Racing the Devil: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries, 19) Hardcover – February 14, 2017

I absolutely love it when a mystery author (or in this case, a team of authors) is able to fool me about the guilty party. I fell for the entire story and was genuinely surprised when the solution was revealed. I read lots of mysteries, and I do mean lots, so that surprise doesn't happen very often. This is a really, really good book added to the accumulated works.A group of seven officers were gathered completely by happenstance in France on the evening before one of the largest offensives of World War I. Even though they hadn't known each other in civilian life their circumstances forged a sense of kinship on this night. Each knew their chances of surviving through the remainder of the war were slim and yet, as if to taunt the devil, they made plans for meeting in Paris one year after the war ended and racing each other in motorcars to Nice. Five survived the war and met in Paris. How many would survive the drive through the mists along the twisting, dangerous road leading to Nice?For some inexplicable reason this book had the feeling of moving backward in the story arc and yet the year of this investigation doesn't show that. It must have been my imagination. It was absolutely captivating to see how two tiny villages being so close together could remain so separate from each other simply because of the difficulties of transportation in 1920. Two villages, two police constables, each extremely aware of his own territory and professional jurisdiction. When Inspector Rutledge was called in by one of the constables, as the representative of Scotland Yard, he had to practically insist on help from both villages - so isolated within themselves were they. It made for very entertaining reading watching Rutledge work his way around the complications something as simple as geography set up. The one thing both villages had in common was their disbelief and grief over the death of the Rector of East Dedham, Sussex, but what none could understand was why he was driving a car belonging to someone else.There are, as usual, many characters in this novel, but I didn't have trouble keeping them clear in my mind. Rutledge uses his own experiences in the war to help him understand the undercurrents of what is happening in this mystery and series of deaths. Hamish MacLeod, that persistent voice in Rutledge's subconscious, is present again in this story and contributes his usual warnings when Rutledge is in danger. This book especially was written to make it easy for readers new to the series to feel they understand what is happening. Those of us who have followed the books as they have been published understand about Hamish, but sometimes the books can be a little sparse on explaining about him and in making him a sympathetic character. Rutledge calls on his many contacts to gather information in an unofficial capacity as well as using Sergeant Gibson at Scotland Yard in London. There are a lot of trips in Rutledge's motorcar, but they seemed completely necessary and didn't bother me quite as much as usual. At least he did stop for petrol one time in this story. The only slightly negative thing I found was the exceedingly abrupt ending. I turned the page only to find the book was finished. I think that might have been handled better, but I'm sure it will play a part in another novel down the road. I can't wait.

The redoubtable Inspector Ian Rutledge is on another crime-chasing rural England road trip, this time following up on the murder of much loved South coast village Anglican rector. A post-WWI road race is at the heart of the mystery, and the overhang of the war is the usual powerful backdrop. Foul weather and darkness frame the story--as is usually the case in Rutledge stories. More bodies begin to fall, and while there seems to be a connection to that road race, motivation escapes Rutledge for a long time.I think this is one of the stronger stories in this series, which has had its ups and downs. The authors' interest and inclusion in early 20th Century autos and driving is a plus (for me at least) and the storyline is strong and the confusion not clear until the last few pages. Regular readers will recognize character types--the rough-hewn and dependable local constables, the women in distress, the women of extraordinary resources and the walking war wounded. Quite a good read.

It begins with a pact made between soldiers facing the battle of the Somme, then switches, several years later, to an attempted murder on the road to Nice. Then a fatal road accident that makes no sense.... Todd has woven a very complex story with mounting casualties and Rutledge as usual crisscrossing the English countryside trying to figure out who the evil person behind the murders and attempted murders is.I enjoyed this book far more than I have Todd’s last few Rutledges. First, I found there was more action to it, the dialogue between characters was tighter and more pointed to the actual case. Less fluff. But at the same time Todd’s excellent descriptions of the Sussex coast, of people drew me in as well. Perhaps it is because I have just returned from several months living on the Irish coast, in a small village. And so I could almost see what Todd is describing about the village, about the people.Although the mystery is complex /nd I lost track of the reasoning a few times, ultimately I felt very satisfied with its conclusion. And I am hoping that Rutledge may have finally found a romance too.

I have every book in the series including the Bess Crawford books and so far have never been disappointed. What a marvelous writing team mother and son make!The plots are easy to follow ,but I never guess who the murderer is.If you like a good mystery with no violence, or cruelty , it is great to curl up with Ian Rutledge. Long may they continue!

ive read all the Inspector Ian Rutledge series. Can't wait until the next one comes out.

A well crafted story which holds one's attention throughout.The characters are well developed & the inclusion of a child in danger adds to the suspense.Worth reading!

The thing about the Ian Rutledge series is that you keep reading it no matter if the plots aren't the most surprising or the atmosphere suffers from over the top action inserts that leave you dizzy. We've built a relationship with the protagonist who is still one of the most compelling characters in modern day crime fiction.Todd continues to draw us into Rutledge's mind. I wish the reader was given vital information earlier in the book, to have a fair chance at guessing. However, I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Love all the Inspector Rutledge mysteries especially the later ones. Great plots.