Ian Rutledge: A Mysterious Profile

Inspector Ian Rutledge

by Charles Todd

Available as an ebook for a limited time only, this short essay was originally written for the Mysterious Bookshop in New York, NY, and was published as a booklet within their series of profiles about detectives and sleuths featured in series by beloved mystery authors. This profile, written by Charles Todd, is about Todd's character Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge, and gives background and insight into how the author developed and considers the character. At the end of the profile are excerpts of the two most recent Rutledge novels, as well as a sneak peek into the next one, coming out in January 2011.

Genres: Mystery, Nonfiction, Short Stories

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2010

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

[Jan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting background information on the writing of the mystery series.

Has a sneak preview of the next book along with snippets of some of the past books.

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6/29/2022 - Who knew I had read this before. It was interesting but dated. I did notice that it didn't go much beyond those that I had read. Even though a lot more have been written.

[Lizabeth Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've known about the Ian Rutledge novels for quite a while. Although I haven't as yet read one, I'm intrigued by the concept. This discussion by Charles Todd, actually Caroline and Charles (mother and son), about their process and the background to what they were hoping to do has led me to put the first Rutledge title, A Test of Wills, on my TBR list. I suspect the books won't be an easy read when you consider that the hero is haunted by World War I and his shell shock, but I also think they would be worth it. 3.5 out of 5.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

How characters come to be, how writers plot their stories and build their worlds fascinates me. This very quick, but very satisfying read answers those questions for the writing team of Charles Todd and their creation Ian Rutledge. Anyone who enjoys the mysteries will enjoy this look behind the curtain. And I wonder what will change noe that, so sadly, Caroline is gone. Thank you Charles for carrying on!

[Elena May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

I feel like I know Ian Rutledge even better now. Reading this was l like asking where are you from and getting am answer. The book was very interesting. The writing is as good as ever.

[Michell Karnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is a must for all of those who love the author and the character of Ian Rutledge. In it the author explains how the books and the creation of the character were developed.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to know

[Karen Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight into Rutledge

I enjoyed reading about the writing process and especially about how Ian Rutledge’s story comes into being for each book.

[Judy Nappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and enjoyable read about how Charles and Caroline came to write of Insp. Ian Rutledge after he returned from the WW1 front.

[Trudy Kimbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A needed narration of background stories.

Fleshing out the motives and background of Ian Rutledge was what I was looking for. This profile was just the book to do that.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but too short by half

A 3 star rating for me is a positive rating though not outstanding - which is 5 stars and what I almost always give a Rutledge mystery. I would like to have seen more examples using more of later books, but realize this was written sometime ago (the mention that we never get to meet Jean comes in book 16 for example).

I did enjoy the "how" the character of Ian was created.

And I will read it again.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this on my NOOK because it was free or $.99 or something like that. I do not remember much about it since Iread it some time ago. I do like the Ian Rutledge books so that's why I got it.

[Joeyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough characterization for me. It was all very simple.

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight of how Inspector Rutledge came to be. Nice to hear from the authors about their work and thought process for their books. I hope there is a version for Bess Crawford too!