It's been quite a while since I last checked in with Ian and Hamish.

To my surprise, I found that I am finally getting used to Hamish chiming into Ian's thoughts and musings.

After much consideration, I have decided that he is not a ghost attached to Ian, but rather a part of Ian that haunts him and offers advice.

This whole situation was a rather complicated mystery, and as I got closer to the end, I had some inkling of who the murderer might be.

Typically, I tend to skip through a lot of extra text, but this particular story managed to keep my attention firmly gripped throughout.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

It has a unique charm that draws you in and makes you eager to uncover all its secrets.

So, if you're in the mood for a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural, give this one a try.

You won't be disappointed.

In the previous novel, I had become fatigued with the rather desperate situations that EVERY ASSIGNMENT pushed our protagonist Rutledge into. It was truly a tiring experience.

Fortunately, after 7 novels set in the year 1919 (oh my goodness, what an exhausting year that was!), the current novel is set in the month of January 1920. Rutledge now seems to be in a better position to assert himself. Not only in dealing with his PTSD as he carries out his job, but also in relation to the specific manifestation of this condition, Hamish the executed soldier who is with Rutledge in all circumstances.

Todd has toned down the direct supernatural interventions and instead allows Rutledge to navigate through some extremely treacherous waters on his own. Additionally, Todd introduces a new character, a woman who just might be Rutledge's ideal soul mate (using this term accurately, despite it being otherwise nauseating). However, Rutledge would need to let down his guard first. With all these new developments, it seems there are more novels to come in this series.

I may not have been in the mood for this particular installment, but I couldn't help but notice that it felt rather scattered.

There is the aspect of romance, albeit a rather tenuous one, with the enigmatic widow. It adds a touch of mystery and perhaps a hint of distraction.

Then there is the invisible man, lurking in the shadows, shadowing and threatening Rutledge. The presence of the carved shell casings left behind only heightens the sense of unease.

Rutledge is in the village to investigate a shooting (by arrow, no less!), and as he delves deeper, he uncovers various pasts that seem to be intertwined with the current case.

However, I must admit that I find the motivation of the killer to be rather unbelievable. It just doesn't quite ring true to me.

And Hamish, who is usually so incisive, seems to be less so this time. He is yammering on about the widow rather than focusing on the case at hand.

Still, despite these flaws, it is a good series, and I do enjoy it overall. There is something about the characters and the setting that keeps me coming back for more.

I am truly loving this series. The characterizations are excellent, starting from Ian to Hamish and all the other characters that make up each story.

As I read, I can vividly picture them in my mind. The stories are of just the right length, providing everything one needs to enjoy a good murder mystery.

I have a great love for the surroundings described, ranging from London to Dudleyville to Northampton. I can envision the snow, rain, green grass, or the forest.

The depictions are really outstanding, with vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. This is a really, really, really good series.

Now, I'm onto #9, but first, I'll make a quick stop at the Somme to do some reference work. This series has made me extremely curious about WWI.

It has opened up a whole new world of history and mystery for me, and I can't wait to continue exploring.

Although this series is a detective story, it is truly about a World War I veteran who is adjusting to life while suffering from PTSD (personified by the voice of Hamish in his head).

Detective Inspector Ian Rutledge is dispatched to a small village to look into an attack on the local police constable with a bow and arrow. However, there are several other matters that continuously surface, all related to past crimes. At the same time, Rutledge is being shadowed by someone who leaves shell casings in places where he will discover them.

After extensive investigation, self-doubt, and rubbing people the wrong way, events reach a climax and more blood is shed. This story not only follows the thrilling detective work of Rutledge but also delves deep into his internal struggles and the impact of war on his psyche. The small village setting adds an element of mystery and claustrophobia, as secrets and grudges from the past begin to unfold. As Rutledge races against time to solve the case and protect himself from the unknown stalker, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense.

Audiobook - Samuel Gillies is truly a remarkable narrator.

The Ian Rutledge mysteries belong to the English cozy genre. They are devoid of sex and contain only some rough language, yet they are highly realistic. Set after WWI, these stories pay great attention to detail. The hardships faced by soldiers after the war and the recovery of the entire country are often at the forefront. Rutledge is an admirable character, and all the characters are well-developed. He suffers from "Shell shock" and has a voice in his head. While it is crucial to depict the damage that men endured during the war, I would be pleased if this aspect wasn't so prominent. It might deter some readers from the stories if they grow weary of this particular element. Nevertheless, the mysteries themselves are excellent, and the progression of events in Rutledge's life is an integral part of the narrative. It is advisable to read these books in order. (This review applies to all Ian Rutledge books.)

Overall, the Ian Rutledge mysteries offer an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience, despite the presence of the "Shell shock" theme. The combination of a talented narrator like Samuel Gillies and well-crafted stories makes them a must-read for fans of the cozy mystery genre.

I find these books end a bit abruptly.

During the build-up, there is a wealth of detail that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats.

The author painstakingly crafts the story, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation.

However, once the perpetrator is revealed, it's like a sudden boom, and then it's the end.

It feels as if all the excitement and tension that has been carefully constructed is simply cut off.

There is little to no exploration of the consequences or the aftermath of the revelation.

The reader is left with a sense of dissatisfaction, longing for more.

It would be nice if the author could take a bit more time to tie up loose ends and give the story a more satisfying conclusion.

This would allow the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the book and walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story.

Interesting, gripping, fascinating, atmospheric, psychological, awesome. These are all the words that come to my mind when I think about these novels.

In this particular case, Ian becomes the target of a stalker as he delves into the investigation of what ultimately turns out to be a complex web of murder in a small village. He is gradually drawn into the mysterious and secretive world of the village, uncovering information on several cases that are interconnected in the most unexpected ways.

This novel is truly a treat, and it is no exception to the high standard set by the series. I am constantly tempted to binge-read the entire series in one go, but then I am also seized by a desire to savor each book and stretch them out so that I don't finish them too quickly. It's a real conundrum for me. :)

Overall, this series is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, thriller, and psychological novels. The author's writing style is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the plots are full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us in the next installment of this amazing series.

I absolutely adore this nook!

I have read it and listened to it numerous times. It has become my go-to whenever I can't sleep, simply need to lie down and relax, and so on!! There are two plots running throughout the book. One of them begins in a rather ordinary manner. The sound of an empty cartridge casing dropping to the ground (during war time in England). However, the story of this empty bullet casing soon takes on an urgency that is impossible to ignore.

The other plot involves MURDER...not Rutledge's murder, but the Cold Case of the murder of a teenage girl from a wealthy and powerful family. The ending is truly remarkable!!! Once again, the Todd's have surpassed themselves with a devastating solution that no one would have ever believed.

This book is a captivating read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the storylines are engaging and full of twists and turns. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or historical fiction.

This installment of Ian Rutledge's career takes an interesting turn.

There is a haunted wood that seems to hold many mysteries. The village population is reticent, making it difficult for Rutledge to gather information.

Moreover, there are murderous family secrets lurking beneath the surface, and a vengeful war veteran adds another layer of complexity.

Rutledge can barely catch his breath after solving one case before he is dispatched to investigate yet another. And these cases are far more intricate than they initially seem.

To make matters worse, his superior in London is breathing down his neck, constantly demanding results.

In my view, the addition of the stalker doesn't really enhance the story. It feels like an afterthought, tacked on to what is otherwise a compelling page turner.

It detracts from the overall narrative and doesn't add any significant value.

However, despite this flaw, the story still manages to hold the reader's attention with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.

Rutledge's determination and intelligence shine through as he navigates the complex web of mysteries and secrets.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, albeit with a few minor drawbacks.

This is truly a remarkable story.

I have a great appreciation for the complexity not only within the series as a whole but also in this specific book. The believable Inspector Rutledge is a captivating character, and the several interesting twists and layers throughout the narrative continuously kept my mind engaged and thinking.

It presents a compelling story line that involves the Inspector's history in WWI, the rather worrisome characters in the village, and a series of seemingly mismatched events and clues. Fortunately, the testy and annoying Bowles doesn't take up too much space, which is a relief.

It's refreshing to be out of London, as Rutledge's thoughtful and persistent police work gradually resolves the questions one by one. His courage and experience enable him to overcome an underlying fear within one mysterious layer. His humanity and quiet ways are truly quite appealing and add to the overall charm of the story.

As Rutledge embarks on a new case, namely the attack on Dudlington Constable Hensley, he finds himself being stalked by an unknown individual. This mysterious person leaves empty machine gun cartridges, similar to those used in the war, in places where Ian can easily discover them.

The stalking begins at a party hosted by a friend of his sister's. At this gathering, he is introduced to Mrs. Channing, who is there to conduct a seance for entertainment purposes. Later, Mrs. Channing follows him to Dudlington as she is convinced that he is in peril.

In Dudlington, everyone remains tight-lipped about the town's secrets, which poses a significant challenge for Ian. They all firmly believe that Frith's Wood is haunted by Saxon ghosts. The Constable was allegedly wandering through the woods, perhaps in search of the body of the missing Emma Mason, the granddaughter of Mrs. Ellison. There is suspicion that the Constable may have killed her since she was very attractive and was rumored to flirt with all the men in the hamlet.

Mr. Keating, who owns the Oaks Inn, is unfriendly and refuses to give Ian a room. During the course of the investigation, the Rev Towson is attacked, and the stalker makes several attempts on Rutledge's life. In solving the crime of the arrow attack on the Constable, who ultimately succumbs to his injuries, Rutledge also uncovers the fate of Emma and her mother. All of this is intricately connected to the family and its status and reputation.