A Matter of Justice: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery

by: Charles Todd

Published by: William Morrow

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid

When the body of Harold Quarles is found murdered in the barn at his country estate, Inspector Rutledge is called to investigate. Quarles was discovered by Inspector Padgett of the local police. Inspector Rutledge was soon to discover that most of the residents of the village could be considered suspects in the murder. More people hated Quarles than liked him–and his wife could be counted in the first group.

Quarles and his business partner Davis Penrith had worked for years as financial advisors in London and had recently ended their partnership. Inspector Rutledge attempts to figure out if this dissolution of partnership could have any bearing on the murder of Quarles but he finds that he reaches a dead end when he attempts to investigate the earlier lives of the partners.

Rutledge begins to feel that the partners’ past is very important and calls on every resource to uncover that past. Quarles wife is also very secretive about her husband’s history.

Rutledge has difficulty uncovering the truth but the victim’s past is well hidden and so many people in the present have reason to hate Quarles.

A Matter of Justice is a complicated book and the reader must pay close attention as Rutledge makes every attempt to uncover the truth and charge the responsible party. Rutledge’s Hamish, whose ghost is always with Rutledge, adds his comments on the investigation.

This is the eleventh Inspector Ian Rutledge novel and is one that will keep you guessing. It is not necessary to read the previous novels to enjoy A Matter of Justice, a very intriguing book.

Charles Todd is a mother and son writing team whose research has been extensive to bring the reader this great book.

Armchair Interviews says the Charles Todd team can be counted on for a good story.

Author’s Web site: http://www.CharlesTodd.com