I have been a fan of Charles Todd's books for several years, and eagerly read them all, but I found this newest one somewhat lacking. The story seems to meander as Rutledge runs from house to house and to London and back to have what feels like dozens of unproductive interviews with people. The authors also changed the structure a little bit by allowing the reader to see a bit of the back story and know who the man behind the murder was right from the start.

It seems at some point that the authors are going to have to force Rutledge to confront his ghosts and take some steps toward a more normal life, but I don't know if that will happen. The character of Hamish seemed very much an afterthought in this particular book.

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Two British soldiers in a battle during the Boer War in Africa hide from involvement in the fighting. Because of their cowardice the two, Quarles and Penrith, emerge unscathed. One kills wounded colleagues while the other goes for help. While he is gone, the remaining soldier sets fire to the train burning the wounded commanding officer alive. Why were the wounded killed? Twenty years later the reason becomes apparent.

It is then that a wealthy London businessman named Quarles is discovered murdered in a strange way on his estate. Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge finds himself investigating the incident. Everyone who knows the man readily admit hating him but who despised him enough to take his life. Suspects include the local police inspector, his wife and many more in the community.

Looking for clues, Rutledge researches the man's life all the way back to the Boer War. This is a tale of revenge stemming from the early life of the two soldiers and that incident on the train. Many people are interviewed from this small town near the estate to London but it seems that the officer's brother and the murdered man's sister are out to seek revenge for the wrongs they have suffered.

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One of the better entries, with the same well-drawn characters who do not always act in the way you'd want them to; and the motive was plausible, unlike a few earlier books in the series.. Particularly liked the settling of the Scilly Isles, although it wasn't the main locale.

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I have read most of the books in this series of "Inspector Ian Rutledge," and have not been disappointed. This book is about a ruthless businessman found murdered in a barn on his estate. Rutledge finds this man has no past and a not a very good standing in his community, a man who is strongly disliked and not respected...not by his wife, village or business associates.
It's an intriguing book that shows how difficult a time law enforcement has in solving crimes...especically when the suspects lie and mislead them. I highly recommend.

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