About A Fine Summer's Day
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (September 29, 2015)
On a fine summer's day in June 1914, Ian Rutledge is planning to propose to a woman he deeply loves, despite hints from his family and friends that she may not be the most suitable choice for a policeman's wife. To the north, another man in love—a Scottish Highlander named Hamish MacLeod—asks his own sweetheart to marry him.
Back in England, a son grieves for his mother, dredging up a dark injustice that will trigger a series of murders that Rutledge must solve. The victims are all upstanding and well-liked. The local police have their suspicions about the culprits and are less than cooperative with the London detective.
As clouds of war gather on the horizon, Rutledge digs deeper, finding similarities and patterns between the murders. With every moment at stake, he sets out to right a terrible wrong—an odyssey that will eventually force him to choose between the Yard and his country, between love and duty, and between honor and truth.
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My Review:
I have been wanting to read a book by Charles Todd for a long time so I was very excited to get a chance to read A Fine Summer's Day. I was able to easily jump into the book without having to read the first one because this is a prequel. We're seeing Ian just as the clouds of World War 1 are starting to form in the distance.
The mystery is fascinating. There are bits and pieces that don't seem linked at all and I enjoyed watching Ian figure out what was going on and the connection. I felt like I was right with Ian anxiously waiting the results of different queries. I also very much enjoyed the background noise of the book. The war is discussed in conversation at work and at social events and I enjoyed seeing the opinions and thoughts of all the characters.
I found the pacing of the book excellent and my "one more chapter" before I turned off the light at night frequently became 2 or 3 or sometimes 4. While the book itself was grim it didn't feel unnecessarily so and it didn't feel angst-y. I very much enjoyed this mystery and I'm looking forward to catching up with Ian on the first book in the series. 4 Stars
About Charles Todd
This looks good. I like the pre-WWI timeframe, it reminds me of the Rutherford Park books. They kinda explore leading up to the war too, although this is a mystery so maybe I would enjoy it more- RP is more drama. It sounds interesting the way unrelated threads come together. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI saw these authors at a Poisoned Pen event a couple of years ago. They were fascinating to listen to. Their research and writing. And, I must confess, I've still not read any of their books. I am interested in them, but so many mysteries....LOL. If you get a chance to see them, take it. It's worth it.
ReplyDeleteBased on your description and review I went ahead and added this book and series to my Goodreads list. I love a series and this one sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a mystery I would enjoy. I like the background noise you mentioned and the time period of the book as well. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize it as a prequel, hmmm. Good review!
ReplyDeleteThat "one more chapter" thing has kept me up way too late more than once! I'm so glad you're first experience with this author was such a treat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.
Looks like you found another author to add to your mystery author list. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!
Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life