The Confession

An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

“One of the best historical series being written today.”
—Washington Post

“Todd once and for all establishes the shell-shocked Rutledge as the genre’s most complex and fascinating detective.”
—Entertainment Weekly

The Confession is historical crime fiction at its finest, continuing Charles Todd’s New York Times bestselling mystery series featuring severely damaged British World War I veteran, and yet still astonishingly efficient Scotland Yard inspector, Ian Rutledge. Todd’s troubled investigator wrestles with a startling and dangerous case that reaches far into the past when a false confession from a man who is not who he claims to be leads to a brutal murder. The Confession is a must-read for every fan of Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, P.D. James, Ruth Rendell, and Jacqueline Winspear, as post-war London’s best detective finds himself ensnared in a dark and deadly investigation that unearths shocking small town secrets dating back more than a century.

The best of the best, the ultimate Ian Rutledge

Charles Todd just gets better with age - like a fine wine he is. Begin in Audible with the first of the series (confession: I've only listed to the those narrated by Simon Prebble - he is "The Man" as far as I am concerned) and work your way through to the end; they only get better and better.

Hamish MacLeod was quiet in this novel and I admire Todd for that. The best hope in life is that, no matter what the ailment, a person gets better, survives, and that is where I felt Todd was taking Rutledge in this one. It made me want to read the next one, a new facet to Todd, a hope for his character.

To sum this up, the best Ian Rutledge story yet. I loved every page of it. Now, saying that - this was the first novel I figured out "who-done-it" (about 2/3 in) but it did not ruin the novel because I was never 100% sure I was right, Todd kept me guessing and ultimately that is what I want in every mystery.

I cannot wait for the next one.

Tantalizing mystery where the war actually is a character

The aftermath ofWorld War I plays an enormous role in this period Mystery.The narration of Simon Prebble made it come alive.I am continually fascinated by the post traumatic stress/Shell shock narrative and its personification in Hamish. This novel would make a great film.

I like these stories but...

What made the experience of listening to The Confession: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery the most enjoyable?

I really can't stand Simon Prebble's Scottish accent - it's awful.

What three words best describe Simon Prebble’s performance?

Generally good, just can't do a Scottish accent at all (I know, more than 3 words!!)

Most exciting by Todd Yet

This is was one of the most exciting books I have ever listened to. Simon Prebble does a perfect job of the voices and brings the whole story alive.

In many ways this is almost a gothic novel - the air of brooding and unknown evil hanging over the Essex marshes and the little village of Furnham and the house River's Edge makes the book electric with suspense. I couldn't stop listening to it. Rutledge has to trace the murders back to their beginning over 20 years before the start of the murder which attracts Rutledge's attention. From a man coming to Scotland Yard to confess to a muder he didn't commit, Rutledge must finally go back over 20 years to find the first murder committed by this serial killer. Is is amazing to watch him untangle it all.

The solution to the murders will come as a big surprise and you will have a hard time figuring out. It is amazing the way Inspector Rutledge puts his case together and all the strange twists and turns it takes. With all the driving back and forth he does, I wonder the man gets any sleep at all.

The plotting is excellent and bit by bit we uncover the history of this reclusive town on the River Hawking. Each character is well fleshed out and we can picture them in their cottages so vivid is the characterization of each villagel Inspector Rutledge meets.

I wish Audible would publish all his books in audio but I am going back and reread all the books in the series from the start.

Charles Todd At His Very Best

Would you consider the audio edition of The Confession to be better than the print version?

Haven't read, only listened. But, the reader is superb, so I lean toward the audio version.

What did you like best about this story?

The continuation of a most intriguing character, Ian Rutledge. The author has refined and expanded him with each new book.

Which scene was your favorite?

His conversations with the rector.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was "moving" throughout the entire book.

Any additional comments?

The main character, Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge, has grown and expanded as a character in each book of the series. Todd tells wonderful stories, with excellent character development - and the tricks and turns of the mystery are always fascinating.