by Charles Todd
Part of Inspector Ian Rutledge, book 11
First published 2008
Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge arrives in Somerset to investigate a shocking crime. A London businessman lies dead in a medieval tithe barn, killed in savage and bizarre fashion. The victim earned hatred from everyone who knew him. His wife appears married to him in name only. Even the local police inspector falls under suspicion. Rutledge must identify which of the many enemies hated the man enough to commit murder. His investigation uncovers a concealed trail leading back twenty years to a war fought far from England. Two soldiers discovered an opportunity that changed their lives forever, but seizing it required them to commit an unthinkable act. The consequences of that barbarous deed now threaten to engulf even innocent people in a murderous wave. Rutledge races against time to break through a wall of silence, while others work to twist the truth for their own purposes. As justice takes a dark turn, Rutledge's own career hangs in the balance.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation
Setting: England, Scotland Yard, Somerset
Period: 20th Century
336 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow
Content warnings: violence