Deception and Murder

I guess I didn't like this story as much as I wanted to. It is a good story of deception and murder. I can't say exactly why I came to dislike the story, but I did.

This story is simple yet complicated. It's about vengeance, old grievances, and secrets. The story begins with a group of scared soldiers making a promise to each other before returning to the front during the First World War. They promise to meet in Paris with their motor cars in one year if they survive. Murder and attempted murder begins with that reunion and the focus move from France to England, and Scotland Yard's Inspector Ian Rutledge is the investigator.

I've enjoyed listening to the Inspector Rutledge stories but this one lost my initial interest. These stories tend to have a few threads that spool out in a slow methodical way.

Mr. Simon Prebble performed the narration in his usual excellent way.

10 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Todd Has Done It Again!

Another fantastic book in the Ian Rutledge series! And the narration by Mr. Prebble was excellent. His often times brooding voice totally captures Rutledge. His range of female voices of course is not as good as the male ones but that does not detract. The story was gripping from beginning to end! If you haven't read or listened to the Ian Rutledge series, you have missed out!!!

8 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent story!

Charles Todd has done it again, with another great Ian Rutledge mystery, having equally good narration by Simon Prebble. The Ian Rutledge books are one of my favorite series of all times, and this episode does not disappoint.

This is a complex story that begins in France during the First World War, where a group of frightened soldiers make a promise to each other on the eve of a particularly bloody battle, to meet up with their motor cars in one year if they all survive. When that reunion occurs, there begins a series of attempted murder, then murders, which move from France to England, where Scotland Yard (represented by Rutledge) is sent in to investigate.

These stories are best read from the beginning of the series for good context of the characters, especially the complicated Rutledge, who carries the internalized presence of a man he was painfully involved with when he, himself, fought in the war--as something like a form of PTSD. This presence is a man who was called Hamish in life, and he lingers in Rutledge's mind in a haunting way. It has been interesting to observe the evolution of the Hamish presence over the years. Earlier on, he seemed a bit overdone--even though it contributed well to the stories. I felt that the Todds (a creative mother-son writing team) got Hamish just about perfectly woven into this book. His effect is a bit lower key, and I think it worked well.

I love the pace of the Ian Rutledge books. They are solidly good, interesting police procedurals (taking place a century ago), with greater than average uses of psychology and history. The characters are always well-drawn, and it is rare that I can figure out the mystery in advance. These are books to settle in with, as Rutledge (or the stories in which he features) tend to unwind themselves with many threads, rather than being fast-paced page turners. Very satisfying to read or listen to. Highly recommend!

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Good, but not my favorite

I love this series. This one was true to form but the plot was a bit far-fetched. Still, if you like the Inspector Rutledge series you won't want to miss this one.

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Good story solution was obvious

Very good story though I guessed the protaganist when no one verified the individual was who they were supposed to. It seems that would have been one of the first things Rutledge would have done. Still a very good story.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

An old friend

Stumbled upon this title and was like meeting an old friend. We missed Simon Prebble when we finished the last of the Dick Francis audiobooks; Felix's narrators are ok but not the same. Anyway, OMG there are like a bunch of these Ian Rutledge books so we'll be ok for a while...

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

As usual

Narrator and story excellent, as usual. On to the next Ian Rutledge book, whoo hoo

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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.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

compelling, sad story

the terrible consequences of the Great War in the lives of individuals are highlighted again by Todd. inspector Rutledge is always compelling, abd Simon Prebble's narration is superb as usual. another fine story of England post-WW I.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Another great one

I love the Charles Todd collaboration. The last book seemed a bit slow in going forward but this one kept me riveted. Lots of nefarious characters, a surprise criminal, and a satisfyingly convoluted plot and most of all, Simon Prebble's narration. He is magnificent and one of my favorite audible narrators. He can make even a mediocre book better.

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