Publication
William Morrow Paperbacks (2011), Edition: Reprint, 320 pages
Original publication date
1996
Collections
Subjects
Awards
Edgar Award (Nominee — First Novel — 1997)
Anthony Award (Nominee — First Novel — 1997)
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 1997)
Barry Award (Winner — First Novel — 1997)
Dilys Award (Nominee — 1997)
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML: "Todd has written a first novel that speaks out, urgently and compassionately, for a long-dead generation....A meticulously wrought puzzle." â??New York Times Book Review "An intricately plotted mystery. With this remarkable debut, Charles Todd breaks new ground in the historical crime novel." â??Peter Lovesey, author of The Circle "You're going to love Todd." â??Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly The first novel to feature war-damaged Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge, A Test of Wills is the book that brought author Charles Todd into the spotlight. This Edgar® and Anthony Award-nominated, New York Times Notable mystery brilliantly evokes post-World War I Great Britain and introduces readers to one of crime fiction's most compelling series protagonists. Here the shell-shocked Rutledge struggles to retain his fragile grip on sanity while investigating the death of a popular army colonel, murdered, it appears, by a decorated war hero with ties to the Royal Family. A phenomenal writer, a twisting puzzle, a character-rich re-creation of an extraordinary time and place...it all adds up to one exceptional read that will delight fans of Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, Jacqueline Winspear, Ruth Rendell, and other masters of the British procedural.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member sjmccreary
This is the first book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series. Inspector Rutledge has just returned to his position with Scotland Yard after serving several years in the army during WWI. He has recently been released from psychiatric care as being fit to return to work, following his suffering from
Normally when I pick up a new book, I am able to read it straight through in only a few days. This time, real life intruded and it took more than 2 weeks to finish the book. It speaks well of the writing that I didn't lose interest in the days I wasn't able to read, and that it was clear enough that I only had to backtrack a few sentences to regain my bearings when returning to the book. I enjoyed the mystery that Rutledge was trying to solve, and I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with Rutledge himself. His experiences in the war obviously had a tremendous impact on him, and, in fact, nearly every character in the book had a story to tell about their experience during the war and its effect. Enough of Rutledge's story was revealed that his actions made sense, but there was enough held back that I am anxious for the next book to learn more.
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"shell shock" (I guess now we'd call it PTSD), and is eager to keep the voice in his head a secret from both his doctors and his superiors. His first case assignment was (suspiciously) eagerly given by his supervisor, and concerned the Warwickshire murder of a retired colonel from the Great War, whose ward is engaged to be married to a captain, an air corps war hero and personal acquaintance of the royal family. The captain, unfortunately, is a prime suspect in the crime. There is a perfect scapgoat in the village, but Rutledge doesn't want to accuse an innocent man just to avoid the political sensitivity of charging such a popular and well-connected man. On the other hand, he doesn't want to charge the captain without being able to prove his guilt beyond doubt. The investigation proceeds slowly as the villagers seem unable - or unwilling - to provide him with any useful evidence.Normally when I pick up a new book, I am able to read it straight through in only a few days. This time, real life intruded and it took more than 2 weeks to finish the book. It speaks well of the writing that I didn't lose interest in the days I wasn't able to read, and that it was clear enough that I only had to backtrack a few sentences to regain my bearings when returning to the book. I enjoyed the mystery that Rutledge was trying to solve, and I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with Rutledge himself. His experiences in the war obviously had a tremendous impact on him, and, in fact, nearly every character in the book had a story to tell about their experience during the war and its effect. Enough of Rutledge's story was revealed that his actions made sense, but there was enough held back that I am anxious for the next book to learn more.
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LibraryThing member richardderus
Not quite a four-star read because the solution to the mystery wasn't exactly fair.
Still and all, the character of Ian Rutledge, shell-shocked veteran of The Great War, is wonderfully realized. He's drawn with care and kindness, yet flawed in his core by the presence of Hamish MacLeod, a dead
As to the mystery itself, well...I had 95% figured out but the big reveal was marred only by its lack of interweaving with the plot. It was a good solution and it was nicely thought out, but it wasn't part of the rest of the book, and I think that's not fair.
Still, I am gaffed in the gills. This is just plain ol' good writing! Recommended because I *love* seeing others suffer the pangs of falling for yet another mystery series. Heh heh.
Still and all, the character of Ian Rutledge, shell-shocked veteran of The Great War, is wonderfully realized. He's drawn with care and kindness, yet flawed in his core by the presence of Hamish MacLeod, a dead
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soldier whose afterlife is inside Rutledge's stressed-out brain. Hamish comes to life when Rutledge thinks he least needs him, but in the end it's Hamish whose voice resonates in the reader's skull long after the book is closed. I thought that was gutsy of Todd...making the crazy guy the sleuth and the manifestation of crazy the strong character that he is. Not many writers could pull it off, but Todd can.As to the mystery itself, well...I had 95% figured out but the big reveal was marred only by its lack of interweaving with the plot. It was a good solution and it was nicely thought out, but it wasn't part of the rest of the book, and I think that's not fair.
Still, I am gaffed in the gills. This is just plain ol' good writing! Recommended because I *love* seeing others suffer the pangs of falling for yet another mystery series. Heh heh.
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LibraryThing member Joycepa
First in the Inspector Rutledge of Scotland Yard series.
The premise of this series is a good one. Ian Rutledge, who was an officer in World War I and who suffered shell shock (now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD), has returned to his pre-war occupation, that of a Scotland Yard
Rutledge’s first post-war assignment is in a small village, where colonel Harris, a highly respected member of the landed gentry, ahs been brutally murdered. The colonel apparently had no enemies, and Rutledge, constantly seeking a motive that would explain why Harris had to die, suspects that the townspeople are holding back vital information. Rutledge probes relentless, resulting in a test of wills between him and some of the major players in the case.
Rutledge and Todd stumble around a good bit in this plot; the book never quite comes together. While Todd’s treatment of Rutledge is interesting, at some point Rutledge’s fears and doubts become too much; you want to shake Rutledge and tell him to snap out of it. Todd never quite manages to evoke the empathy for Rutledge that Todd so desperately tries for. The rest of the characters are adequately portrayed and seem very true to the era, but there is something lacking; they never quite come alive.
Still, given the premise, here’s hoping that, since this is the first book in the series, Todd will manage to pull it together in upcoming installments. Though not a really good book, it’s not a bad one, either, and I intend to give the series one more shot.
The premise of this series is a good one. Ian Rutledge, who was an officer in World War I and who suffered shell shock (now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD), has returned to his pre-war occupation, that of a Scotland Yard
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inspector. Nearly driven insane by his experiences in the trenches, including being temporarily buried alive in the mud from a direct hit by artillery, Rutledge under stress hears the voice of his dead Scottish corporal, Hamish McCloud. Afraid that he has lost the skills that made him so effective in his job before the war, Rutledge not only has to perform in his job but also has to fight back against Hamish, who is the voice of his fears, his doubts, and his guilt.Rutledge’s first post-war assignment is in a small village, where colonel Harris, a highly respected member of the landed gentry, ahs been brutally murdered. The colonel apparently had no enemies, and Rutledge, constantly seeking a motive that would explain why Harris had to die, suspects that the townspeople are holding back vital information. Rutledge probes relentless, resulting in a test of wills between him and some of the major players in the case.
Rutledge and Todd stumble around a good bit in this plot; the book never quite comes together. While Todd’s treatment of Rutledge is interesting, at some point Rutledge’s fears and doubts become too much; you want to shake Rutledge and tell him to snap out of it. Todd never quite manages to evoke the empathy for Rutledge that Todd so desperately tries for. The rest of the characters are adequately portrayed and seem very true to the era, but there is something lacking; they never quite come alive.
Still, given the premise, here’s hoping that, since this is the first book in the series, Todd will manage to pull it together in upcoming installments. Though not a really good book, it’s not a bad one, either, and I intend to give the series one more shot.
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LibraryThing member majkia
Ian Rutledge survived WWI with body intact, but his mind is very nearly broken to pieces, His lover left him because she was afraid of him, he has a voice in his head, and he's tempted to self destruction, In an attempt to piece his life back together again, he returns to his job at Scotland Yard,
The case is complex, with lots of possible suspects, but the main one is a hero of the war, winner of the Victoria Cross, and there's pressure from London and even the King to find anyone else guilty of the crime,
Rutledge, knowing his life never mind his job is on the line, tries desperately to reconnect with his instincts and identify the killer,
Great atmosphere and descriptions. Rutledge is likeable and sympathetic, and the mystery is awash with possible motives and perps. I'll definitely be continuing on with this series.
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He doubts himself, is fragile and vulnerable, but needs to see he can again have a productive life,The case is complex, with lots of possible suspects, but the main one is a hero of the war, winner of the Victoria Cross, and there's pressure from London and even the King to find anyone else guilty of the crime,
Rutledge, knowing his life never mind his job is on the line, tries desperately to reconnect with his instincts and identify the killer,
Great atmosphere and descriptions. Rutledge is likeable and sympathetic, and the mystery is awash with possible motives and perps. I'll definitely be continuing on with this series.
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LibraryThing member arctangent
More Than One Test of Wills
The Inspector Ian Rutledge series, of which this novel is the first, is but one of a number of current, ongoing mystery series that are set in Britain during or soon after The Great War. I'm in the process of reading volumes of such series by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie
The reader meets Inspector Rutledge when he is assigned to a thankless case by his Scotland Yard supervisor, who expects the case to sink Rutledge's tottering career either by being unsolvable, unprovable, or by having an outcome that is anathema to the Royal family. It is Rutledge's first case after being released from a psychiatric hospital for treatment of shell shock, as it was termed in the 1920s and 1930s. He lives a nightmarish existence, being plagued by hallucinations of the ghost of Hamish, a Scots soldier whom Rutledge felt forced to execute for battlefield cowardice shortly before Rutledge himself is buried alive in mud from shelling. The constant mocking, critical voice of Hamish raises doubts in Rutledge's mind about his basic sanity and about his ability to resume his career with Scotland Yard, where before the war he had built a reputation for solving crimes by his own highly individual approach of being able to intuit how the suspects think and feel and how they might have been driven to commit the murders in question.
The case involves the brutal shotgun murder of a Warwickshire land owner, Colonel Charles Harris. It is a murder that baffles the locals, who can think of no one with sufficient motive for killing Harris. The only known witness is a drunken, shell-shocked, and presumably unreliable former soldier, Daniel Hickam. The primary suspect is a flying ace and darling of the Royal family, Captain Mark Wilton, who is the fiancé of the ward of the murder victim and was known to have quarreled violently with the victim the night before the murder. The case unwinds slowly, and reveals more than one test of wills between various pairs of characters, as well as between Rutledge and Hamish. Nearly everyone, predictably, has some secret which might or might not relate to the solution of the mystery of who killed Colonel Harris. Understandably, no one wants to trust Rutledge with those secrets. Pretty standard plot fare. Ever so slowly Rutledge gains a grasp on those aspects of the case which would have, the reader is lead to believe, come much more easily in his pre-war, pre-Hamish, pre-traumatization days on the force. The pace of his understanding of the suspects accelerates toward the end, but he nearly gets it wrong. I'm not great at solving fictional mysteries, and don't really try to arrive at the solution before the detective(s) do. I want to enjoy the ride. Looking back, I can see that there probably were sufficient clues left for the reader so that the outcome shouldn't seem to come completely out of left field. I'd rate this story not more than a B for its plot and the development of it. But I do give the author high marks for not spending half the book in outlining Rutledge's back story. I prefer to have that fed to me a bit at a time, seamlessly and in a way that is organic to the telling of the main story.
The characters mostly were well enough drawn, but none were especially appealing or even interesting. There weren't even any despicable villains for the reader to hate. The primary suspect, Wilton, is barely developed as a character, though, which seemed odd to me. The angst that is Rutledge's daily, even hourly, companion works alright as a plot device for one book, but I'm not sure how it will wear over an entire series of books. Because the writing style of the author (in reality a mother and son pair of authors) is good enough not to irritate me, which these days is more than can be said for most current offerings, and because the character of Rutledge and the nature of his situation are sufficiently distinct from those of the main characters in the other series I'm reading, I plan to read at least the next book in the series. I'm hoping for a little growth, or at least change, in Rutledge's emotional state. I'm hoping to come to care more what happens to Rutledge in the future.
I was disappointed in the limited insight I gained from the book into the massive private and social impacts World War I had on both the men and women who fought and served in other capacities, and on those who remained at home, but had friends and loved ones who served and died or were destroyed psychologically. The side story of Catherine Tarrant, who loved a German POW but was prevented from marrying him, never seemed very compelling. My disappointment could merely be the result of unrealistic expectations on my part. It might never have been the intention of the authors to provide such insight beyond the obvious impact the War had on the main character.
After finishing this book, I'm a bit up in the air as to whether the series will be character driven, plot driven, or a combination of the two. In any case, there will have to be some sign of improvement either in character development or plot development for the series to hold my interest beyond the second volume.
The Inspector Ian Rutledge series, of which this novel is the first, is but one of a number of current, ongoing mystery series that are set in Britain during or soon after The Great War. I'm in the process of reading volumes of such series by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie
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Dobbs series), Laurie R. King (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series), and Anne Perry (Reavley family WWI series), and this immersion in details of the period adds context and perspective to the Charles Todd novel under review here. In any series two of the most important questions are whether the main character is sufficiently interesting and the basic structure of the character's situation is sufficiently complex and compelling to warrant reading of subsequent entries in the series. 'A Test of Wills' passes both these tests, though not, I would say, with flying colors. The reader meets Inspector Rutledge when he is assigned to a thankless case by his Scotland Yard supervisor, who expects the case to sink Rutledge's tottering career either by being unsolvable, unprovable, or by having an outcome that is anathema to the Royal family. It is Rutledge's first case after being released from a psychiatric hospital for treatment of shell shock, as it was termed in the 1920s and 1930s. He lives a nightmarish existence, being plagued by hallucinations of the ghost of Hamish, a Scots soldier whom Rutledge felt forced to execute for battlefield cowardice shortly before Rutledge himself is buried alive in mud from shelling. The constant mocking, critical voice of Hamish raises doubts in Rutledge's mind about his basic sanity and about his ability to resume his career with Scotland Yard, where before the war he had built a reputation for solving crimes by his own highly individual approach of being able to intuit how the suspects think and feel and how they might have been driven to commit the murders in question.
The case involves the brutal shotgun murder of a Warwickshire land owner, Colonel Charles Harris. It is a murder that baffles the locals, who can think of no one with sufficient motive for killing Harris. The only known witness is a drunken, shell-shocked, and presumably unreliable former soldier, Daniel Hickam. The primary suspect is a flying ace and darling of the Royal family, Captain Mark Wilton, who is the fiancé of the ward of the murder victim and was known to have quarreled violently with the victim the night before the murder. The case unwinds slowly, and reveals more than one test of wills between various pairs of characters, as well as between Rutledge and Hamish. Nearly everyone, predictably, has some secret which might or might not relate to the solution of the mystery of who killed Colonel Harris. Understandably, no one wants to trust Rutledge with those secrets. Pretty standard plot fare. Ever so slowly Rutledge gains a grasp on those aspects of the case which would have, the reader is lead to believe, come much more easily in his pre-war, pre-Hamish, pre-traumatization days on the force. The pace of his understanding of the suspects accelerates toward the end, but he nearly gets it wrong. I'm not great at solving fictional mysteries, and don't really try to arrive at the solution before the detective(s) do. I want to enjoy the ride. Looking back, I can see that there probably were sufficient clues left for the reader so that the outcome shouldn't seem to come completely out of left field. I'd rate this story not more than a B for its plot and the development of it. But I do give the author high marks for not spending half the book in outlining Rutledge's back story. I prefer to have that fed to me a bit at a time, seamlessly and in a way that is organic to the telling of the main story.
The characters mostly were well enough drawn, but none were especially appealing or even interesting. There weren't even any despicable villains for the reader to hate. The primary suspect, Wilton, is barely developed as a character, though, which seemed odd to me. The angst that is Rutledge's daily, even hourly, companion works alright as a plot device for one book, but I'm not sure how it will wear over an entire series of books. Because the writing style of the author (in reality a mother and son pair of authors) is good enough not to irritate me, which these days is more than can be said for most current offerings, and because the character of Rutledge and the nature of his situation are sufficiently distinct from those of the main characters in the other series I'm reading, I plan to read at least the next book in the series. I'm hoping for a little growth, or at least change, in Rutledge's emotional state. I'm hoping to come to care more what happens to Rutledge in the future.
I was disappointed in the limited insight I gained from the book into the massive private and social impacts World War I had on both the men and women who fought and served in other capacities, and on those who remained at home, but had friends and loved ones who served and died or were destroyed psychologically. The side story of Catherine Tarrant, who loved a German POW but was prevented from marrying him, never seemed very compelling. My disappointment could merely be the result of unrealistic expectations on my part. It might never have been the intention of the authors to provide such insight beyond the obvious impact the War had on the main character.
After finishing this book, I'm a bit up in the air as to whether the series will be character driven, plot driven, or a combination of the two. In any case, there will have to be some sign of improvement either in character development or plot development for the series to hold my interest beyond the second volume.
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LibraryThing member tloeffler
Home from World War I, Inspector Ian Rutledge has returned to Scotland Yard, battling shell-shock and the ghost of a Scottish soldier. He is immediately sent to a small village to find the murderer of a popular local colonel. The main suspect is a decorated war hero and friend of royalty. He
In my efforts to learn more about World War I, I have found novels and books set directly after the War will give me a better view of what happened in France, better than those set during the war. This is no exception. It was a very interesting psychological study, and I will continue with the series.
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realizes he has been set up, and struggles to find the truth from a close-mouthed population.In my efforts to learn more about World War I, I have found novels and books set directly after the War will give me a better view of what happened in France, better than those set during the war. This is no exception. It was a very interesting psychological study, and I will continue with the series.
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LibraryThing member tymfos
I think I've found a new series I must read! It took me a few chapters to get to know and warm up to Inspector Ian Rutledge, but now I am a fan. I found the book gripping, intense, filled with atmosphere, complex, with well-crafted, three-dimensional characters. Very fine mystery!
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
I've been doing a lot of reading about WW I. Reading about war can become an overwhelming downer, and these mysteries are giving me the chance to immerse myself into the times, use my brain to try to figure out "who dunnit" with the protagonists, and enjoy a relaxing reading experience at the same
Home from service in "The Great War", suffering shell-shock (what we now recognize as PTSD) and bringing with him an alter-ego (or is it the ghost?) of Hamish McLeod, a Scottish soldier whose death allowed Rutledge to survive, he finds his fiancèe has backed out of their relationship, he has lost confidence in his ability to continue what had obviously been a promising career with Scotland Yard (and they also seem to want to find a way to put him permanently out to pasture) and he now finds himself sent to investigate what appears to be a local murder in a small village that normally the Yard would not have been involved in. So why has he been sent?
This is a marvelous British murder mystery, with engaging characters, a large group of suspects, a murder with an apparent motive that Rutledge (goaded by Hamish) does not want to believe. The obvious suspects are all men who have served in the war, and to varying degrees are now paying the physical and/or psychological price for their service. Rutledge has difficulties believing what appear to be blatant clues. The portraits of a village trying to come to grips with these veterans and their problems, gives us a clear idea of the range of emotions survivors endured--from adopting the stiff upper lip, to consigning those less fortunate to the "out of sight, out of mind" dustbin. And for those of you who like good plot twists, I'll say simply that the ending was quite different. I thought I had it figured out (and I did) but then I didn't. No more...no spoilers, but you'll love it!
Charles Todd, actually a pseudonym for a mother-son writing team, gives us a nicely developed protagonist with just enough background and motivation to make up eager for more. They do a bang-up job of painting a picture of the time, and leave us rushing out the door in pursuit of the next episode. There are currently 14 in this series, which is obviously going to delve into the effects of shell-shock, and the societal changes in British society as a result of changing roles during and after the War.
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time.Home from service in "The Great War", suffering shell-shock (what we now recognize as PTSD) and bringing with him an alter-ego (or is it the ghost?) of Hamish McLeod, a Scottish soldier whose death allowed Rutledge to survive, he finds his fiancèe has backed out of their relationship, he has lost confidence in his ability to continue what had obviously been a promising career with Scotland Yard (and they also seem to want to find a way to put him permanently out to pasture) and he now finds himself sent to investigate what appears to be a local murder in a small village that normally the Yard would not have been involved in. So why has he been sent?
This is a marvelous British murder mystery, with engaging characters, a large group of suspects, a murder with an apparent motive that Rutledge (goaded by Hamish) does not want to believe. The obvious suspects are all men who have served in the war, and to varying degrees are now paying the physical and/or psychological price for their service. Rutledge has difficulties believing what appear to be blatant clues. The portraits of a village trying to come to grips with these veterans and their problems, gives us a clear idea of the range of emotions survivors endured--from adopting the stiff upper lip, to consigning those less fortunate to the "out of sight, out of mind" dustbin. And for those of you who like good plot twists, I'll say simply that the ending was quite different. I thought I had it figured out (and I did) but then I didn't. No more...no spoilers, but you'll love it!
Charles Todd, actually a pseudonym for a mother-son writing team, gives us a nicely developed protagonist with just enough background and motivation to make up eager for more. They do a bang-up job of painting a picture of the time, and leave us rushing out the door in pursuit of the next episode. There are currently 14 in this series, which is obviously going to delve into the effects of shell-shock, and the societal changes in British society as a result of changing roles during and after the War.
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LibraryThing member ckNikka
“A test of Wills” the first book in an interesting series. I read it some time ago (ten years) and the book has an interesting premise that relates to today… PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – we have so many returning Veterans that have suffered from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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It is good to remember World War I where our Hero has returned from France and with a Medal of Honor and overwhelming PTSD. Our main Character - Inspector Ian Rutledge struggles to settle back into life…The guilt he feels as a survivor and someone who had to take responsibility to ordering people to there death both in the horrible trenches and executions for supposed cowardice. In typical British fashion people were not supposed to talk being “shell Shocked”…anymore than someone today would admit to Post Traumatic Stress… the Author creates a character within the characters mind and gives an accurate picture of civilians and what they are thinking and how unfeeling and unsupportive they can be to veterans. He is given an impossible case to solve filled with politics and people who want him to fail or succeed in a politically safe way. There is a clouding of good and evil that war and general living brings. It is a good series but it does need some thinking and some concentration and I enjoyed rereading it and look forward to rereading the rest of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member joefilak
Although i started reading this series out of sequence; i have enjoyed the series immensely! this is the first book in the series but i had started the series with "A Lonely Death" which as you can tell got me hooked.
LibraryThing member FicusFan
This an historical mystery set in England after WWI. It is the start of the Ian Rutledge series. This series was picked by my RL mystery book group. I never would have read this book otherwise. I enjoyed it very much and will continue on my own with the series.
The story is about a Scotland Yard
The problem with Ian is he seems to be haunted by the dead sergeant he ordered executed for refusal to advance. He also had to administer the coup de grace to Hamish when the firing squad didn't kill him. Hamish talks to Ian, and torments him. Ian has to keep Hamish a secret or he will be considered not just shell shocked, but crazy.
With the record of his illness he can't afford any problems with his new cases or he will be retired, and possibly sent back to the hospital. Unfortunately, Ian's superior, Bowles, hates him. He is not of the upper class, and he feels Ian is too privileged. It makes Bowles angry because he sees how easy it is for those with connections to get help to navigate the problems of life, while people like him slog it out alone. He wants to bring Ian down, while projecting a false front of help and support for him.
Bowles finds the perfect case to sink Ian. It is set in the country in Warwickshire and involves the murder of a retired colonel and local top man. The prime suspect is a decorated war hero pilot who has been hobnobbing with the royals. Not solving it will bring disgrace, and solving it will bring the ire of the establishment and the palace.
Ian is sent along, and not given all the details. He has to feel his way around, and meet all the locals and work out who did it. It is a typical English Country House mystery, though spread out to the local people and village.
Ian struggles with Hamish, with the thought that he may be crazy, with the locals and their secrets and wish to protect their own. It is well written, interesting in terms of the setting, characters and mystery. One of the questions is how real is Hamish, and the author never addresses it directly so you keep guessing is he real or part of Ian's diseased mind ?
I read the second book also for the group.
The story is about a Scotland Yard
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inspector, Ian Rutledge. He was in the war, and is just out of the hospital for shell shock. His girl dumped him while he was in the hospital, too afraid to deal with the damaged Ian who returned from the war. Ian is still shaky and brokenhearted, trying to get back to normal. He hopes work will help him. He was good at solving crimes before the war. The problem with Ian is he seems to be haunted by the dead sergeant he ordered executed for refusal to advance. He also had to administer the coup de grace to Hamish when the firing squad didn't kill him. Hamish talks to Ian, and torments him. Ian has to keep Hamish a secret or he will be considered not just shell shocked, but crazy.
With the record of his illness he can't afford any problems with his new cases or he will be retired, and possibly sent back to the hospital. Unfortunately, Ian's superior, Bowles, hates him. He is not of the upper class, and he feels Ian is too privileged. It makes Bowles angry because he sees how easy it is for those with connections to get help to navigate the problems of life, while people like him slog it out alone. He wants to bring Ian down, while projecting a false front of help and support for him.
Bowles finds the perfect case to sink Ian. It is set in the country in Warwickshire and involves the murder of a retired colonel and local top man. The prime suspect is a decorated war hero pilot who has been hobnobbing with the royals. Not solving it will bring disgrace, and solving it will bring the ire of the establishment and the palace.
Ian is sent along, and not given all the details. He has to feel his way around, and meet all the locals and work out who did it. It is a typical English Country House mystery, though spread out to the local people and village.
Ian struggles with Hamish, with the thought that he may be crazy, with the locals and their secrets and wish to protect their own. It is well written, interesting in terms of the setting, characters and mystery. One of the questions is how real is Hamish, and the author never addresses it directly so you keep guessing is he real or part of Ian's diseased mind ?
I read the second book also for the group.
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LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
Excellent murder mystery set in rural England after the Great War, written by an American mother and son collaboration. I read about the Inspector Rutledge series in a guide to 'speculative mystery fiction', which lead me to believe that the detective's 'companion', Hamish, would be more spectral
Inspector Ian Rutledge served as an officer in the war, and like a lot of the men who survived, cannot escape the nightmare just because the fighting is over. Shellshocked after being caught in a blast, Rutledge must now struggle to return to a normal working life, alone (his fiancee asked to be released from their engagement) apart from the 'voice' of Hamish MacLeod, a soldier whose death saved Rutledge's life. Dispatched to the countryside by Scotland Yard, Rutledge (with Hamish) is sent to investigate the brutal murder of a celebrated colonel, when the local constabulary find that they are out of their depth.
Very much in the style of Christie, Charles (and Caroline) Todd have almost mastered the traditional murder mystery with their first book, not to mention perfectly capturing the language and attitude of post-war England. I couldn't find a single 'Americanism' (bar those words 'translated' for the US market, such as 'sidewalk' for 'pavement') - and I really looked! Impressive. Rutledge is a bit of a cold fish, but his internal battle with Hamish, his wartime 'conscience' and heckler, adds a new dimension to the cliched 'troubled' detective. The local characters were all either useful to the plot or entertaining, and the atmosphere of Upper Streatham suitably confined and conservative, still existing in a pre-war routine.
The only part I had trouble with was the 'whodunit' - very shocking and unexpected, but hardly plausible. After flicking back through the relevant passages relating to the murderer, the clues are there for the motive and the execution is technically possible, but I felt cheated. The mystery itself is so tight and neatly written, implicating everyone and supplying tempting red herrings - the little girl's story really caught my attention - that the Todds probably found that they had written themselves into a corner come the climax.
Still, this is only the first novel, and I shall be investing in the other stories, if only to read more about Rutledge and Hamish's unique relationship!
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than psychotic, a sort of proto-Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), but Rutledge's demons actually make for a far more interesting and original premise.Inspector Ian Rutledge served as an officer in the war, and like a lot of the men who survived, cannot escape the nightmare just because the fighting is over. Shellshocked after being caught in a blast, Rutledge must now struggle to return to a normal working life, alone (his fiancee asked to be released from their engagement) apart from the 'voice' of Hamish MacLeod, a soldier whose death saved Rutledge's life. Dispatched to the countryside by Scotland Yard, Rutledge (with Hamish) is sent to investigate the brutal murder of a celebrated colonel, when the local constabulary find that they are out of their depth.
Very much in the style of Christie, Charles (and Caroline) Todd have almost mastered the traditional murder mystery with their first book, not to mention perfectly capturing the language and attitude of post-war England. I couldn't find a single 'Americanism' (bar those words 'translated' for the US market, such as 'sidewalk' for 'pavement') - and I really looked! Impressive. Rutledge is a bit of a cold fish, but his internal battle with Hamish, his wartime 'conscience' and heckler, adds a new dimension to the cliched 'troubled' detective. The local characters were all either useful to the plot or entertaining, and the atmosphere of Upper Streatham suitably confined and conservative, still existing in a pre-war routine.
The only part I had trouble with was the 'whodunit' - very shocking and unexpected, but hardly plausible. After flicking back through the relevant passages relating to the murderer, the clues are there for the motive and the execution is technically possible, but I felt cheated. The mystery itself is so tight and neatly written, implicating everyone and supplying tempting red herrings - the little girl's story really caught my attention - that the Todds probably found that they had written themselves into a corner come the climax.
Still, this is only the first novel, and I shall be investing in the other stories, if only to read more about Rutledge and Hamish's unique relationship!
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LibraryThing member maleyza_rhines
I loved it. Charles Todd is great and I will certainly be reading the entire series.
LibraryThing member schatzi
I'm really not sure why I didn't like this book more than I did. The main character, Inspector Ian Rutledge, seemed incredibly interesting to me. I love this era in history, and there never seems to be enough quality fiction set in the post-WWI years. But, for some reason, the story just didn't
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click with me. I never got very involved in the plot, and by the end, I honestly didn't care who had killed the Colonel. Show Less
LibraryThing member enemyanniemae
This mystery, set in post-WWI England, is not something I would have chosen for myself. However, since I am determined to find new authors (well, new to me anyway) for my little mystery group, I decided on Charles Todd. What a fine choice I made.
Ian Rutledge is recently returned to his Scotland
Well written and with excellent character development, this is a series of merit. I would have given 4 stars had the final revelation been anywhere near as interesting or as believable as the twists and turns of the plot on the way to its conclusion. A good read none the less.
Ian Rutledge is recently returned to his Scotland
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Yard position. It appears that he had a bit of a breakdown after coming back from service in the trenches during World War I. He also brought back a ghost, one that refuses to let him be. Rutledge is sent north to investigate the murder of a decorated officer. The one witness is a man like himself, shellshocked and daily reliving the terrors of the war. Rutledge is doomed to failure and the experience could well be the final straw that snaps his tenuous hold on his own sanity.Well written and with excellent character development, this is a series of merit. I would have given 4 stars had the final revelation been anywhere near as interesting or as believable as the twists and turns of the plot on the way to its conclusion. A good read none the less.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Inspector Rutledge, newly returned from the war, is sent to investigate the murder of a well-liked colonel in a small village. Rutledge, shell-shocked, hears the voice of a Scot he had executed during combat for disobeying a direct order. Though tormented by this affliction, he carries out the
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investigation while trying to ignore the voice. Complicating matters further, the prime suspect is a decorated war hero. The author does a good job with character development as well creating an intriguing plot, though a little editing might have helped move the story on a bit quicker. The ending has quite a twist and neatly wraps up the tale. Perhaps the most interesting character, besides Rutledge, is the voice in his head. A good, solid mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
Excellent start to what is likely to be a great series. A WW1 veteran, returning to Scotland Yard, is set up to fail, by his jealous superior, during the investigation of the murder of a war hero.in a small Warwickshire Village. The Inspector, himself, is burdened by the guilt of having to execute
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one of his men during the war. His path to the solution shows very well the effect of the senseless slaughter in Europe on Britain's people from this war to end all wars. Show Less
LibraryThing member jutesch
This is my first Ian Rutledge book. I have enjoyed the Bess Crawford series. Didn't think that this one was anywhere near as good as the Bess Crawford series.
LibraryThing member Jiraiya
This was a very good book. The tussle between the hero and the main female character was epic, there's no other word for it. Unlike classic mysteries, the climax and the reveal are not the highlight of this book. It's the journey, the exposition of Mavers as the main suspect, the victim's past
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life, and Inspector Rutledge's private demons that makes the book worth following. Show Less
LibraryThing member navelos
I would have rated this book higher except that I was unsatisfied by the end.
LibraryThing member ccayne
This is my first Charles Todd mystery and up until the end, I liked it. Rutledge and Hamish are fascinating and complex. The setting, characters and relationships were well drawn and interesting but the solution to the Colonel's murder came out of the blue for me. I found nothing throughout the
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book that linked the killer with anything that preceded his/her identity. Todd does an excellent job of showing the effects of war and combat on everyone, those in the war and those left at home. Show Less
LibraryThing member autumnturner76
A great new mystery series and if you like stories set in the days following WWI, this series is a must read. Ian Rutledge has drawn me in. I dare say he would do the same for you.
LibraryThing member jmoncton
This is the first in a mystery series featuring Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge. The setting is England right after World War I. Rutledge, after serving in France, has returned to his job as a detective shell-shocked and with a few skeletons in his closet. This is his first case back at the
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Yard since the war and to make things even harder, it's a murder investigation of Colonel and the number one suspect is a decorated war hero who happens to be friends with the royal family. This was an excellent mystery with lots of false clues and clever twists. Rutledge has an amazing sidekick Hamish, who adds an interesting insight to the series as well as a very dark sense of humor. Good series that I would be interested in continuing! Show Less
LibraryThing member smik
The Great War is over, and Ian Rutledge has survived. He's come back to London Yard to pick up the brilliant career he left in late 1914. But though he's survived he hasn't come through unscathed. He's suffering from shell shock, the legacy of the Somme where he was buried alive, subsequently
Rutledge is turning out to be a problem for Superintendent Bowles, his superior at Scotland Yard. Bowles dislikes Rutledge, his education, his reputation as a war hero, and his pre-war history as an intuitive clever detective.
So the request from Warwickshire for help in managing the investigation into the murder of Colonel Harris seems as if heaven sent. The most obvious suspect is a much decorated pilot, a favourite of the Queen's no less, and so the policeman who brings him to trial will be very unpopular.
A TEST OF WILLS is the first in the Ian Rutledge series, written by mother and son team Caroline and Charles Todd. I have already "read" #3 in the series SEARCH THE DARK, and #10, A PALE HORSE, but in both cases I had listened to them as an audio book narrated by Simon Prebble. I enjoyed them both immensely, but the question I asked at the end of my review of SEARCH THE DARK was how far my enjoyment was being determined by the excellent narrator.
I'm pleased to report that A TEST OF WILLS came up to the mark of the other two.
The story is a fascinating exploration of crime in a world already shattered by the First World War. Everyone in Upper Streetham, the village where the murder has taken place, assumes that Rutledge somehow escaped service. And now he threatens the fragile stability they've achieved, by trying to pin the murder on their local hero. And how could the Colonel have survived the war only to be so viciously murdered on his own land? At the same time Rutledge is fighting his own battle, tormented by the voice of "Hamish in his head", determined that he will solve this crime, but struggling to recapture his detection skills.
A TEST OF WILLS, with an ambiguous title, is crime fiction in Golden Age style. When I first discovered Charles Todd, I was surprised to find that this mother and son duo were Americans. For me they capture a British style pretty well, although in this novel I noticed the use of "plow", but that sort of slip is a rare occurrence.
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spending time in a psychiatric hospital. And he carries with him memories that he can't escape.Rutledge is turning out to be a problem for Superintendent Bowles, his superior at Scotland Yard. Bowles dislikes Rutledge, his education, his reputation as a war hero, and his pre-war history as an intuitive clever detective.
So the request from Warwickshire for help in managing the investigation into the murder of Colonel Harris seems as if heaven sent. The most obvious suspect is a much decorated pilot, a favourite of the Queen's no less, and so the policeman who brings him to trial will be very unpopular.
A TEST OF WILLS is the first in the Ian Rutledge series, written by mother and son team Caroline and Charles Todd. I have already "read" #3 in the series SEARCH THE DARK, and #10, A PALE HORSE, but in both cases I had listened to them as an audio book narrated by Simon Prebble. I enjoyed them both immensely, but the question I asked at the end of my review of SEARCH THE DARK was how far my enjoyment was being determined by the excellent narrator.
I'm pleased to report that A TEST OF WILLS came up to the mark of the other two.
The story is a fascinating exploration of crime in a world already shattered by the First World War. Everyone in Upper Streetham, the village where the murder has taken place, assumes that Rutledge somehow escaped service. And now he threatens the fragile stability they've achieved, by trying to pin the murder on their local hero. And how could the Colonel have survived the war only to be so viciously murdered on his own land? At the same time Rutledge is fighting his own battle, tormented by the voice of "Hamish in his head", determined that he will solve this crime, but struggling to recapture his detection skills.
A TEST OF WILLS, with an ambiguous title, is crime fiction in Golden Age style. When I first discovered Charles Todd, I was surprised to find that this mother and son duo were Americans. For me they capture a British style pretty well, although in this novel I noticed the use of "plow", but that sort of slip is a rare occurrence.
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LibraryThing member sleahey
Still reeling from his involvement in World War I, Rutledge is sent to a country village to determine the murderer of a popular colonel. Haunted by a voice from the past, Rutledge encounters villagers who are wounded in their own ways, and many of whom are possible murderers.
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0062091611 / 9780062091611
Physical description
320 p.; 5.31 inches
Pages
320