Each of Charles Todd’s engrossing novels about Scotland Yard Insp. Ian Rutledge, set post-World War I, puts a spotlight on often forgotten details about the Great War. It’s this minutia that illustrate the war’s effect on the characters and the region . . . Charles Todd are experts at subtly drawing parallels to 21st century concerns. The Great War ended more than a century ago but Ian’s personal issues and his investigations are relevant today.
Florida Sun Sentinel on A Fatal Lie
A Fatal Lie provides an excellent book with which to walk into Rutledge’s pursuit of crime and determination to make things right . . . Those who value similar portrayals of place as character—as in Louise Penny’s Three Pines, for instance—will treasure A Fatal Lie and its Welsh backdrop. As a police procedural, also, the book’s persistent untangling of motive, means, and opportunity provides an instant classic for this mystery genre, along with an intriguing exploration of the heart’s effects on the mind.
New York Journal of Books on A Fatal Lie
Each person dealt with the war differently, as Todd so poignantly shows with each character. Ian’s resilience and his complex persona continue to make him an endearing character. And Todd, the mother-and-son writing team of Caroline and Charles Todd, continue their superior storytelling with A Divided Loyalty .
Florida Sun Sentinel on A Divided Loyalty
“A Divided Loyalty finds Rutledge at his most vulnerable and persistent, and it is this dichotomy that gives the book its character and tense atmosphere. It is an intense ride to take with him, but one that is well worth it.
Book Reporter on A Divided Loyalty
Rutledge is one of the most complicated and finely drawn characters in contemporary crime fiction.... There’s not a weak episode to be found in Todd’s terrific series.
Bookpage (starred review) on A Divided Loyalty
Each person dealt with the war differently, as Todd so poignantly shows with each character. Ian’s resilience and his complex persona continue to make him an endearing character. And Todd, the mother-and-son writing team of Caroline and Charles Todd, continue their superior storytelling with A Divided Loyalty .
null Florida Sun Sentinel on A Divided Loyalty
“A Divided Loyalty finds Rutledge at his most vulnerable and persistent, and it is this dichotomy that gives the book its character and tense atmosphere. It is an intense ride to take with him, but one that is well worth it.
null Book Reporter on A Divided Loyalty
Each of Charles Todd’s engrossing novels about Scotland Yard Insp. Ian Rutledge, set post-World War I, puts a spotlight on often forgotten details about the Great War. It’s this minutia that illustrate the war’s effect on the characters and the region . . . Charles Todd are experts at subtly drawing parallels to 21st century concerns. The Great War ended more than a century ago but Ian’s personal issues and his investigations are relevant today.” — Florida Sun Sentinel
“A Fatal Lie provides an excellent book with which to walk into Rutledge’s pursuit of crime and determination to make things right . . . Those who value similar portrayals of place as character—as in Louise Penny’s Three Pines , for instance—will treasure A Fatal Lie and its Welsh backdrop. As a police procedural, also, the book’s persistent untangling of motive, means, and opportunity provides an instant classic for this mystery genre, along with an intriguing exploration of the heart’s effects on the mind.” — New York Journal of Books
“Fans of the series will want Todd’s latest historical mystery.” — Library Journal
“[A] very captivating and page-turning mystery.” — Fresh Fiction
“This is the type of classic-style mystery that we have grown to love from Charles Todd, and it never fails to deliver.” — BookReporter.com
“You’re going to love Todd.” — Stephen King
"The melancholy tone that distinguishes the Rutledge series is a reminder that war never ends for the families and friends of lost loved ones. It just retreats into the shadows.” — New York Times Book Review
"This is a series, written by a mother-and-son team under the Charles Todd pseudonym, that shows no signs of slowing down. As always, this one combines crisp plotting with stylish prose. Ideal for historical-mystery devotees." — Booklist on A Divided Loyalty
A Fatal Lie provides an excellent book with which to walk into Rutledge’s pursuit of crime and determination to make things right . . . Those who value similar portrayals of place as character—as in Louise Penny’s Three Pines , for instance—will treasure A Fatal Lie and its Welsh backdrop. As a police procedural, also, the book’s persistent untangling of motive, means, and opportunity provides an instant classic for this mystery genre, along with an intriguing exploration of the heart’s effects on the mind.
New York Journal of Books
[A] very captivating and page-turning mystery.
"This is a series, written by a mother-and-son team under the Charles Todd pseudonym, that shows no signs of slowing down. As always, this one combines crisp plotting with stylish prose. Ideal for historical-mystery devotees."
Booklist on A Divided Loyalty
You’re going to love Todd.
This is the type of classic-style mystery that we have grown to love from Charles Todd, and it never fails to deliver.
"The melancholy tone that distinguishes the Rutledge series is a reminder that war never ends for the families and friends of lost loved ones. It just retreats into the shadows.
New York Times Book Review
Narrator Simon Vance grabs listeners’ attention and doesn’t let go until the final credits of the 23rd Inspector Rutledge mystery by Charles Todd (a pseudonym for a terrific mother-and-son writing team). Rutledge is out of favor with his boss, again, and is sent to a remote Welsh village to investigate the death of an unidentified man who fell or was pushed into a river. As Rutledge uncovers long buried motives and secrets, Vance treats listeners to an assortment of local accents and personalities. One of Vance’s best characterizations is Rutledge’s ghost pal, Hamish. Hamish offers insights into Rutledge’s complex, brooding interior as he helps Rutledge sort out truths and keeps him out of harm’s way. In this well-written police procedural, Simon Vance makes everything even better. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile
Narrator Simon Vance grabs listeners’ attention and doesn’t let go until the final credits of the 23rd Inspector Rutledge mystery by Charles Todd (a pseudonym for a terrific mother-and-son writing team). Rutledge is out of favor with his boss, again, and is sent to a remote Welsh village to investigate the death of an unidentified man who fell or was pushed into a river. As Rutledge uncovers long buried motives and secrets, Vance treats listeners to an assortment of local accents and personalities. One of Vance’s best characterizations is Rutledge’s ghost pal, Hamish. Hamish offers insights into Rutledge’s complex, brooding interior as he helps Rutledge sort out truths and keeps him out of harm’s way. In this well-written police procedural, Simon Vance makes everything even better. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile