Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) -
As ever, the writing is pleasant and those of us who've known Rutledge all these years will probably enjoy his presence again. The plot itself is a bit drawn out and not that intriguing and I felt the motive behind what was happening was a stretch.
I have two issues with this series entry â one is Hamish reasserting himself again. I found this tiresome in earlier books and was glad to see a few that didn't feature him (or it) prominently.
Although Rutledge doesn't spend 90% of his time driving around, I usually like to print a map of the area to follow his exploits. My second issue with this book was what I perceived to be major errors in geography. The main setting of Walmer is on the English Channel in Kent, but Rutledge is sent to Essex, which is north of Kent and the locale seems to be mis-identified. (This really came to my attention in Chapter 11 when Rutledge is sent to France via Dover and remarks that there is a delay at the Gravesend Ferry â which is not on the route from Walmer to Dover. Plus it appears the ferries at that location did not transport vehicles in 1921.) It appears the location of the Abbey is actually near Maldon in Essex -- about 95 miles from Walmer -- from following some of the discussions between characters. This seems to me very sloppy research and editing.
The ending was a bit of a trial as well, once the hard-to-believe reasons behind the crimes are explained. Not a complete wash-out, but not even in the top ten best Rutledge books.
I have two issues with this series entry â one is Hamish reasserting himself again. I found this tiresome in earlier books and was glad to see a few that didn't feature him (or it) prominently.
Although Rutledge doesn't spend 90% of his time driving around, I usually like to print a map of the area to follow his exploits. My second issue with this book was what I perceived to be major errors in geography. The main setting of Walmer is on the English Channel in Kent, but Rutledge is sent to Essex, which is north of Kent and the locale seems to be mis-identified. (This really came to my attention in Chapter 11 when Rutledge is sent to France via Dover and remarks that there is a delay at the Gravesend Ferry â which is not on the route from Walmer to Dover. Plus it appears the ferries at that location did not transport vehicles in 1921.) It appears the location of the Abbey is actually near Maldon in Essex -- about 95 miles from Walmer -- from following some of the discussions between characters. This seems to me very sloppy research and editing.
The ending was a bit of a trial as well, once the hard-to-believe reasons behind the crimes are explained. Not a complete wash-out, but not even in the top ten best Rutledge books.
