The Piper

Inspector Ian Rutledge #0.3

by Charles Todd

Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge returns shell shocked from the trenches of World War I, tormented by the memory of Hamish MacLeod, the young Scots soldier he executed on the battlefield. Now, Charles Todd features Hamish himself in this compelling, stand-alone short story.

Before the Great War, Hamish farms in the Highlands, living in a small croft on the hillside and caring for a flock of sheep he inherited from his grandmother. When at the height of a spring gale, he hears a faint cry echoing across the glen, Hamish sets out into the stormy night to find the source. Near the edge of the loch he spots a young boy lying wounded, a piper’s bag beside him. Hamish brings the piper to his home to stay the night and tends to his head wound, but by the time Hamish wakes the boy has vanished.  Worried, he goes in pursuit of the injured piper and finds him again collapsed in the heather--dead.

Who was the mysterious piper, and who was seeking his death? As Hamish scours the countryside for answers, he finds that few of his neighbors are as honest as he, and that until he uncovers a motive, everyone, including Hamish, is a suspect.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Scotland, Crime

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2017

About the author

Charles 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.

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inspector Ian Rutledge series short story focusing on Hamish MacLeod in the Scottish Highlands in 1914.

Hamish’s grandmother has recently died and left Hamish with a croft, property and sheep. One night while alone with his thoughts, Hamish thinks he hears a voice calling out during a fierce gale. Hamish can’t imagine that anyone would be out on such a cold, dark and rainy night. He listens intently and thinks he hears it again…he must investigate.

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Piper is a short story that features Hamish MacLeod before he was killed in WW1. It's a bit sad reading this story with the knowledge about what will happen to him in the war. As this story only have 100 pages is hard to review the story without giving much away. Basically, it's a murder mystery story where everyone is a suspect including Hamish, and it's up to Hamish to figure out who killed the young piper that he stumbled over near the edge of the loch.

I have a read a couple of books in the Ian Rutledge series, but I've more of a Bess Crawford fan (Charles Todd's other series), but still I enjoy reading the Ian Rutledge books since they are engaging and well-written and I enjoyed reading The Piper since it gives the reader an insight into a character that otherwise is just a figment of Ian Rutledge's imagination. This book made me eager to read more books from the Ian Rutledge series.

Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh, to meet Hamish at home in the croft. This novella introduces us to the man who was Ian’s friend, demonstrates Hamish’s character and offers a deeper understanding of why Ian is so haunted by his memory. Poignant!!

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Piper is a story that in its simplicity, manages to do a multitude of things simultaneously. The first and most important of which being to give the specter of Hamish MacLeod, which has managed to haunt the beloved Ian Rutledge without fail from book to book. A life outside of our tormented leading man's mind.
Reader's also get to view Hamish as a smart, resourceful, compassionate, and home-loving man. A man who, had he not died, would have had the stuff to make a great crime stopper in his own right.

Though short, the story is intense and extremely readable. One is very much able to clearly delineate the who's and why's of where character loyalties and such will lie. All with a speed and surety that comes as a most welcome surprise.
Speaking of welcome surprises. The completeness of the story told here is one that definitely merits accolades. The complexity, plot twists, character development, and overall polish of a story that, when measured against the length of a standard novel, would span only a few chapters. Is in and of itself a hallmark of great story craft.

Lastly, and most enticing of all, is the fact that reader's are also given the added treat of a sneak preview of the latest Ian Rutledge Mystery, Racing The Devil. Published on February 14, 2017, by William Morrow.

Reviewer's Note: The Piper is a related standalone short story within an ongoing series. As such, it may be read at any time within the series's course.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and satisfying. Especially impressed that for once, the authors actually understand a bit about bagpiping.

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this short story is a little bit misleading unless you consider that all of the characters in the Ian Rutledge series qualify as: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Story.

This story is only about Hamish MacLeod but it gives those of us who are dyed-in-the-wool fans some background information about what kind of person Hamish was in his native Scotland. The story takes place in 1914, so before the war, and Hamish is now living in the croft left to him by his grandmother when she died. During a terrible storm one night Hamish finds and rescues an injured person and takes them back to his cottage. From that point we begin to see how Hamish works out the mystery of the stranger found beside the loch.

This is really quite short, taking up slightly less than 50% of the Kindle download. I'm still glad I read it because I can see that the authors will probably use other short stories like this to help readers of the novels understand the feelings Rutledge had for Hamish, the positive qualities of the man, which only compounded the agony Rutledge felt after the incident.

The remaining portion of the download is the first two chapters in the next Ian Rutledge series set to be released in February 2017. Racing the Devil promises to be another satisfying novel in the series and I am looking forward to reading it.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The three prequels from these authors I have recently caught up with were short but enjoyable to know more background about the characters that people the two series they write. Now I am pleased to have learned a bit more about Hamish who figures so prominently in Ian Rutledge series.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery from a different quarter in this series, which usually features Ian Rutledge as the main character and Hamish McLeod more as his conscious or side kick, depending on your point of view.

In this story, there is no Ian Rutledge from Scotland Yard nor has there been the first world war. Hamish is living on the moors and considering his future, getting married and perhaps children who can carry on the family name. But there is a terrible storm brewing and it bring more than rain and wild winds: a young man, a piper, who has been bludgeoned. Hamish brings him in from the storm and does his best for him and then goes to bed; when he awakes the man is gone but not forgotten.

Short stories are never appreciated for the strength and talent that lies behind it. In less that 60 pages, Charles Todd has created a world, a strong, interesting character (if you have not met Hamish before) and a rousing mystery that keeps the reader riveted to his seat. This is very good reading and a shining example of talent in a small package.

[Patsyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The SECOND book to read.
While reading this book, I wondered whether Hamish McLeod is actually a ghost in the Ian Rutledge Mysteries. I wondered this because in this book, Hamish actually solves a mystery using the same techniques that Rutledge uses. So is Hamish in Rutledge's imagination or is he actually a ghost with investigative techniques?
It was also hard to read this little novel because I know what happens to Hamish and Fiona.
Hamish McLeod solves a murder. He is the same person that he is in Ian's imagination. I could tell why Ian respected Hamish so much - they are the same personality.
Loved this little book.
BEST USE OF: Scottish accent. Rain.
ALPHA MALE: 10
SPUNKY HEROINE: 0
SEX: 0
HEA: 0
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: None
Rating
10
Heat
0 - not even warm rooms
COVER COVERS IT: Great cover
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: Would make a great episode in the Ian Rutledge Mystery TV series that I so want - and yes - James McAvoy would make a great Hamish.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a long story, short novella -not even 1/2 of a book length piece. It's Hamish retro placement, plot, before the beginning of WWI. In Scotland at his croft- and the dialect is dense in spots.

It's a mood piece, beyond a murder mystery. And for my read it showed the depth of wisdom and savvy that Hamish owns and also his own understanding of his place in the world. And his power too- in that same world. It also carries a high "other-worldly", mystic to magical and Celtic feel in the sense of the surviving "spirit" of the piper. And hearing him play.

Those who know the entire Ian Rutledge series will know that the piper is prophetic. Hamish clearly hears him.

It was entertaining and well worth the read. But I always understar Scottish dialect reading. Forgive me, because it tends to drive me round the bend.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's Hamish who is at the center of this short story.

I found myself hoping that there would be some surprises, but in general there aren't any. Still it was pleasant to see Hamish in his home country before the war.

Not a critically important part of the series. I can't suggest that you pay for this. I found it available for free, through my library, on a publisher's service called HOOPLA.

[Carlissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only read the first book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series (A Test of Wills) and really liked it, so was interested in reading this short story about Hamish, Ian Rutledge's "ghost". I liked the beginning of this story, but was confused by the ending.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but ends pretty abrubtly.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening

This kindle e-book novella was $0.99 from Amazon book 0.3 of 24

This story is Hamish who Rutledge will meet during the war. He finds a young lad injured and takes him to his home. The lad leaves and is found dead and the mystery begins.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships British mystery novels. 2024

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying mystery told succinctly, yet with plenty of Scottish atmosphere! I could feel the penetrating cold and rain and see the eerie, fog-shrouded loch. The climax was suspenseful and surprising; I had pegged a different culprit, but the real one was supported by the evidence. A very good read!

[ElaineY]

Has the voice of Hamish appearing throughout the series, haunting Rutledge. He was forced to kill Hamish during the war.

[Judy Nappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, suspenseful story offering some insight to the character of Hamish MacLeod.

[Meg Regan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella featuring Hamish.

[Sreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little short story

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

a guid story

I do not understand the military. It would have been great to read stories about Hamish alive. I enjoyed this story with Hamish.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staring Hamish

Hamish McLeod is one of my very favorite of Charles Todd characters, and I must say I enjoyed reading the short story with him at the center. It was a pleasure.

[j riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and intriguing!

I have become a huge fan of Charles Todd's mysteries. Whether Ian Rutledege or Bess Crawford, his novels are absorbing and surprising. I want to read them all!

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story about Hamish solving a murder in Scotland.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about Hamish MacLeod. The story, or book, is said to be 58 pages but the story is only 24, the rest is a preview of another of Charles Todd's books.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Atmospheric short story featuring Hamish, who is a ghostly voice in the Ian Rutledge mysteries.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

I’m not quite sure whether to call this a prequel or a sidelight to the Ian Rutledge series, but it was certainly a lovely little story. And it doesn’t need to fit anywhere in the series timeline for the story to work. It just is. And does.

In the Ian Rutledge series, Hamish MacLeod is the voice that haunts the police Inspector. In some ways, Hamish is the voice of Rutledge’s shell shock (read as PTSD) from World War I. In other ways, Hamish is the voice of Rutledge’s conscience, or perhaps his guilt, over the deaths of so many young men that occurred under his command during the war. Certainly Hamish’ death is the one that haunts him the most.

But this gem of a story takes place before the Great War, when Hamish is still a young crofter in Scotland, Ian Rutledge is probably at the beginning of his police career at the Met, and the Great War is a looming cloud over the not-too-distant horizon.

And long before Hamish and Ian met, and before Hamish became the voice of Ian’s instincts and perseverance, Hamish solved a murder on his own. No wonder he is so good at helping Ian, even if it is from the back of Ian’s mind. Or it’s all in his head.

The case at first seems open and shut. A young man traveling the Highlands during a raging storm is set upon and wounded, discovered by Hamish, and eventually killed after he leaves Hamish’ croft. It is meant to look like he died in the storm. But he didn’t.

At first, the police try to pin the crime on Hamish. After all, he was the last person to see the boy alive. But there’s no evidence there, and someone else had plenty of reasons to kill the young lad.

He was a piper, and he regularly traveled the Highlands by himself, on his way between gigs. And on one of those lonely trips, he witnessed a murder. Unfortunately for the piper, the murderer witnessed him.

Unfortunately for the murderer, Hamish is more than willing to place himself as bait for a trap to prove that he has already figured out who the guilty party is. Justice will be done.

Escape Rating B+: This is a very short novella. Even shorter than it appears in the Goodreads listing, as the book includes an excerpt from the next Ian Rutledge book. But even though it is short, it is a complete story in itself. It also doesn’t require any knowledge of the series that follows it. Any reader who is looking for an introduction to the works of Charles Todd will find The Piper an excellent starting point.

Hamish, like most detectives, amateur and professional, finds that everyone has something to hide. Including himself. As he goes around to his neighbors, setting up a trap for the killer, he discovers that most of them have some secret, small or large, that they would rather not reveal. Likewise, Hamish doesn’t reveal that the purpose of all of his sudden socializing is to lay a trap for the killer.

His secrecy results in a comedy of errors at the final crisis, as everyone, the killer, Hamish, and his waiting helpers, all stumble around in the dark. But in the end, his dogged persistence pays off, and the killer is unmasked for all to see.

Hamish is an interesting character, whether readers are familiar with the series or not. I’ve read the first book (A Test of Wills), an actual prequel story (Cold Comfort) and only one of the later books (Hunting Shadows), and found this story enjoyable purely as a mystery. The link to the series is merely tangential. I also found Hamish MacLeod to be a more active and less exasperating Highland detective than Hamish Macbeth in the recent books of that series.

So anyone looking for a little mystery, a little introduction to Rutledge series, or a little taste of the Scottish Highlands will find The Piper to be a little treat.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short story

[Tonstant Weader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Todd writes two marvelous historical mystery series. The first features Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard, a brilliant and intuitive detective haunted by the ghost of World War I. The other features Bess Crawford, a World War I nurse and amateur sleuth. This short story, The Piper, features Ian Rutledge's ghost, Hamish MacLeod, before the war.

On a cold, rainy night, Hamish hears a distant cry down by the loch. He heads out into then night and finds a young piper, attacked and left for dead. He takes him home and does his best to dress his wound and warm him up, but when Hamish wakes in the morning, the young man has left. Hamish is concerned he won't have the strength to make it to town and looks for him. Sadly, he died on the road, of cold and his wound, and the police are investigation and Hamish is a suspect.

So, first things first, I miss Hamish. As the series has progresses and Rutledge gets farther from the war, Hamish is not as present as he used to be. It was lovely to have a story with Hamish as the hero. Todd is always good at creating a sense of place and you can feel the bitter, chill wind and rain and the looming menace in the shadows outside Hamish' home.

This is a short story, an e-book you can download for less than a dollar. If you have never read Charles Todd's work, you will get a taste of it and a preview of his coming new release Racing the Devil. I must confess, I did not read the preview because I can't stand waiting once I read something. I want to read it now! I have read his series from the very first book, I don't need a preview to know it will be good.

I received an e-galley of The Piper from the publisher through Edelweiss.

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