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There are currently 30 member reviews
for A Lonely Death
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Carrol Ann S. (Ventura, CA)
A Lonely Death
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my introduction to the Charles Todd mysteries. Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge is so real and likable, clever and determined in his detective work all while dealing with his own demons from his World War I experience.
Who is murdering the soldiers trying to put their lives together after surviving the hell of war? And why them, who is next? Inspector Rutledge must dig deep to puzzle out the answer, for his reputation is in the balance.
I want to see more of the inspector so will be hunting up the previous Charles Todd mysteries.
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Anne M. (Austin, TX)
Excellent mystery
Although this mystery is quite far along in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel -- although some background knowledge of the detective does help.
The setting is rural England, post-Great War Rutledge is a shell-shocked veteran, and three men -- all veterans -- have been murdered. It's interesting to see how Rutledge manages to solve the mystery without today's technology (he has to go to another village to use the phone, and of course DNA is not even a pipe dream yet), but also to see how little English country life has changed in almost a century.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to dig in to other Rutledge novels!
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Pamela S. (Winnetka, CA)
A Lonely Death
This is the first book I have read of An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery. I thought it was very interesting & kept my attention. The characters were well developed & you learn to like or dislike them with all their faults. It's an enjoyable read. I would like to read the books in the series.
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Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Another Great English Mystery
The mother and son writing team, Charles Todd, have produced another great mystery in their Ian Rutledge series. Lonely Death is the 13th book which features a young Scotland Yard Inspector, recently returned from the Great War, shell-shocked with mental war wounds which are always present. Set in 1920 the series is an atmospheric depiction of the post-war era in England. Never far from his war memories, Inspector Rutledge uses his intellect and his experience from the war to investigate step-by-step until he solves his cases. He's a character you will respect, enjoy and root for. This book stands alone if you have not read the series, but once you read it, you will probably want to read the first book in the series, A Test of Wills.
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Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
wonderful historical mystery
I have read all the previous novels in the Ian Rutledge series and they have all been not only well-developed mysteries but also fascinating insights into the effects of war on the human character. This latest novel was no exception and I highly recommend it.
While this novel, as all the others, can be enjoyed on its on merit, I found that starting with the first in the series is helpful.
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Karen E. (Sandy, UT)
A Lonely Death
First I have to say how much I enjoy Inspector Ian Rutledge. I love his humanity and his intelligence and his courage and perseverance. I have read several of his books, but sadly, A Lonely Death was not my favorite. However, it was still good and I would never quit reading Charles Todd's books. A Lonely Death just seemed a bit disjointed, too much going on in different places. It was kind of hard to care a lot about the outcome. And yet, still superior to so many other mystery books out there. And I can recommend it to my friends that prefer to read something clean, without all the sex and gruesome violence details. Todd always creates a few new compelling characters and gives us another slant on the ways that war affects everyone's lives. I am anxious to read more of his work.
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Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)
While a Inspector Rutledge fan, I was disappointed..
I was delighted when selected to review "A Lonely Death" since I have enjoyed other Ian Rutledge books. I've always loved mysteries, most especially English ones, and particularly stories in the aftermath of The Great War. This book suffers from too many storylines, too many bodies, and too much talk of motoring from one village to another! That said, I think the book would benefit with tightening up, and getting rid of the inter-office politics at Scotland Yard! Rutledge charged with murder! Scandalous! And please, authors, allow some relationship happiness for Ian.
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