A Long Shadow is the 8th book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge mystery series by Charles Todd. This series is one of my favorites, and I get them for presents because The Husband is good to me. They should be read in order.
from the back of the book:
Scotland Yard's Inspector Ian Rutledge brought the Great War home with him, and its horrors haunt him still. On New Year's Eve 1919, he finds a brass cartridge casing, similar to countless others he'd seen on the battlefield, on the step of a friend's house. Soon there are more, purposely placed where he is sure to discover them.Reviewing the Evidence says,
Unexpectedly drawn away from London to a small Northamptonshire village, he investigates the strange case of a local constable shot with a bow and arrow in an allegedly spirit-filled wood. Here among the taciturn townfolk, embroiled in a three-year-old mystery of a vanished young girl, Rutledge hopes to keep his own ghosts at bay.
But his stalker has followed him. And now the emotionally shattered policeman walking the razor's edge of sanity must somehow keep his balance long enough to discoverwho is tracking him ... and why.
A LONG SHADOW is a seamless, substantive tale of secrets and lies, of hidden truths and heartaches. Charles Todd has once again delivered an eloquent story of suspense with a fluid style and absorbing prose on a foundation of setting so luxurious and characters so vivid I find it hard not to get lost in Rutledge's post-war world.Kirkus Reviews has a review with a thorough plot description. Publishers Weekly says, "Todd's plotting and characterization are, as usual, first-rate, and the tormented motivations behind the novel's dark acts are presented with a sensitivity and refinement reminiscent of the best of P.D. James."
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...this the time of year for long shadows.
ReplyDeleteYes, the cold and dark days.
DeleteI like the Rutledge series but haven't read too many. I should start over, from the beginning. Eight is easy to catch up on. (Donna Leon is another matter entirely! I'm not sure I'll live that long! How does she do it?)!
ReplyDeleteI got another of Todd's series for Christmas and am looking forward to it. I hope hew and Donna Leon live forever :) Right now I'm crushed by the news of Betty White's death :(
DeleteA very nice review on this book. Wishing you the very best for 2022.
ReplyDeleteWith Betty White's death 2022 isn't getting off to a good start :(
DeleteThanks for the book recommendation. Books, IMO, are the best gift. Happy New Year & all the best in 2022.
ReplyDeleteI saw a meme on FB that said, "All I want for Christmas is you. No, not true. There better be books under that tree." lol
DeleteI don't know this series and I am off to check them out and add them to my "reading" wish list. It sounds like a great series. Thanks for sharing Nita. Happy new year to hope. I hope it brings you good health as well as lots of good movies and stories too. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI _love_ this series! The author is active on FB, which is fun :)
DeleteI should make a resolution to read more than I do
ReplyDeleteI go through spurts...
DeleteAnother murder mystery I would love to read. I have checked at my library before and will again since they get new/different authors in every week. I will have to check to see if they have the first book, since you say they should be read in order.
ReplyDeleteThe first one sets up the detective's back story, which is key to understanding the character.
DeleteOh, I should read more and ignore your posts - KIDDING!!!
ReplyDeleteBut you give so many good reviews and I have way too many books already!
lol! I know exactly how you feel. That to-be-read list of books is already longer than I'll ever live to read lol
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