and offer up a true thriller of a story.” — Suspense Magazine on A Fine Summer's Day
“A very welcome addition to, and expansion of, a much-loved series.” — Booklist
“The books are Charles Todd recounting the cases of Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge in the days following WWI are as quintessentially English as anything by Ruth Rendell, PD James or John Harvey....These are some of the finest historical mystery novels in print....Todd [is] in top form again.” — BookPage on A FINE SUMMER'S DAY
“Readers familiar with the series can’t imagine a Rutledge who doesn’t hear the voice of MacLeod in his head, and this novel adds poignancy to the Rutledge we avidly follow. Grade: A” — Cleveland Plain Dealer
“A tight plot keeps readers on the edge until the stunning final pages.” — Library Journal
“A Fine Summer’s Day” is a high point in this evocative series that has never disappointed.” — South Florida Sun Sentinel
“Pure fun for fans. ” — Charlotte Observer
“A bittersweet gift to longtime readers of this wonderful series.” — Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review
“A FINE SUMMER’S DAY is an absolute pleasure to read and a true treat for faithful readers of this series.” — Bookreporter.com