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Inspector Ian Rutledge #17
A Fine Summer's Day: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery
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.
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.
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First published January 6, 2015
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About the author
Charles Todd
112 books3,496 followersCharles Todd was the pen name used by the mother-and-son writing team, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd. Now, Charles writes the Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford Series. Charles Todd ha spublished three standalone mystery novels and many short stories.
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November 13, 2021
This 17th book in the 'Inspector Ian Rutledge' series is a prequel that harks back to the beginning of WWI, before Rutledge goes to war and returns suffering from shell shock (PTSD).
In 1914, Rutledge is a Scotland Yard detective courting a privileged young lady named Jean Gordon.
Like other women of her class, Jean is concerned mostly with clothes, socializing, going to balls, and maintaining her position in society. Jean's family isn't happy with Rutledge's job, and her father, Major George Gordon, gently suggests that Rutledge take up some other profession - like architecture. (This made me laugh. As far as I know, even in 1914, a person couldn't wake up one morning and decide "Today I'll be an architect."). Rutledge's sister and friends think Jean is the wrong woman for him, but hold their tongues once he gets officially engaged.
As the story opens, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been assassinated in Sarajevo, and it's clear that Europe is on the brink of war - a conflict that will inevitably envelop England. As hostilities escalate, British men start to enlist in droves, inspired by patriotism and the belief that England will emerge victorious in a few short months.
As some of his acquaintances march off to war Rutledge is investigating a string of homicides in towns across England. In each case, a man is found dead with a large amount of laudanum in his system. Rutledge is convinced the deaths are connected, perpetrated by a single killer. However Rutledge's boss, Superintendent Bowles, doesn't want to hear it.
Bowles' sole concern is making quick arrests, and he wants a local suspect nabbed for each murder, even if the evidence is sparse or non-existent. Bowles comes across as a jealous, unimaginative supervisor who looks for any excuse to chastise Rutledge, who's wealthier and better educated.
Rutledge more or less ignores Bowles instructions and pursues 'the real killer' across Britain. Rutledge essentially has to work alone, but gets secret tips from another detective, Chief Inspector Cummins, who doesn't think much of Bowles. (One has to wonder how a lackluster detective like Bowles becomes a Superintendent at Scotland Yard. LOL)
Rutledge's investigations take him away from London for days at a time, which distresses Jean - who wants her fiancé to escort her to dinners and parties. Jean also gets caught up in the excitement of war talk, especially when her friends discuss sending off their brothers, fathers, friends, and beaus. As a consequence, Jean pushes Rutledge to join the military.....apparently thinking he'll be gone for a couple of months and return covered in glory. (Jean and her friends seem to be very naïve, not realizing that soldiers - even English ones - die in war.)
Rutledge resists Jean's entreaties to enlist, feeling that his detective job is important, and that he does it well. And Rutledge does demonstrate intuition and smarts as he pursues the killer - a wily fellow who's been planning his crimes for a long time.
Though Rutledge dedicates most of his time to his job and his fianceé, he sometimes dines with his sister Francis - a parentless 20-year-old who's entering society, or visits with Melinda Crawford - a kind of surrogate mother who provides advice and support. Francis and Melinda are among the more savvy women in the book.....much more sensible than shallow Jean.
Through most of the book Rutledge drives back and forth across England in pursuit of the killer, whom he eventually confronts. In the end, Rutledge also enlists in the army, with consequences that play out in the rest of the series.
I liked the book, which has a suspenseful plot and engaging characters. The story also has an interesting historical perspective on an 'upper-class' segment of society that hopes for peace.....but must prepare for war.
I'd recommend the book to mystery readers, especially fans of non-traditional cozies.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
December 13, 2015
A Fine Summer's Day: Inspector Ian Rutledge Before the Great War
I have relished the Inspector Ian Rutledge novels by Charles Todd since the first, A Test Of Wills was published in 1996. Charles Todd is the pen name for the mother and son writing team, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd (Author). While Mrs. Todd lives in North Carolina, son Charles lives in Delaware. One would never suspect the novels are the product of separate authors. The writing is seamless. I've often wondered how theses two manage the magic they produce.
Previous novels in the series have been set in Post World War One England beginning in 1919. Inspector Ian Rutledge has served throughout the Great War and survived. He has returned to service as an Inspector at Scotland Yard. However, Rutledge carries a secret. He returns shell shocked and haunted by the voice of a young Scottish Highlander, Hamish Macleod, executed at Rutledge's order when Macleod refused to carry out an order to launch an assault over the top into the mouth of murderous fire.
Since their appearance, the Rutledge novels have received numerous awards an accolades from every imaginable source related to mystery novels. Small wonder. They are that good. I have been accosted by more than one reader of a previous review of a Rutledge novel in which I referred to the work as one of my "guilty pleasures." I abashedly stand corrected.
After discovering Inspector Ian Rutledge, I've often wondered what kind of man he was before experiencing the futility of four years of trench warfare in "The War to End All Wars." After penning sixteen Ian Rutledge novels, the very talented Todds have given us that answer in A Fine Summer's Day. Quite simply, it is excellent.
Consider this novel a prequel to the sixteen previously published. The fine summer's day is June 28, 1914. Ian Rutledge proposes marriage to Jean Gordon, the daughter of a Colonel in Army service. History buffs may recognize the date as the fateful occasion of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo, Bosnia, or Herzegovina, if you prefer.
The Todds masterfully blend the growing news of the possibility of war throughout this novel, as the civilians of England would have received it. There is an air of forboding that grows throughout the development of the cases being investigated by Rutledge that aptly brings to mind Hardy's "Channel Firing."
As masterfully plotted is a series of deaths which could either be interpreted as murder or suicide. The deaths, the first by hanging, the remainder by drinking from a glass of milk containing a fatal dose of laudanaum. Each of the dead has practiced a different profession. They are of varying ages. Each lives in a different town or village. There is no apparent link among any of them. While Rutledge is dispatched by Superintendent Bowles of Scotland Yard on each of the death inquiries, other Inspectors are looking into the desecration of graves in two different country churhyards. The names of the dead have been completely obliterated by a person or persons unknown. Is there a link? Of course, there will be.
For lovers of the Rutledge series, all the ususal cast of supporting characters are present. Chief Inspector Cummins and Sergeant Gibson who recognize that Chief Superintendent Bowles, better known as "Old Bowels" resents Rutledge who easily runs rings around the man who is always satisfied with the "easy answer." Rutledge's lovely sister Frances, an independent and caring young woman. Jean Gordon, with whom Rutledge is hopelessly in love. Beautiful, but perhaps more shallow than Rutledge is capable of recognizing. Melinda Crawford, the older friend of the Rutledge family, who once was a close friend of Ian's and Frances' parents. Kate, Jean's Cousin, who is definitely not a favorite of the beautiful Jean. David and Ross Trevor, David, Rutledge's Godfather; Ross, his best friend from childhood. And, last of all Hamish Macleod, very much alive, courting his beloved Fiona, as the fleet tests its guns in channel firing.
For those new to the Rutledge series, by all means start here. This is Inspector Ian Rutledge's first case. Be satisfied you have many more to follow.
On reflection, this may be Rutledge's most challenging case. I found its conclusion completely satisfactory. Without doubt, this is the Todds' most historically significant entry in the Rutledge chronology.
For new and old readers of the cases of Inspector Ian Rutledge, keep calm and carry on. No Shred of Evidence by the Todds will be released February 16, 2016. Most satisfactory.
Channel Firing
THOMAS HARDY
That night your great guns, unawares,
Shook all our coffins as we lay,
And broke the chancel window-squares,
We thought it was the Judgment-day
And sat upright. While drearisome
Arose the howl of wakened hounds:
The mouse let fall the altar-crumb,
The worms drew back into the mounds,
The glebe cow drooled. Till God called, “No;
It’s gunnery practice out at sea
Just as before you went below;
The world is as it used to be:
“All nations striving strong to make
Red war yet redder. Mad as hatters
They do no more for Christés sake
Than you who are helpless in such matters.
“That this is not the judgment-hour
For some of them’s a blessed thing,
For if it were they’d have to scour
Hell’s floor for so much threatening....
“Ha, ha. It will be warmer when
I blow the trumpet (if indeed
I ever do; for you are men,
And rest eternal sorely need).”
So down we lay again. “I wonder,
Will the world ever saner be,”
Said one, “than when He sent us under
In our indifferent century!”
And many a skeleton shook his head.
“Instead of preaching forty year,”
My neighbour Parson Thirdly said,
“I wish I had stuck to pipes and beer.”
Again the guns disturbed the hour,
Roaring their readiness to avenge,
As far inland as Stourton Tower,
And Camelot, and starlit Stonehenge.
I have relished the Inspector Ian Rutledge novels by Charles Todd since the first, A Test Of Wills was published in 1996. Charles Todd is the pen name for the mother and son writing team, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd (Author). While Mrs. Todd lives in North Carolina, son Charles lives in Delaware. One would never suspect the novels are the product of separate authors. The writing is seamless. I've often wondered how theses two manage the magic they produce.
Previous novels in the series have been set in Post World War One England beginning in 1919. Inspector Ian Rutledge has served throughout the Great War and survived. He has returned to service as an Inspector at Scotland Yard. However, Rutledge carries a secret. He returns shell shocked and haunted by the voice of a young Scottish Highlander, Hamish Macleod, executed at Rutledge's order when Macleod refused to carry out an order to launch an assault over the top into the mouth of murderous fire.
Since their appearance, the Rutledge novels have received numerous awards an accolades from every imaginable source related to mystery novels. Small wonder. They are that good. I have been accosted by more than one reader of a previous review of a Rutledge novel in which I referred to the work as one of my "guilty pleasures." I abashedly stand corrected.
After discovering Inspector Ian Rutledge, I've often wondered what kind of man he was before experiencing the futility of four years of trench warfare in "The War to End All Wars." After penning sixteen Ian Rutledge novels, the very talented Todds have given us that answer in A Fine Summer's Day. Quite simply, it is excellent.
Consider this novel a prequel to the sixteen previously published. The fine summer's day is June 28, 1914. Ian Rutledge proposes marriage to Jean Gordon, the daughter of a Colonel in Army service. History buffs may recognize the date as the fateful occasion of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo, Bosnia, or Herzegovina, if you prefer.
The Todds masterfully blend the growing news of the possibility of war throughout this novel, as the civilians of England would have received it. There is an air of forboding that grows throughout the development of the cases being investigated by Rutledge that aptly brings to mind Hardy's "Channel Firing."
As masterfully plotted is a series of deaths which could either be interpreted as murder or suicide. The deaths, the first by hanging, the remainder by drinking from a glass of milk containing a fatal dose of laudanaum. Each of the dead has practiced a different profession. They are of varying ages. Each lives in a different town or village. There is no apparent link among any of them. While Rutledge is dispatched by Superintendent Bowles of Scotland Yard on each of the death inquiries, other Inspectors are looking into the desecration of graves in two different country churhyards. The names of the dead have been completely obliterated by a person or persons unknown. Is there a link? Of course, there will be.
For lovers of the Rutledge series, all the ususal cast of supporting characters are present. Chief Inspector Cummins and Sergeant Gibson who recognize that Chief Superintendent Bowles, better known as "Old Bowels" resents Rutledge who easily runs rings around the man who is always satisfied with the "easy answer." Rutledge's lovely sister Frances, an independent and caring young woman. Jean Gordon, with whom Rutledge is hopelessly in love. Beautiful, but perhaps more shallow than Rutledge is capable of recognizing. Melinda Crawford, the older friend of the Rutledge family, who once was a close friend of Ian's and Frances' parents. Kate, Jean's Cousin, who is definitely not a favorite of the beautiful Jean. David and Ross Trevor, David, Rutledge's Godfather; Ross, his best friend from childhood. And, last of all Hamish Macleod, very much alive, courting his beloved Fiona, as the fleet tests its guns in channel firing.
For those new to the Rutledge series, by all means start here. This is Inspector Ian Rutledge's first case. Be satisfied you have many more to follow.
On reflection, this may be Rutledge's most challenging case. I found its conclusion completely satisfactory. Without doubt, this is the Todds' most historically significant entry in the Rutledge chronology.
For new and old readers of the cases of Inspector Ian Rutledge, keep calm and carry on. No Shred of Evidence by the Todds will be released February 16, 2016. Most satisfactory.
January 12, 2015
What a pleasure it was to thoroughly enjoy this book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series. And what a very good idea for the authors to go back to show us what Rutledge was like before he became so tormented by what happened to him in the fighting during World War I. This is definitely a stand alone book for any reader thinking about trying this series, then you can move on to the first book, A Test of Wills, with a smooth transition.
The book begins in the summer months of 1914 when the rumblings of war are being heard throughout Europe. This novel is classic Rutledge vs Bowles confrontations with the Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police wanting cases closed as quickly as possible while Rutledge wants to be completely sure the guilty person is the one who goes to trial. There are multiple crimes committed during this relatively short period of time and Rutledge has to travel by car over a large portion of England to find the link that ties all of them together.
Sometimes in our modern world it is difficult to read a novel which takes place in a past time; to understand how the lack of technology could have such an impact on criminal investigations. As a reader I must allow myself to slow down and put myself in the time frame established by the authors. The activities in this story take place over large areas of very rural countryside. Public telephones are few and far between, never mind trying to find one in a private home. Transport is not available every moment of the day. The reader needs to be willing to travel back from a technology standpoint in order to find that human nature was still the same as it is now. I find historical novels to be relaxing and these authors have created a multi-faceted criminal problem which kept me fully engaged the entire time I was reading. Thank you, Charles Todd. This is a special book much appreciated by your fans.
The book begins in the summer months of 1914 when the rumblings of war are being heard throughout Europe. This novel is classic Rutledge vs Bowles confrontations with the Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police wanting cases closed as quickly as possible while Rutledge wants to be completely sure the guilty person is the one who goes to trial. There are multiple crimes committed during this relatively short period of time and Rutledge has to travel by car over a large portion of England to find the link that ties all of them together.
Sometimes in our modern world it is difficult to read a novel which takes place in a past time; to understand how the lack of technology could have such an impact on criminal investigations. As a reader I must allow myself to slow down and put myself in the time frame established by the authors. The activities in this story take place over large areas of very rural countryside. Public telephones are few and far between, never mind trying to find one in a private home. Transport is not available every moment of the day. The reader needs to be willing to travel back from a technology standpoint in order to find that human nature was still the same as it is now. I find historical novels to be relaxing and these authors have created a multi-faceted criminal problem which kept me fully engaged the entire time I was reading. Thank you, Charles Todd. This is a special book much appreciated by your fans.
July 20, 2022
What a fabulous book! I loved that Charles Todd decided to write a book that takes Ian Rutledge back in time to before the war. To when he still was carefree, in love, and not haunted. Now, I do think he got away when it came to the marriage issue. Especially when there is someone in his life that definitely suited him better. On a side note, I still hope to one day read a book where he and Bess Crawford meets!
As for the case, it took an awfully long time for the dots to be connected. But, then again it's a case, or rather cases that don't seem to have not much in common. And, it was interesting to read about this frustrating case, and how Ian tried to solve them. Not giving up when a man he thinks is innocent is charged with murder. Ian just keeps on trying to solve the murders...
This is one of the best books in this series. A bittersweet book. If not for the war happened, just imagine what kind of life Ian would have had. Not to mention poor Hamish...
As for the case, it took an awfully long time for the dots to be connected. But, then again it's a case, or rather cases that don't seem to have not much in common. And, it was interesting to read about this frustrating case, and how Ian tried to solve them. Not giving up when a man he thinks is innocent is charged with murder. Ian just keeps on trying to solve the murders...
This is one of the best books in this series. A bittersweet book. If not for the war happened, just imagine what kind of life Ian would have had. Not to mention poor Hamish...
December 27, 2014
Those of us familiar with the superb Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge series created by the mother/son team writing under the name of Charles Todd well know that Rutledge is a dedicated but haunted survivor of World War I. His experiences on the battlefield have created the man he is today, and will leave him little peace.
Now, with A Fine Summer’s Day we are introduced to a young Rutledge in the year prior to the war. Not only that but we are given a touching picture of an innocent, idealistic England before the war. Following the assassination at Sarajevo and growing rumors of conflict young men cannot wait to enlist, believing any war would be over shortly and they are eager to be a part of it before it is finished.
However, an oncoming war is not first in young Rutledge’s mind. He has decided to propose to Jean Gordon, a woman he deeply loves. His sister, Frances, and good friend, Melinda Crawford, aren’t at all sure she’s the right choice for him but only wish him happiness. Further, he has been assigned to investigate the death of a man who presumably hanged himself. Those who knew the departed said he was the least likely to take his own life, he had no reason to. Suddenly there is another and then another unlikely death at different points in England. Local constabulary do not welcome a man from Scotland Yard on their turf, yet Rutledge presses on believing that somehow these deaths are connected, but how?
When Jean presses Rutledge to enlist and be her hero, he responds with something to the effect that he is not a soldier who kills but a policeman who catches those who do. Yet as the war becomes a reality he must choose between the Yard and his country.
Suspense, excellent writing, period detail, plot twists - who could ask for anything more?
- Gail Cooke
March 10, 2022
Vengeance is best served cold. A series of murders and only Ian senses they’re connected. But how? Solving the problem is a close run thing. World War 1 is coming closer.(Harsh reminder of current prospects) The ending is interesting.
January 12, 2015
A Fine Summer's Day is the 17th book in Charles Todd's Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery series. Touching on a host of themes such as: love of country, familial duty, classism, romantic love, and honor; leading man Ian, finds himself, a man on the brink. With the specter of WWI looming on the none too distant horizon, and his proposal to the 'high born' love of his life Jean, coming under fire from those nearest and dearest to him. Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard finds himself in the center of what, at first glance appear to be a string of unrelated crimes.
As time goes on and the death toll rises, Ian and his superiors at Scotland Yard come to realize that this case is one with a far greater scope and graver implications than anyone ever expected.
This book is so descriptive and has such a distinct and lyrical voice that it is difficult to believe that it is anything other than a standalone work.
Having said that however, it must be noted that because so much attention is paid to description and detail, the story has a tendency to wander.
This is evidenced in the opening chapters of the book; when readers are introduced to a myriad of scenarios and characters before introductions to leading man Ian, and his role in the unfolding saga are even addressed. Not to worry though, the plot lines found here are circular, and as such, do find their way back to answer the unanswered and tie the untied...eventually.
While there may be whispers of war and wishes for wedding bells, Ian is bound to his duty as a 'man of The Yard'. It is not very often that the vandalism of headstones at a cemetery leads to a call to Scotland Yard, but so begins one of the most mind boggling cases of our leading man's career. It is when, in a seemingly unrelated case,he is called to the murder of respected businessman Benjamin Clayton that things really start to get interesting for young Inspector Rutledge.
As contradictory clues come to light, which make the 2 + 2 's in this case come together to equal anything but four, and other cases with similar modus operandi raise the stakes for all.
Inspector Rutledge finds himself facing opposition from both the local constabulary and one very prickly Chief Superintendent Bowles.
With things within his case progressing, Ian's thoughts sway toward the service of crown and country in the coming war; at the behest of both Jean and her Major father.
A man born to both protect and serve; Ian must then choose how best to do so. All the while, weighing the cost to life, love, and future.
While this tale is not big on "edge of your seat action" its appeal lies in the interpersonal relationships built between both the characters themselves, and said characters and their audiences. We as readers are allowed to glimpse the inner workings of Ian the man, and Ian the officer. This coupled with the afore mentioned descriptive scene setting and lyrical prose, works together to form an unbreakable tether that pulls the readers into the story, and never lets go.
Reviewer's Note: A Fine Summer's Day is a prequel to previous works in this series, and may be read at any point as a companion or standalone.
March 22, 2022
1914 England
In this 17th book of the series, readers are taken back to prior to WWI when Ian Rutledge was an inspector with Scotland Yard. It was great to get to know more about his family and the connection to Bess Crawford's family!
There was one point I got frustrated with the mystery, but then it all became clear. Overall, another good mystery by this mother/son writing team. Enjoyed the historical details included about how WWI began and England's involvement.
In this 17th book of the series, readers are taken back to prior to WWI when Ian Rutledge was an inspector with Scotland Yard. It was great to get to know more about his family and the connection to Bess Crawford's family!
There was one point I got frustrated with the mystery, but then it all became clear. Overall, another good mystery by this mother/son writing team. Enjoyed the historical details included about how WWI began and England's involvement.
April 3, 2016
Seventeenth in the Inspector Ian Rutledge historical mystery series revolving around Ian, a dedicated Scotland Yard detective on the eve of World War I in July of 1914.
My Take
This was beautiful, heartbreaking, and bittersweet. I'm not sure if I would have preferred to read this at the very beginning of the series — before A Test of Wills — not knowing what was to come for Ian or if knowing what is to come, makes this so much more heartbreaking.
It begins with the news about the archduke's assassination in Sarajevo, a moment that will have far-reaching effects around the world. The reasons for the archduke being targeted have always been glossed over, and we never got to "meet" them as people in history classes. The way in which Todd brings in the more personal touch with these two made me feel it so much more. It certainly wasn't the future they had planned. We do know that Ian's future has taken a sharp, new turn with a woman he loves. Seeing her, reading about her, makes me grateful for his escape.
I had read A Fine Summer's Day out of order. And now that I've read No Shred of Evidence , I hate, hate, hate that I have to wait for #19 to come out. There is such promise for the future!
It would be lovely if we had foresight and could tell if the one with whom we fell in love were the right person for us. For Ian, it's everyone around him who sees the truth, but love has blinded him. Unlike our already knowing about Hamish, a bit of backward foreshadowing, only makes Hamish's fate even sadder.
Todd does a beautiful "info dump" when he has the vicar admiring Ian's car. Very, very nicely done. The back history about the evolution of the jury was an interesting tidbit.
I am annoyed that we never do learn one way or the other about the truth of Evan Dobson.
All that manipulating and maneuvering Ian had to do!? I absolutely hate Bowles. How can Scotland Yard put a man like him in charge? As for Inspector Farraday. How can he be so ignorant of the people in his area? I hate cops who don't care if they find the right wrongdoer.
The identity of the killer is rather obvious. It's the how he's doing such easy, silent killing that's the mystery, and Todd turns that truth into a nightmare. An excellent read even without Todd providing this back history on Ian before the war.
The Story
On a fine summer's day in June, 1914, Ian Rutledge is more interested in proposing to the woman whom he deeply loves, shrugging off the cautious concerns of his friends and family.
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.
The Characters
Inspector Ian Rutledge is not quite twenty-five and loves his work at Scotland Yard. Frances is Ian's sister. Mrs. Holly is their housekeeper. Melinda Crawford is an old family friend who shocked the neighborhood with how she set up her household. Ram, her chauffeur, is a Sikh; her maid, Shanta, is a Hindu. Ross Trevor is Ian's close friend; his father, David, is Ian's godfather and was/is a refuge for Ian. Morag is the Trevors' family housekeeper in Scotland.
Jean Gordon is the woman he loves, and she's caught up in the romance of planning a wedding, showing off with her friends, and urging Ian not to be a coward. Major George Gordon is her happy father. I think Private Meecham is an aide to the major. Simpson is the Gordons' butler. Kate is Jean's cousin and seems a very wise young woman. Jenny, Patricia, Margaret, Georgina, Maud, and Elizabeth may be Jean's bridesmaids. Marianne Hayes is another friend.
Scotland Yard
Chief Superintendent "Old Bowels" Bowles is Ian's boss and a more idiotic man to have in charge of a position where thinking is called for, I don't know. Chief Inspector Cummins is friendly and an ally for Ian. Inspector Davies has the churchyard case in Netherby. Sergeant Gibson is a miracle worker when it comes to networking and information gathering. Sergeant Hunt and Inspector Perkins are some of the men quitting.
Moresby, Yorkshire
Inspector Farraday prefers leaping to conclusions without facts. Constable Blaine. Ben Clayton is a widower who retired from his furniture-making shop with his son Peter taking over. Joseph Minton works in the shop. Ben's daughter, Annie, keeps house for her dad. Michael is a younger, more footloose son. Mrs. Alberston and Miss Sanderson wouldn't mind helping Ben with his widowed state. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Calder are Ben's neighbors; she helps her sister out at her tea shop, The Tea Cozy. Mr. Talmadge was Ben's other neighbor. Dr. Sutton is the local physician. Edward Hartle is working on an article about the ruins. Mark Kingston was wild as a youth and now works for a haberdasher in Scarborough. His father is dying. Tad is his cousin; Hilda is his bitch of a wife. I absolute LOVE what Tad says about her at the end! Mary is the elder Kingston's housekeeper. Danny had been sending Ben birthday cards.
Bristol, Somerset
Sergeant Miller finds some back history for Ian.
Netherby, Somerset is…
…east of Bristol. Lolly, a.k.a., Edgar, is the barber.
Beecham, Somerset
Evan Dobson was a leatherworker with a wife and a five-year-old son, Henry. Mr. Atkins owned a greengrocer's and had a profligate son, Young Thomas Atkins. Lucy Muir is a young, very intelligent woman who loves to do research and has a black cat named Abigail. The vicar is in love with her. The now-retired Sergeant Ralph Taylor had arrested Dobson.
Stoke Yarlington is…
…just west of Wells. Constable Hurley is the police presence there. Joel Tattersall liked to read and shared the house with his sister, Miss Tattersall. Mrs. Betterton is their daily. Bob Bryant is their gardener. Mrs. Reid runs the inn. Dr. Graham is the village physician.
Wells
The unethical Inspector Holliston is in charge. Thomas Simmons is Tattersall's solicitor and handles the Tattersalls' trust fund. William Barry is Simmons' head clerk. Rachel Barclay is the snotty bitch. Jenner is the assistant manager at Simmons' bank.
Aylesbridge, Kent
Constable Roderick answers to Inspector Watson in Maidstone. Jerome Hadley runs a successful hops farm. Helen Graves Hadley is his loving wife. His father-in-law, Mr. Graves, has died. Tom is a footman, Peggy Goode a maid, Mrs. Tolliver the housekeeper, and Mrs. Bowers the cook.
Mrs. Abbott is missing a farmworker, Tommy. Judith, Nan, and Bethy are her daughters. Dr. Wylie is the physician whose horse, Nellie, isn't too happy about motorcars.
Swan Walk, Kent is…
…the home of Fillmore Montagu Gilbert, a retired barrister who had been famous in his day. He'd also been a friend of Ian's father. Claudia Upchurch is Gilbert's daughter married to a doctor, Sidney, and living in Portsmouth with their three children. Edgerton was a Crown Prosecutor as well. Dr. Greening is the local physician. Inspector Williams has Swan Walk within his jurisdiction. Judge Abner had presided.
Alnwick, Northumberland
Inspector Penvellyn is too new and investigating the murder of a local headmaster, Mr. Stoddard, of Riverton School. His wife doesn't understand why he would commit suicide. Inspector Martin is sent up to replace Penvellyn.
Torquay, Devon
Terence Chasten is an arrogant, retired businessman who's helping with the books at the bakery his brother, Fred, owns. Inspector Sefton.
The retired Colonel Richard Crawford is Melinda's cousin and has been a friend for years. His daughter, Bess Crawford , has her own mystery series. Simon Brandon is also retired and Crawford's batman.
Scotland
Hamish MacLeod, a young Scotsman, is proposing to his love, Fiona MacDonald. Ian is not the only one planning his near future.
Sarajevo was…
…where it all went pear-shaped and assassins took down the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Emperor Franz Josef doesn't even like his heir. Tsar Nicholas and Kaiser Wilhelm are as stupid as the emperor with their thoughtless posturing.
Mrs. Butler killed her abusive husband. Teddy Browning is an unwanted suitor. Richard is engaged. Toby MacBride is a regular escort of Frances'. Captain Devereaux is with a Wiltshire regiment. Charles Talbot is with the Foreign Office. Hartle is a haberdasher. Some of the officers flitting in and out of the Gordons' home include Strickland and Captain Harvey.
The Cover and Title
The cover is beautiful, the sunset of A Fine Summer's Day, as we look up a green, grassy hill at the manor house at the top, all golden as the sun begins to set on the British Empire.
My Take
This was beautiful, heartbreaking, and bittersweet. I'm not sure if I would have preferred to read this at the very beginning of the series — before A Test of Wills — not knowing what was to come for Ian or if knowing what is to come, makes this so much more heartbreaking.
It begins with the news about the archduke's assassination in Sarajevo, a moment that will have far-reaching effects around the world. The reasons for the archduke being targeted have always been glossed over, and we never got to "meet" them as people in history classes. The way in which Todd brings in the more personal touch with these two made me feel it so much more. It certainly wasn't the future they had planned. We do know that Ian's future has taken a sharp, new turn with a woman he loves. Seeing her, reading about her, makes me grateful for his escape.
I had read A Fine Summer's Day out of order. And now that I've read No Shred of Evidence , I hate, hate, hate that I have to wait for #19 to come out. There is such promise for the future!
It would be lovely if we had foresight and could tell if the one with whom we fell in love were the right person for us. For Ian, it's everyone around him who sees the truth, but love has blinded him. Unlike our already knowing about Hamish, a bit of backward foreshadowing, only makes Hamish's fate even sadder.
Todd does a beautiful "info dump" when he has the vicar admiring Ian's car. Very, very nicely done. The back history about the evolution of the jury was an interesting tidbit.
I am annoyed that we never do learn one way or the other about the truth of Evan Dobson.
All that manipulating and maneuvering Ian had to do!? I absolutely hate Bowles. How can Scotland Yard put a man like him in charge? As for Inspector Farraday. How can he be so ignorant of the people in his area? I hate cops who don't care if they find the right wrongdoer.
The identity of the killer is rather obvious. It's the how he's doing such easy, silent killing that's the mystery, and Todd turns that truth into a nightmare. An excellent read even without Todd providing this back history on Ian before the war.
"the playing fields … [which] … had made men who helped rule the Empire."Those first three words always make me cry…
The Story
On a fine summer's day in June, 1914, Ian Rutledge is more interested in proposing to the woman whom he deeply loves, shrugging off the cautious concerns of his friends and family.
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.
The Characters
Inspector Ian Rutledge is not quite twenty-five and loves his work at Scotland Yard. Frances is Ian's sister. Mrs. Holly is their housekeeper. Melinda Crawford is an old family friend who shocked the neighborhood with how she set up her household. Ram, her chauffeur, is a Sikh; her maid, Shanta, is a Hindu. Ross Trevor is Ian's close friend; his father, David, is Ian's godfather and was/is a refuge for Ian. Morag is the Trevors' family housekeeper in Scotland.
Jean Gordon is the woman he loves, and she's caught up in the romance of planning a wedding, showing off with her friends, and urging Ian not to be a coward. Major George Gordon is her happy father. I think Private Meecham is an aide to the major. Simpson is the Gordons' butler. Kate is Jean's cousin and seems a very wise young woman. Jenny, Patricia, Margaret, Georgina, Maud, and Elizabeth may be Jean's bridesmaids. Marianne Hayes is another friend.
Scotland Yard
Chief Superintendent "Old Bowels" Bowles is Ian's boss and a more idiotic man to have in charge of a position where thinking is called for, I don't know. Chief Inspector Cummins is friendly and an ally for Ian. Inspector Davies has the churchyard case in Netherby. Sergeant Gibson is a miracle worker when it comes to networking and information gathering. Sergeant Hunt and Inspector Perkins are some of the men quitting.
Moresby, Yorkshire
Inspector Farraday prefers leaping to conclusions without facts. Constable Blaine. Ben Clayton is a widower who retired from his furniture-making shop with his son Peter taking over. Joseph Minton works in the shop. Ben's daughter, Annie, keeps house for her dad. Michael is a younger, more footloose son. Mrs. Alberston and Miss Sanderson wouldn't mind helping Ben with his widowed state. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Calder are Ben's neighbors; she helps her sister out at her tea shop, The Tea Cozy. Mr. Talmadge was Ben's other neighbor. Dr. Sutton is the local physician. Edward Hartle is working on an article about the ruins. Mark Kingston was wild as a youth and now works for a haberdasher in Scarborough. His father is dying. Tad is his cousin; Hilda is his bitch of a wife. I absolute LOVE what Tad says about her at the end! Mary is the elder Kingston's housekeeper. Danny had been sending Ben birthday cards.
Bristol, Somerset
Sergeant Miller finds some back history for Ian.
Netherby, Somerset is…
…east of Bristol. Lolly, a.k.a., Edgar, is the barber.
Beecham, Somerset
Evan Dobson was a leatherworker with a wife and a five-year-old son, Henry. Mr. Atkins owned a greengrocer's and had a profligate son, Young Thomas Atkins. Lucy Muir is a young, very intelligent woman who loves to do research and has a black cat named Abigail. The vicar is in love with her. The now-retired Sergeant Ralph Taylor had arrested Dobson.
Stoke Yarlington is…
…just west of Wells. Constable Hurley is the police presence there. Joel Tattersall liked to read and shared the house with his sister, Miss Tattersall. Mrs. Betterton is their daily. Bob Bryant is their gardener. Mrs. Reid runs the inn. Dr. Graham is the village physician.
Wells
The unethical Inspector Holliston is in charge. Thomas Simmons is Tattersall's solicitor and handles the Tattersalls' trust fund. William Barry is Simmons' head clerk. Rachel Barclay is the snotty bitch. Jenner is the assistant manager at Simmons' bank.
Aylesbridge, Kent
Constable Roderick answers to Inspector Watson in Maidstone. Jerome Hadley runs a successful hops farm. Helen Graves Hadley is his loving wife. His father-in-law, Mr. Graves, has died. Tom is a footman, Peggy Goode a maid, Mrs. Tolliver the housekeeper, and Mrs. Bowers the cook.
Mrs. Abbott is missing a farmworker, Tommy. Judith, Nan, and Bethy are her daughters. Dr. Wylie is the physician whose horse, Nellie, isn't too happy about motorcars.
Swan Walk, Kent is…
…the home of Fillmore Montagu Gilbert, a retired barrister who had been famous in his day. He'd also been a friend of Ian's father. Claudia Upchurch is Gilbert's daughter married to a doctor, Sidney, and living in Portsmouth with their three children. Edgerton was a Crown Prosecutor as well. Dr. Greening is the local physician. Inspector Williams has Swan Walk within his jurisdiction. Judge Abner had presided.
Alnwick, Northumberland
Inspector Penvellyn is too new and investigating the murder of a local headmaster, Mr. Stoddard, of Riverton School. His wife doesn't understand why he would commit suicide. Inspector Martin is sent up to replace Penvellyn.
Torquay, Devon
Terence Chasten is an arrogant, retired businessman who's helping with the books at the bakery his brother, Fred, owns. Inspector Sefton.
The retired Colonel Richard Crawford is Melinda's cousin and has been a friend for years. His daughter, Bess Crawford , has her own mystery series. Simon Brandon is also retired and Crawford's batman.
Scotland
Hamish MacLeod, a young Scotsman, is proposing to his love, Fiona MacDonald. Ian is not the only one planning his near future.
Sarajevo was…
…where it all went pear-shaped and assassins took down the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Emperor Franz Josef doesn't even like his heir. Tsar Nicholas and Kaiser Wilhelm are as stupid as the emperor with their thoughtless posturing.
Mrs. Butler killed her abusive husband. Teddy Browning is an unwanted suitor. Richard is engaged. Toby MacBride is a regular escort of Frances'. Captain Devereaux is with a Wiltshire regiment. Charles Talbot is with the Foreign Office. Hartle is a haberdasher. Some of the officers flitting in and out of the Gordons' home include Strickland and Captain Harvey.
The Cover and Title
The cover is beautiful, the sunset of A Fine Summer's Day, as we look up a green, grassy hill at the manor house at the top, all golden as the sun begins to set on the British Empire.
December 19, 2015
The craziness, almost celebratory, of the onset of war in a generation that hadn't known it, the retrospective idiocy – may be the most thought provoking bit of this book.
Something about stories that happen at the start of, or just before, a horrible human chapter (in this case WWI) especially something as completely evil and stupid as that war, tug at a basic heart place. If only.
Tell me why millions upon millions of lives were lost in such a fantasmagorically awful way ? and even many ba-gillions more lives ruined?
Um, well...say this country is your “friend” now (although they weren't 50 years ago) so you signed an agreement saying that their enemies were your enemies even if they were friends of a acquaintance before – so that enemy, er, friend, was hit by someone who – this time around – is your friend's enemy's friend and so your enemy (for now). Because of course the enemy of your friend is your enemy as are the friends of that enemy even if they could have been your friend.
See?
You're welcome.
Terrified teenagers with life threatening, constant dysentery, in a disgusting muddy trench that reeks of the dead and dismembered bodies surrounding? Sign me up!
Or maybe Wilhelm was just doing what Ed 7 (now dead but well remembered) wanted?
(see: https://soundcloud.com/guns-and-butte...)
A book done with lots of careful details. Maybe too many. Guess I didn't see the need for some, and other bits, appearing meaningful at the time – aren't. (“She said…..and he'd recall that she had said that weeks later.” but it's never mentioned again…).
A good plot, although mystery-wise certainly no Poirot, solved easily well before our pithy detective sees it. Even the “how did he get them to...” was easily foreseen. The answer was all given in the opening vignettes. Except the Scottish bit which is actually not relevant to this book at all, but stuck in for the other novels in the series. Seemed ectopic at the time and at the end, as well.
Some characters are written with depth and insight – Melinda and Frances for instance – but his fiance? Knock knock… (silence) I didn't see the attraction at all. But perhaps it is like May in the Age of Innocence? She's cute and from a “good” family, and that's enough? I doubt Jean (fiance) would have the insight that May shared with her son (that we learn of at the end) however. Doubt Jean could see the sacrifice of others as anything but what she deserved. “Oh, look! Shiny thing!”
This was a long awaited give-away win. Free books? Good.
Something about stories that happen at the start of, or just before, a horrible human chapter (in this case WWI) especially something as completely evil and stupid as that war, tug at a basic heart place. If only.
Tell me why millions upon millions of lives were lost in such a fantasmagorically awful way ? and even many ba-gillions more lives ruined?
Um, well...say this country is your “friend” now (although they weren't 50 years ago) so you signed an agreement saying that their enemies were your enemies even if they were friends of a acquaintance before – so that enemy, er, friend, was hit by someone who – this time around – is your friend's enemy's friend and so your enemy (for now). Because of course the enemy of your friend is your enemy as are the friends of that enemy even if they could have been your friend.
See?
You're welcome.
Terrified teenagers with life threatening, constant dysentery, in a disgusting muddy trench that reeks of the dead and dismembered bodies surrounding? Sign me up!
Or maybe Wilhelm was just doing what Ed 7 (now dead but well remembered) wanted?
(see: https://soundcloud.com/guns-and-butte...)
A book done with lots of careful details. Maybe too many. Guess I didn't see the need for some, and other bits, appearing meaningful at the time – aren't. (“She said…..and he'd recall that she had said that weeks later.” but it's never mentioned again…).
A good plot, although mystery-wise certainly no Poirot, solved easily well before our pithy detective sees it. Even the “how did he get them to...” was easily foreseen. The answer was all given in the opening vignettes. Except the Scottish bit which is actually not relevant to this book at all, but stuck in for the other novels in the series. Seemed ectopic at the time and at the end, as well.
Some characters are written with depth and insight – Melinda and Frances for instance – but his fiance? Knock knock… (silence) I didn't see the attraction at all. But perhaps it is like May in the Age of Innocence? She's cute and from a “good” family, and that's enough? I doubt Jean (fiance) would have the insight that May shared with her son (that we learn of at the end) however. Doubt Jean could see the sacrifice of others as anything but what she deserved. “Oh, look! Shiny thing!”
This was a long awaited give-away win. Free books? Good.
November 28, 2014
This 17th novel in the Ian Rutledge series comes out in January, 2015. Amazingly, Charles Todd is a pen name used by a Mother and son team writing together to achieve an amazing body of work which includes two separate series and some stand-alone novels. Inspector Ian Rutledge deals with major crimes in a post-World War I world while struggling to cope with his personal demons from the war. Todd’s second series stars Bess Crawford, a World War I nurse who solves mysteries. Two new books in the Crawford series came out in 2014, “An Unwilling Accomplice” and “The Maharani’s Pearls.” In August, 2015, they are planning on bringing out only their second stand-alone novel called “A Pattern of Lies.” This body of work is for those who like literate, historical mysteries.
January 25, 2015
This is a prequel to the earlier Rutledge mysteries. It takes place just as WWI is breaking out. Hammish and Rutledge do not meet until the final pages, but we know from the start that meeting is coming.
Rutlege is engaged. With love and death in the air, I expected some emotional impact, but there really is none. Rutlege's finance is a cardboard cut out. There is no chemistry between them. There is no mystery to speak of either.
Normally I read a mystery in a few days. This book was so easy to put down that it took the better part of a month. I doubt if I would have finished it if it had not been a goodreads win and I felt obligated to review.
Not worth your time.
Rutlege is engaged. With love and death in the air, I expected some emotional impact, but there really is none. Rutlege's finance is a cardboard cut out. There is no chemistry between them. There is no mystery to speak of either.
Normally I read a mystery in a few days. This book was so easy to put down that it took the better part of a month. I doubt if I would have finished it if it had not been a goodreads win and I felt obligated to review.
Not worth your time.
August 28, 2015
This is the 17th book in the in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd and it is also my first book in this series. I actually liked this one. I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked the MC. He was well drawn, but some of the other characters felt a little vague and there were a lot of them. I also liked the story line. But I didn't get the whole importance of the assassinations at the beginning. The author related it to something but that was it....I kept expecting it to come back into the story with some meaning attached to it. Did I miss something?
Overall, this had a nice flow. I liked that the reader knew early on who did it. The mystery was focused on how.
I liked the MC. He was well drawn, but some of the other characters felt a little vague and there were a lot of them. I also liked the story line. But I didn't get the whole importance of the assassinations at the beginning. The author related it to something but that was it....I kept expecting it to come back into the story with some meaning attached to it. Did I miss something?
Overall, this had a nice flow. I liked that the reader knew early on who did it. The mystery was focused on how.
December 30, 2018
An enjoyable easy read. I like reading and writing about that period (1900-1930) and I look forward to reading more of the Ian Rutledge series--it appears I started at the beginning with this book and I'm glad I did so.
November 27, 2022
Written by a mother and son writing team, this book is actually the prequel story of Inspector Ian Rutledge despite being #17 in the series. Rutledge is a detective at Scotland Yard who proposes to his fiancée on the eve of WW1.He has several murders to solve, trying to figure out the connection between the deaths before he makes the difficult decision to enlist. The writing isn’t the best, but I find this time in history fascinating. I will probably go back now and start with #1 in the series which takes place as Rutledge returns from the war.
January 21, 2019
The first sixteen Ian Rutledge books were set after World War I. They dealt with the war's damage to British society and to Rutledge, who had mental issues that he concealed from everyone. He had shot a corporal, Hamish MacLeod, for refusing to lead his squad in another fruitless attack against the Germans, and now Hamish resides so strongly in Rutledge's memory that he is present as an ongoing voice as Ian investigates murders. It's a sign of Rutledge's partial recovery that Hamsh recedes over time, but never completely. This book precedes the war, taking place during England's last golden
summer prior to the war. The war's looming presence is part of the book, but Rutledge is still whole.
Rutledge investigates what comes to be more than one case. It starts with the apparent suicide, the murderous implications of the death having been missed by the local doctor and inspector, of a seemingly very good man. As Rutledge doggedly investigates (being a very good police inspector whether before or after the war), he finds evidence that there may not have been only one victim. How he identifies the criminal, set against the blind stupidity of his chief superintendent (who always looks for easy answers), makes for a good book. The book also deals with Rutledge's engagement to a woman who (we know) will someday let him down. (His sister and his longtime family friend, Melinda both view the fiance as flighty and spoiled, but Ian doesn't take their reactions as other than short-term ones.)
The rather remarkable mother-son team that wries under the name Carles Todd (as in the Beth Crawford books) continues to turn out interesting novels. It struck me on reading this one that part of what makes the books seem complex is that Rutledge has to drie back and forth across England to interview and re-interview witnesses, being too early for any of the distance-banishing crime techniques that mark our time. In that regard, the books remind me of the classic set of novels that Henry Wade wrote in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, though better in terms of style and character development than Wade's. (wade, however, was almost unsurpassed in his ability to plot.)
summer prior to the war. The war's looming presence is part of the book, but Rutledge is still whole.
Rutledge investigates what comes to be more than one case. It starts with the apparent suicide, the murderous implications of the death having been missed by the local doctor and inspector, of a seemingly very good man. As Rutledge doggedly investigates (being a very good police inspector whether before or after the war), he finds evidence that there may not have been only one victim. How he identifies the criminal, set against the blind stupidity of his chief superintendent (who always looks for easy answers), makes for a good book. The book also deals with Rutledge's engagement to a woman who (we know) will someday let him down. (His sister and his longtime family friend, Melinda both view the fiance as flighty and spoiled, but Ian doesn't take their reactions as other than short-term ones.)
The rather remarkable mother-son team that wries under the name Carles Todd (as in the Beth Crawford books) continues to turn out interesting novels. It struck me on reading this one that part of what makes the books seem complex is that Rutledge has to drie back and forth across England to interview and re-interview witnesses, being too early for any of the distance-banishing crime techniques that mark our time. In that regard, the books remind me of the classic set of novels that Henry Wade wrote in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, though better in terms of style and character development than Wade's. (wade, however, was almost unsurpassed in his ability to plot.)
February 12, 2015
Summary:
It's late June 1914. Detective Ian Rutledge is in his early years of detective work for Scotland Yard. His superintendent is Bowles, a man who is often difficult to comprehend, he's moody and sullen. Rutledge is sent on an assignment for a murder case. Meanwhile, Rutledge becomes engaged to the lovely Jean Gordon. Their engagement comes on the day of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Talk of war begins immediately in Europe. Rutledge hopes the talk will not proceed Great Britain's involvement. Jean's father is a military man and she has vainglorious visions for Rutledge. A Fine Summer's Day is a perfect title for the last of the "fine" days before World War I began.
My Thoughts:
I've read several books in the Ian Rutledge Mystery series. I'm pleased A Fine Summer's Day shares Rutledge's life prior to World War I. The rest of the series of books are post World War I.
A Fine Summer's Day gave me background information about Rutledge. His family life, romance, pre-World War I personality, parents, and relationship with superintendent Bowles.
Another aspect of the book showed me Rutledge's insecurities in regard to his career choice; further, his struggles of being a detective and balancing a personal life.
A Fine Summer's Day explores the gusto and naivete of people vigorous for war. However, they did not understand war's burdens, most pronounced the maiming of peoples lives, destruction, and death.
Rutledge is a vulnerable character because of his torn feelings. He is a torn character through all of the series, but in A Fine Summer's Day I see where "it" all began.
From the beginning of the story when the labor pangs of war begin, through to the end of the book, there is a crescendo of war building. At first it is talk that seems far away, then Russia becomes involved, and later when Germany over-takes Belgium, the verdict is set. Britain will be at war.
I loved every aspect of this story and feel it is the best in the Ian Rutledge Mystery series!
It's late June 1914. Detective Ian Rutledge is in his early years of detective work for Scotland Yard. His superintendent is Bowles, a man who is often difficult to comprehend, he's moody and sullen. Rutledge is sent on an assignment for a murder case. Meanwhile, Rutledge becomes engaged to the lovely Jean Gordon. Their engagement comes on the day of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Talk of war begins immediately in Europe. Rutledge hopes the talk will not proceed Great Britain's involvement. Jean's father is a military man and she has vainglorious visions for Rutledge. A Fine Summer's Day is a perfect title for the last of the "fine" days before World War I began.
My Thoughts:
I've read several books in the Ian Rutledge Mystery series. I'm pleased A Fine Summer's Day shares Rutledge's life prior to World War I. The rest of the series of books are post World War I.
A Fine Summer's Day gave me background information about Rutledge. His family life, romance, pre-World War I personality, parents, and relationship with superintendent Bowles.
Another aspect of the book showed me Rutledge's insecurities in regard to his career choice; further, his struggles of being a detective and balancing a personal life.
A Fine Summer's Day explores the gusto and naivete of people vigorous for war. However, they did not understand war's burdens, most pronounced the maiming of peoples lives, destruction, and death.
Rutledge is a vulnerable character because of his torn feelings. He is a torn character through all of the series, but in A Fine Summer's Day I see where "it" all began.
From the beginning of the story when the labor pangs of war begin, through to the end of the book, there is a crescendo of war building. At first it is talk that seems far away, then Russia becomes involved, and later when Germany over-takes Belgium, the verdict is set. Britain will be at war.
I loved every aspect of this story and feel it is the best in the Ian Rutledge Mystery series!
January 1, 2015
I write few five-star reviews, but joyfully grant the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of A Fine Summer's Day the rating I associate with my favorite author, Daniel Silva.
First, let me say that the ARC is almost flawless. The meticulous attention to detail that creates an ARC this clean is a testimony to the professionalism of the Charles Todd team of authors, editors, and proofreaders. I now have a higher standard for ARCs in my work: it can be done!
And this quality extends to the story itself. I am not a fan of prequels, and A Fine Summer's Day is a prequel for the Ian Rutledge series. But the book is a pleasure from start to finish because it is so well written, the characters are so finely drawn, and the details so carefully measured. It never drags, and the dialogue and prose move the story forward in equal parts.
I appreciate more information about shallow Jean, Rutledge's fiancee. Background about his tense relationship with Chief Inspector Bowles puts the other books in the series in context. And the case that led Rutledge into war lays the groundwork for his mindset when he returns to Scotland Yard to resume his career. As an added bonus, I had no idea that Rutledge and Bess Crawford were "related," an epiphany revealed in A Fine Summer's Day.
While the ending is a little too "neat" for my taste, A Fine Summer's Day is a very accomplished work and a worthy addition to the Ian Rutledge stories.
Compliments to the authors and their team, and highly recommended.
First, let me say that the ARC is almost flawless. The meticulous attention to detail that creates an ARC this clean is a testimony to the professionalism of the Charles Todd team of authors, editors, and proofreaders. I now have a higher standard for ARCs in my work: it can be done!
And this quality extends to the story itself. I am not a fan of prequels, and A Fine Summer's Day is a prequel for the Ian Rutledge series. But the book is a pleasure from start to finish because it is so well written, the characters are so finely drawn, and the details so carefully measured. It never drags, and the dialogue and prose move the story forward in equal parts.
I appreciate more information about shallow Jean, Rutledge's fiancee. Background about his tense relationship with Chief Inspector Bowles puts the other books in the series in context. And the case that led Rutledge into war lays the groundwork for his mindset when he returns to Scotland Yard to resume his career. As an added bonus, I had no idea that Rutledge and Bess Crawford were "related," an epiphany revealed in A Fine Summer's Day.
While the ending is a little too "neat" for my taste, A Fine Summer's Day is a very accomplished work and a worthy addition to the Ian Rutledge stories.
Compliments to the authors and their team, and highly recommended.
February 24, 2015
I liked it, but with some reservations. So really 2 1/2 stars.
It's difficult to see why Rutledge is attracted to Jean. She is shallow and immature. She and Rutledge don't seem to have any interests in common, unlike her cousin Kate, who as little as she appears in the book feels like more of a real person than Jean and of whom Rutledge remarks that he's always been fond and enjoyed her company. Perhaps it's that Jean is so carefree and sheltered, when Rutledge has seen so much and had to deal with tragedy. Yet he is more worried about fulfilling Jean's expectations than she is a support or solace to him. What does he get out of this relationship?
Except for Hamish, of course, Rutledge is the same person as in the later books. He is as sure of his instincts in his cases as after the war, as obdurate in the face of Bowles and as creative in getting around him, as unflappable with local police, witnesses, and those affected by crimes.
I hope the next installment sees Rutledge continuing to overcome his past sufferings and perhaps to have some happiness in his life.
It's difficult to see why Rutledge is attracted to Jean. She is shallow and immature. She and Rutledge don't seem to have any interests in common, unlike her cousin Kate, who as little as she appears in the book feels like more of a real person than Jean and of whom Rutledge remarks that he's always been fond and enjoyed her company. Perhaps it's that Jean is so carefree and sheltered, when Rutledge has seen so much and had to deal with tragedy. Yet he is more worried about fulfilling Jean's expectations than she is a support or solace to him. What does he get out of this relationship?
Except for Hamish, of course, Rutledge is the same person as in the later books. He is as sure of his instincts in his cases as after the war, as obdurate in the face of Bowles and as creative in getting around him, as unflappable with local police, witnesses, and those affected by crimes.
I hope the next installment sees Rutledge continuing to overcome his past sufferings and perhaps to have some happiness in his life.
May 5, 2015
A Fine Summer's Day goes back to the very beginning of World War I. Inspector Rutledge has just become engaged to Jean Gordon. His rapid promotion at Scotland Yard may be part of the reason Chief Superintendent Bowles dislikes him even now. Rutledge has been called into to investigate the death of a well-liked upstanding citizen of a small town. Rutledge is convinced that the death is linked to several other equally mysterious death, but Bowles believes Rutledge is just wasting time. As usual, Rutledge's dogged perseverance in following even the tiniest lead, reveals a killer bent on revenge. One of the interesting pieces of this book, of course, is the portrayal of Jean Gordon. Readers who have followed the series, know what will happen in the future, and the seeds for that are laid in this installment. I liked the back story and I liked the customary investigative focus. Rutledge, without the later darkness, is still a good read. However, he's more interesting with the darkness.
April 22, 2015
When I first started to read this book, I was not in the right frame of mind, so I waited and restarted reading. I really enjoyed learning about Ian Rutledge and her family and co-workers in this looking back book. Ian has probably made the biggest mistake of his life, but the war steps in to dissolve the error. The characters jump off the pages, especially many of the minor characters. Ian rushes between Jean in London and his duties in several surrounding villages due to many suicide or murder investigations. The reader is forewarned of the murderer, but not given the criteria for killing each man. The tension builds in Ian's cases, as well as in Europe with the threat of war. The ending brings resolution and closure, but in an obscure method. I could not stop reading and finished the book, even though I needed to go to bed.
March 24, 2020
All the previous books featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard have taken place in the aftermath of World War I. This one takes us back to the idyllic summer of 1914, just before the outbreak of the war. The young policeman Rutledge is about to propose to his beloved Jean, although some of his friends think she is not really the one for him. Meanwhile, a man's widowed mother has died and a string of apparently unconnected murders needs to be solved. Going back into the past, Rutledge finally makes the necessary connections. Recommended.
I reread this book and realized I had forgotten a lot of it. Many books have been written about the summer before the Great War and this is a good one.
I reread this book and realized I had forgotten a lot of it. Many books have been written about the summer before the Great War and this is a good one.
November 24, 2015
The mother and son writing team that comprise Charles Todd seamlessly take Ian Rutledge back to his last case before the war. One of this series' major attractions has been Rutledge's PTSD (of course it wasn't called that then) and how he struggles with it while doing his job as an inspector for Scotland Yard. This prequel is superbly handled as we witness Rutledge falling in love, investigating a complex case and being forced to deal with the demon of war on the horizon.
A historical police procedural made more interesting by the lack of tools there were to work with. Engrossing.
A historical police procedural made more interesting by the lack of tools there were to work with. Engrossing.
September 28, 2022
I have read one of Charles Todd's Bess Crawford novels before, but was not extremely impressed. I thought I would try one about Inspector Ian Rutledge. It was okay, but there was a lot left unexplained in the end. Who is Hamish McLeod for one? I'm guessing that this book is a prequel to the other 16 Ian Rutledge novels. He is very young here. I will reserve judgement until I have sampled another of these books. Also, I can't help feeling that Jean is not the best woman for Ian to be engaged to. She seems a bit shallow to me, but maybe it will turn out okay in the end for them.
February 6, 2022
This book goes back to Rutledge's life and career before he fought in WWI. It doesn't really develop his character much from the previous books. It's excellent, however, in demonstrating how the fact that they were going to war and the realities of going to war slowly became apparent to the British.
January 20, 2016
I appreciated getting the Hamish-free version of Ian. The darker version always makes me think he's so much older than he really is, and the back story is good, too.
October 11, 2018
If you are a fan of this series of novels, you will understand this book very well. It is very telling in the development of Inspector Ian Rutledge. If you have not read this book but found out what it is about and plan to read it first, then go back to the books in order — don't.
Without the foundation of the earlier books, the potency of this tale won't be there, and that's extremely powerful. The authors have waited but I suspect they had the outline for this tale sitting and maturing for quite a while.
In this story, we get the backstory about Rutledge before he returns to London and Scotland Yard after the war. We see the love that he has for that silly, totally unsuitable love of his, Jean. And the foundation of his life, his convictions, his ethics. And like all the others, Rutledge is challenged by a murder; in this case a growing series of murders.
It begins with an older man, a hop farmer, who is discovered hanging in his house. The man was healthy, well-liked and respected. No known enemies. Was it murder or suicide? There are little clues to the death.
Then there are others, not hangings but men with men who had no cause to kill themselves and no known enemies. While there are similarities, nothing links these men together, no string to follow, and nothing to suggest that there will be others.
But Ian Rutledge is nothing less that dogged on his cases. He has recently proposed to Jean, who is eager to celebrate the engagement. Rutledge wants to be there for the dinners, the closeness of this woman he loves, but duty calls and he feels, knows, that there is more to the murders than everyone thinks. Especially as in one town, the local police accuse the estranged son of the latest victim.
Its a tightrope that Rutledge walks between the expectations of his fiancé, his commanding officer and his own gut feeling about the cases. And it makes for exciting, edge of the seat reading. This is a true five-star read, and a winning, satisfying tale.
Without the foundation of the earlier books, the potency of this tale won't be there, and that's extremely powerful. The authors have waited but I suspect they had the outline for this tale sitting and maturing for quite a while.
In this story, we get the backstory about Rutledge before he returns to London and Scotland Yard after the war. We see the love that he has for that silly, totally unsuitable love of his, Jean. And the foundation of his life, his convictions, his ethics. And like all the others, Rutledge is challenged by a murder; in this case a growing series of murders.
It begins with an older man, a hop farmer, who is discovered hanging in his house. The man was healthy, well-liked and respected. No known enemies. Was it murder or suicide? There are little clues to the death.
Then there are others, not hangings but men with men who had no cause to kill themselves and no known enemies. While there are similarities, nothing links these men together, no string to follow, and nothing to suggest that there will be others.
But Ian Rutledge is nothing less that dogged on his cases. He has recently proposed to Jean, who is eager to celebrate the engagement. Rutledge wants to be there for the dinners, the closeness of this woman he loves, but duty calls and he feels, knows, that there is more to the murders than everyone thinks. Especially as in one town, the local police accuse the estranged son of the latest victim.
Its a tightrope that Rutledge walks between the expectations of his fiancé, his commanding officer and his own gut feeling about the cases. And it makes for exciting, edge of the seat reading. This is a true five-star read, and a winning, satisfying tale.
March 30, 2021
Flashback time as we are sent to before The Great War, and obviously this presents fans with features of interest. We get to see a younger Ian. One who actually steps into train cars without trepidation.
We also get to see more of his relationship with Jean and her family, Inspector Cummins, and the rest of the regulars. And all of this is set against a backdrop of impending war.
Personally, while interesting, I don't find this to be one of the better books. Unlike the last volume A FINE SUMMERS DAY doesn't suffer from a plethora of characters, but simply put, the mystery isn't.
We are told who the killer is. Something Todd does. And while the characters are still engrossing the 'thing' that should be part of the great reveal, is for the first time in the series, guessable.
And the denouement? Sentimental and sort of corny to be honest.
March 9, 2018
I’ve been reading this author and have been pleased with his stories, plot lines, characters, but this was a total disappointment!
Character development barely existed! There’s no doubt in your mind about who did it. The story is about how detective Rutledge finally puts the pieces together and gets the murderer. The whole book is also about WWI and how it started which was interesting but it’s also about Rutledge not wanting to go and then poof, he enlists!
Character development barely existed! There’s no doubt in your mind about who did it. The story is about how detective Rutledge finally puts the pieces together and gets the murderer. The whole book is also about WWI and how it started which was interesting but it’s also about Rutledge not wanting to go and then poof, he enlists!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2019
A very good installment in the Rutledge series. This is Pre-Hamish, pre-War, and pre-lonely and haunted Ian. It was good to actually meet this main character without all the trauma, guilt, and sadness that the War has left with him. Yet, this younger and more optimistic Rutledge still exuded all the intelligence and perseverance that we have come to know and love.
As for the mystery itself, there was none. We, as the reader, are privy to who the 'perp' is from the very beginning and are really just along for the ride as Rutledge figures it out. Yet, the book was quite interesting in and of itself.
As for the mystery itself, there was none. We, as the reader, are privy to who the 'perp' is from the very beginning and are really just along for the ride as Rutledge figures it out. Yet, the book was quite interesting in and of itself.
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