by Charles Todd
Part of Inspector Ian Rutledge, book 12.5
First published 2010
Inspector Ian Rutledge faces a parent's worst nightmare when three men snatch a young girl from her father as they walk home from a dinner party. The attackers emerge without warning, grabbing the child before vanishing into the night. Rutledge must deploy every investigative technique at his disposal to track down the missing girl before it's too late. The clock ticks as he pursues leads through London's streets, knowing that each passing hour reduces the chances of bringing her home safely. The case takes unexpected turns as Rutledge uncovers the true identity of those responsible for the crime. This original short story by New York Times bestselling author Charles Todd captures the urgency and determination that drives Rutledge in his most personal cases. The volume also features excerpts from three additional Ian Rutledge mysteries: A Lonely Death, The Red Door, and A Pale Horse.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: race-against-time, urgent-quest
Setting: London
Period: 20th-century
57 pages · Kindle Edition · William Morrow
Content warnings: kidnapping