Hunting Shadows

An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery, Book 16

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

A dangerous case with ties leading back to the battlefields of World War I dredges up dark memories for Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge in Hunting Shadows, a gripping and atmospheric historical mystery set in 1920s England, from acclaimed New York Times best-selling author Charles Todd.

A society wedding at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire becomes a crime scene when a man is murdered. After another body is found, the baffled local constabulary turns to Scotland Yard. Though the second crime had a witness, her description of the killer is so strange it's unbelievable.

Despite his experience, Inspector Ian Rutledge has few answers of his own. The victims are so different that there is no rhyme or reason to their deaths. Nothing logically seems to connect them - except the killer. As the investigation widens, a clear suspect emerges. But for Rutledge, the facts still don't add up, leaving him to question his own judgment.

In going over the details of the case, Rutledge is reminded of a dark episode he witnessed in the war. While the memory could lead him to the truth, it also raises a prickly dilemma. To stop a murderer, will the ethical detective choose to follow the letter - or the spirit - of the law?

©2014 Charles Todd (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Great

Got me again, thought I had itall figured out. Great read andperformance, highly recommend. Can't wait for next book.

Complicated mystery with atmosphere

In a way this is a typical Ian Rutledge mystery, with the long shadow of WWI cast over events. There are some interesting minor characters introduced. But Rutledge's struggles and the presence of Hamish (most unusual sidekick ever) are less featured. Simon Prebble is always good though I found it hard to distinguish some of the many characters by voice.

love this series

Would you consider the audio edition of Hunting Shadows to be better than the print version?

I love the narrator, he makes the story come alive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The inspector is my favorite. He is human and has flaws, but always solves a complex murder.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings all of the characters to life. He is the best narrator that I have had the pleasure of listening to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me happy.

Excellent

I never saw that coming! Amazing writers and narrator! A tangled web to find the killer!!

Excellent job

I really enjoyed this. A good balance of detection and action. I loved the ending, too!

Death in the Fen Country

Windmill, white cat, sharpshooter, and Ely Cathedral in the Fen country. Detectives Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard.

Another great Ian Rutledge book!

It's hard to say much more about Charles Todd (and character Ian Rutledge from Scotland Yard) than has already been said. At this point, I can happily say that this whole series is one of my great favorites, and this new book completely lives up to my expectations.

It involves Rutledge going to the Fen country to help the local constabulary work two murders that would seem to be related, but for which there are no obvious connections that they can figure out. This is a well-laid out mystery--with lots of twists and turns.It seems to have more characters than most of the books which gives it interest, though a little hard to keep sorted in the beginning.

The only thing that left me a bit puzzled is that in all the others, Hamish (a voice from a dead soldier that Rutledge always hears in his head, as a result of shellshock) in greatly minimized. In past books, Hamish has had a greater prominence--something I rather enjoyed because it gave insight into other dimensions of Rutledge. Perhaps this is a sign that Rutledge is progressing away from his shellshock, but I found myself hoping it was not because they (Charles Todd--mother and son team) are planning to write him out eventually.

This is a very good mystery, with well drawn out characters--lots of interest, and even some history about the Fen country and WWI put in as well. And Simon Prebble is a perfect narrator! Highly recommend!

Always love Rutledge

Interesting mystery. unexpected outcome. I usually know who dunnit but not this time. at all.

Excellent

Another outstanding Inspector Rutledge book. This series started out wonderfully and just keeps getting better.

Highly recommend

One of my favorites in the series.: highly recommend. Giving the narrator four stars this time because Hamish rarely speaks. The current narrator cannot get Hamish's voice right. He seems incapable of pronouncing
the word "beware" with a Scottish accent.