Helpful Score: 1
a simple village mystery that is as large as a greek tragedy. outstanding portrait of postwar england.
Linda K. (readingyoga-fan) reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 143 more book reviews
"One of the best historical series being written today...In the grand tradition of English murder mysteries." The Washington Post Book World
In a marshy Norfolk backwater, a priest is brutally murdered after giving a dying man last rites. For Scotland Yard's Ian Rutledge, an ex-officer still recovering from the trauma of war, it looks to be a simple case. Yet the Inspector finds himself uncovering secrets that the local authorities would prefer not to see explored. Rutledge pares away layers of deception to piece together a chain of events that stretches from the brooding marshes to one of the greatest sea disasters in history...the sinking of the Titanic. Who is the mysterious woman who may have boarded that ship...and who is the secretive woman who survivied it? Only Rutledge can answer those questions...and prevent a killer who'll stop at nothing from striking again.
In a marshy Norfolk backwater, a priest is brutally murdered after giving a dying man last rites. For Scotland Yard's Ian Rutledge, an ex-officer still recovering from the trauma of war, it looks to be a simple case. Yet the Inspector finds himself uncovering secrets that the local authorities would prefer not to see explored. Rutledge pares away layers of deception to piece together a chain of events that stretches from the brooding marshes to one of the greatest sea disasters in history...the sinking of the Titanic. Who is the mysterious woman who may have boarded that ship...and who is the secretive woman who survivied it? Only Rutledge can answer those questions...and prevent a killer who'll stop at nothing from striking again.
A very strong series, and this one is no exception.
A great book, filled with suspense and interest. Post WW! with Scotland Yard's Ian Rutledge on the case! I could hardly put it down each day until I finished it! And I loved looking forward to what happened in each chapter!!!
Good story that held my interest through to the finish.
Rose B. (rosebud1652) reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 19 more book reviews
Great read - suspenseville to the end. I recommend all his books.
Lynne T. (mignon) reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 256 more book reviews
Charles Todd never lets me down. He has a way of building a story that grabs me and won't let loose. The first of the book seems tedious with all of the descriptions of the country side, but before i knew it I was sucked into the mystery. I really like Ian Rutledge although Hamish gets in the way from time to time. I wish that Ian would get a love interest. It thought maybe this story might provide him with that interest and maybe even a side kick. As usual, you will be left hanging to imagine the 'epilogue' for yourself. This drives me nuts. I can only hope it will be woven into the next story. I can't imagine what readers did when they had to wait a year for the next book. At least I have access to the next book at my library or Paperback Swap! If I read them back to back, then I don't lose the thread. Recommend!
Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) -
I like the writing style, and the setting of England soon after WWI. This entry is okay, although spends too much time on the extremely large red herring (the accused); and I really would have liked to see a map of the area. I will probably continue reading the series, but am really tired of the spectre of Hamish having imaginary conversations with Rutledge; those who have not read earlier entries probably have no idea what he's doing in the story or Rutledge's head.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 1438 more book reviews
This was one of the best mysteries I've read by this author. As usual the Rutledge/Hamish connection was pressent. This connection emphasizes the results of war on individuals, especially so since Rutledge had to execute Hamish for disobedience. He truly liked the man, his personality, and his approach to life but at this point Hamish had had enough of war so his actions continue to haunt Rutledge.
This particular case involves the murder of a well liked priest. Who would kill such a beloved priest? The investigation goes back in time to the disappearance of a man's wife who supposedly bought a ticket to sail on the Titanic. However, did she board the ship and, if so, was she among those who survived or died? The story is complex and it takes Rutledge considerable searching, interviewing and researching the priest's life. Often I can determine the murderer but in this case it was difficult and I was surprised by the ending. Well done.
This particular case involves the murder of a well liked priest. Who would kill such a beloved priest? The investigation goes back in time to the disappearance of a man's wife who supposedly bought a ticket to sail on the Titanic. However, did she board the ship and, if so, was she among those who survived or died? The story is complex and it takes Rutledge considerable searching, interviewing and researching the priest's life. Often I can determine the murderer but in this case it was difficult and I was surprised by the ending. Well done.
Carolyn A. (carolynalt) reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 36 more book reviews
We learn so much about Inspector Rutledge in each of the books. His "conscience" is much different than the majority of books I've read but our Inspector seems to have learned to live with it. I think this series is good, realistic. The stories are not too complicated but have some good twists and turns to keep us on our toes. Recommended by me!
Nancy E. (neckrote) reviewed Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, Bk 5) on + 119 more book reviews
I just recently discovered Charles Todd. I think this mother and son team are better than Anne Perry. I would rate this book 4*'s.
