Racing the Devil

An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge finds himself caught in a twisted web of vengeance, old grievances, and secrets that lead back to World War I in the nineteenth installment of the acclaimed bestselling series.

On the eve of the bloody Battle of the Somme, a group of English officers having a last drink before returning to the Front make a promise to each other: if they survive the battle ahead—and make it through the war—they will meet in Paris a year after the fighting ends. They will celebrate their good fortune by racing motorcars they beg, borrow, or own from Paris to Nice.

In November 1919, the officers all meet as planned, and though their motorcars are not designed for racing, they set out for Nice. But a serious mishap mars the reunion. In the mountains just north of their destination, two vehicles are nearly run off the road, and one man is badly injured. No one knows—or will admit to knowing—which driver was at the wheel of the rogue motorcar.

Back in England one year later, during a heavy rainstorm, a driver loses control on a twisting road and is killed in the crash. Was it an accident due to the hazardous conditions? Or premeditated murder? Is the crash connected in some way to the unfortunate events in the mountains above Nice the year before? The dead driver wasn’t in France—although the motorcar he drove was. If it was foul play, was it a case of mistaken identity? Or was the dead man the intended victim after all?

Investigating this perplexing case, Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge discovers that the truth is elusive—and that the villages on the South Downs, where the accident happened, are adept at keeping secrets, frustrating his search. Determined to remain in the shadows this faceless killer is willing to strike again to stop Rutledge from finding him. This time, the victim he chooses is a child, and it will take all of Rutledge’s skill to stop him before an innocent young life is sacrificed.

INTRIGUING

If you could sum up Racing the Devil in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, bewitching, and riveting

What other book might you compare Racing the Devil to and why?

I would compare this book with "The Price" by Joan Johnston, because of the level of story telling, and intelligence, and the quality of Investigative skills presented in this book.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Inspector Rutledge is the best character in the story.

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

My interest was peeked when I realized the unique style Insp. Rutledge used to get to the truth

Any additional comments?

The story was slow in the beginning but well written to ensure the reader saw the picture as it was painted by the narrator.

Daniel England

One of Charles Todd's best. I just wish he would identify the cars -- it would have added so much interest and depth.

Intriguing Read!

Complex but well integrated plot that keeps you guessing to the very end.It leaves you admiring inspector Rutledge’s detective skills.

Wow. Perhaps the best written in this Series

The story took off with a bang and never let up. The duo authors let loose some of the awful self doubt and pity of Rutlidge and finally showed growth in this character which was threatening to bring at least for me a full stop to this series. As I am not a fan of the Bess Crawford series - I may have to read then as the narrator I find to be too dreary - I am always happy to read a new Rulidge novel.

I definitely was not let down. And spent my weekend listening.

Excellent

Loved the way the story was about Rutledge but with a twist which made it new and fresh. Excellent narration as always with Simon Prebble.