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The Black Ascot
The Black Ascot
The Black Ascot
Audiobook10 hours

The Black Ascot

Written by Charles Todd

Narrated by Simon Prebble

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge seeks a killer who has eluded Scotland Yard for years in this next installment of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling series.

An astonishing tip from a grateful ex-convict seems implausible—but Inspector Ian Rutledge is intrigued and brings it to his superior at Scotland Yard. Alan Barrington, who has evaded capture for ten years, is the suspect in an appalling murder during Black Ascot, the famous 1910 royal horserace honoring the late King Edward VII. His disappearance began a manhunt that consumed Britain for a decade. Now it appears that Barrington has returned to England, giving the Yard a last chance to retrieve its reputation and see justice done. Rutledge is put in charge of a quiet search under cover of a routine review of a cold case.

Meticulously retracing the original inquiry, Rutledge begins to know Alan Barrington well, delving into relationships and secrets that hadn’t surfaced in 1910. But is he too close to finding his man? His sanity is suddenly brought into question by a shocking turn of events. His sister Frances, Melinda Crawford, and Dr. Fleming stand by him, but there is no greater shame than shell shock. Questioning himself, he realizes that he cannot look back. The only way to save his career—much less his sanity—is to find Alan Barrington and bring him to justice. But is this elusive murderer still in England?

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperAudio
Release dateFeb 5, 2019
ISBN9780062893642
Author

Charles Todd

Charles and Caroline Todd are a mother-and-son writing team who live on the east coast of the United States. Together, they have written nearly thirty mysteries, including the Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford series.

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Reviews for The Black Ascot

Rating: 4.158088289705882 out of 5 stars
4/5

136 ratings17 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In 1910, a fatal car crash took the life of a female passenger, Beatrice Fletcher-Munro. Her husband, Harold, who was at the wheel, was injured but survived. The police conclude that Alan Barrington, who had been in love with Munro and hated her husband, tampered with the automobile's brakes, but the suspect disappeared before he could be brought to trial. Eleven years pass. In 1921, after Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge lends a hand to an ex-convict, Eddie Wade, the man reciprocates by informing Ian that someone he knows spotted Barrington. Apparently, the fugitive is alive and well, but unwilling to turn himself into the authorities.

    "The Black Ascot," by the husband and wife writing team of Charles Todd, is the twenty-first in this long-running series of historical mysteries in which Rutledge plays the central role. Ian is a veteran of the Great War who returned shell-shocked and needed therapeutic help to continue functioning. Ian is still plagued by horrific memories, and he frequently hears the voice of his deceased former corporal, Hamish MacLeod, who issues warnings and offers opinions. Rutledge has never married, but he has the love and support of his devoted sister, Frances, and can rely on his good friend, Melinda Crawford, a wealthy widow who is generous and well-connected.

    Rutledge takes his motorcar hither and yon, seeking information from individuals who remember details about the principal figures in the Fletcher-Munro Case. During these interviews, new facts come to light. It is clear that the entire truth concerning this tragic and tangled affair has never been revealed. "The Black Ascot" is a complex tale of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal. Among the book's flaws are its chattiness, large and unwieldy cast of characters, and sluggish pace. Still, the authors hold our interest with their evocative descriptions of the English countryside, poignant references to the horrific emotional and physical injuries suffered by many veterans of World War I, and a condemnation of those who lie and cheat in order to avoid taking responsibility for their transgressions.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My favorite in the series thus far. I love the depth of the characters, particularly Ian Rutledge, WWI veteran, who serves brilliantly as Scotland Yard inspector, while still dealing with his own “shell shock”. The British countryside, the history that weaves through the stories, the sentiments of many people of that time, though not always admirable, enrich and instruct the fiction. And then there’s Hamish, Rutledge’s constant “companion”. I’m hooked!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The reader is perfect for this novel and easy to,listen to. I find all of Charles Todd novels very good
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: The Black Ascot (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery #21)Author: Charles ToddPages: 343 (ARC)Year: 2019Publisher: William MorrowMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.Inspector Ian Rutledge is handed a cold case that his boss doesn’t expect him to solve. His boss has no love for Ian and tells him he expects him to find the man who has been missing for ten years but allegedly has been recently spotted. The missing man is wanted in connection to a murder ten years ago, but who disappeared before the trial began and hasn’t been seen since. Ian meets a former prisoner who says his cellmate told him of a recent sighting of this missing man. Ian isn’t sure whether to believe this is true or not but feels he should tell his boss about it. He does and is given the case.Ian begins questioning those who knew the missing man, visits the missing man’s home and talks with the local constables about this man. He is a skilled interrogator/investigator and must use all his skill in this story. Sometimes he asks a question he hasn’t asked previously to try to trip someone up or misdirect them. He talks with a few of the same people over and over, asking the same questions in the hope that someone will either let something slip that they didn’t want to or remember something they haven’t mentioned before that sets Ian down the path to finding the killer.I can’t believe I have finished reading the 21st book in this series! When I pick up one of the Charles Todd books, I know I’m going to be in for a deeper look into Ian’s mind. After I’ve completed the novel, I feel I know him a little better. He lives to capture murderers and bring justice to the ones whose life was taken from them. He doesn’t feel he has more to offer anyone than his ability as a detective. He is dogged in his pursuit, going over the same ground again and again until someone along the way says something that triggers a connection and Ian is turned onto the trail of the offender. He won’t give up in his quest to discover the truth. I enjoy reading about the different villages Ian visits and the different personalities he encounters. The stories are entertaining for the British mystery aficionado.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a great story! Ian’s investigating a 10 yr. old cold case of a man who disappeared after murdering a woman. There’s many loose strands and they’re all connected spreading out like a spider’s web. As he travels around zigzagging from London to the countryside to interview suspects, he’s shot in the head and believes he’s attempted suicide. Ian can’t give up even while out on sick leave and does some exciting covert sleuthing. Very clever ending where he tricks his suspect and a nosey reporter and saves his job.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have read a number of books in the Inspector Rutledge series. I am drawn to them by the recurring characters in the book and how they come alive for me. I also enjoy the feel of England in the time immediately after WWI, the sense of the geography as Rutledge travels all over, the class distinctions as they are recognized and handled in this time period. The story itself becomes secondary, which is good since at times it seems rather convoluted--not bad but sometimes a bit challenging to follow. The balance is definitely favorable; a good read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The 1910 Ascot Race was different than other years. Society showed up as always but, this year, although women were still dressed in the finest fashions, the dresses, hats, and parasols were all black to mourn the death of Edward VII. After the race, as people headed home, a car crash resulted in the death of one woman and the severe injuries of her husband. When it is determined that the brakes were tampered with, Alan Barrington is found to be the perpetrator but before he can stand trial he disappears.A decade later, when Inspector Ian Rutledge helps a distraught man find his family, the man thanks him by telling him that he knows someone who has seen Barrington recently in England. Rutledge doubts it but feels he must tell his Superior, thinking that will be the end of it. However, Barrington's disappearance all those years ago was seen as a black mark against the Yard and Rutledge is charged with finding out if the man is, indeed, in England. What seems like a waste of time quickly turns into one of the most complicated and dangerous cases he has ever been assigned to.The Black Ascot, the 21st entry in the Ian Rutledge Mysteries series by the mother and son team of Charles Todd, is an intriguing historical mystery. Like most of the books in this series, it is more puzzle than thriller. Rutledge is an interesting, sympathetic, and complex character and the mystery kept me guessing right to the end. My one criticism was that there are what seem like dozens of different locations and characters and, at times, I found it hard to follow where he was, who he was talking to, and what their relevance was. Still, overall, I can honestly say this series has never disappointed me and I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written historical mysteries with fascinating puzzles, a very likeable protagonist, and interesting settings.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Oh No! Rutledge put in his resignation. I can't believe it. And after all that running around the countryside. There's no justice.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Inspector Rutledge gets an unexpected tip in a decade old cold case. Following up clues leads to attacks on others and suspicions that the case is not what it seemed to be. He continues to battle his own demons--the haunting by Hamish, the soldier he executed in the trenches.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The random sighting of a fugitive gets Inspector Rutledge investigating a 10-year old cold case. It's a complex story with many characters, much travel in southern England and a really close call for Rutledge. There's not much new in Rutledge's personal life (no romantic progress with Kate) and Hamish is less vocal than in other books in the series. A must read for fans.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The mother and son dual of Charles Todd write an intriguing mystery that provides hours of entertainment. The Black Ascot by Charles Todd contains many memorable characters and the beauty of England. Ian Rutledge receives a tip about an evasive murderer and begins a search for the man who fooled the Scotland Yard. The story deliciously follows Ian in his hunt for Alan Barrington, a man who has been accused of killing a young woman, Blanch Fletcher-Munro.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Rutledge opens up an old case of an appalling murder during the Black Ascot, the 1910 horse race that honored the late king Edward VII. The suspect disappeared and now in 1921 there is a sighting, and Rutledge again drives around England to discover what actually happened. Atmospheric and complex, not to say convoluted.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Another excellent edition to a series that never disappoints. The authors keep their story interesting and provide the background of history and descriptions of time and place that will keep me eagerly awaiting #22.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A pre-WW1 accident/crime is deemed worth a review when there is a possible sighting of the suspected culprit. Rutledge needs his many back channels for support as he is forbidden access to the dependable Sgt Gibson. A gunshot wound raises many questions for the Yard and Ian as it brings his trench war demons back to the fore. A very good entry in this interesting but requiring patience series.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Another in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series which fits neatly in the formula the Charles Todd writing team has developed. Interesting, attention holding mystery.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: The Black Ascot (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery #21)Author: Charles ToddPages: 343 (ARC)Year: 2019Publisher: William MorrowMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.Inspector Ian Rutledge is handed a cold case that his boss doesn’t expect him to solve. His boss has no love for Ian and tells him he expects him to find the man who has been missing for ten years but allegedly has been recently spotted. The missing man is wanted in connection to a murder ten years ago, but who disappeared before the trial began and hasn’t been seen since. Ian meets a former prisoner who says his cellmate told him of a recent sighting of this missing man. Ian isn’t sure whether to believe this is true or not but feels he should tell his boss about it. He does and is given the case.Ian begins questioning those who knew the missing man, visits the missing man’s home and talks with the local constables about this man. He is a skilled interrogator/investigator and must use all his skill in this story. Sometimes he asks a question he hasn’t asked previously to try to trip someone up or misdirect them. He talks with a few of the same people over and over, asking the same questions in the hope that someone will either let something slip that they didn’t want to or remember something they haven’t mentioned before that sets Ian down the path to finding the killer.I can’t believe I have finished reading the 21st book in this series! When I pick up one of the Charles Todd books, I know I’m going to be in for a deeper look into Ian’s mind. After I’ve completed the novel, I feel I know him a little better. He lives to capture murderers and bring justice to the ones whose life was taken from them. He doesn’t feel he has more to offer anyone than his ability as a detective. He is dogged in his pursuit, going over the same ground again and again until someone along the way says something that triggers a connection and Ian is turned onto the trail of the offender. He won’t give up in his quest to discover the truth. I enjoy reading about the different villages Ian visits and the different personalities he encounters. The stories are entertaining for the British mystery aficionado.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As always with any long-lived series, picking up the next book involves expectation and excitement -- and a bit of a leap of faith. You hope and trust that the author(s) have managed to keep the characters vibrant and alive and are finding fresh ways to keep the overall arcs of their lives and interactions progressing in new and interesting ways, while keeping the main focus on some kind of mystery. The peril to be avoided at all costs is a main character who just re-emerges as precisely the same individual in book after book, never changing, never developing -- a dull and tedious version of Hercule Poirot. At least with Agatha Christie, she managed to place her detectives and their quirks in the midst of highly distinctive crimes. But I've encountered too many series where the author becomes lazy, relies on the popularity of his or her formula, with the result that midway through the book I look up and realize I simply can't distinguish book #15 from book #14 or book #16. Happily, in spite of having a main character in Scotland Yard detective Ian Rutledge who has his own quirks (the ghost of a dead soldier, Hamish, who rides shotgun and talks to him while he's investigating and becomes his invisible sidekick), the Charles Todd novels are not palling on me. Part of the interest lies in the authors' (a mother-son duo) ability to delve into the atmosphere of post-WW1 England without being overly ponderous about it, and letting those social and political trends develop into intriguing plotlines. This time around, Rutledge is driving aimlessly through the country, trying to avoid spending time with those who will recognize his struggles with Hamish and battle with the after effects with shellshock, when he is on the spot to prevent a tragedy involving another damaged victim of the war years. In exchange, the man gives him some second-hand information: one of the country's most-wanted men, accused of murdering the widow of his late friend by tampering with the car of her new husband after the "Black Ascot" of 1910 (so-called because everyone attended in mourning for Edward VII) has been seen in the country. Could this be true? If so, why would he risk it and where has he been? Who has helped him to hide and -- if he is back -- has he decided to clear his name or commit further crimes? Rutledge's superior, perhaps in hopes of getting this troublesome but skilled detective out of his way, gives him the apparently impossible task of finding the long-missing man (the Lord Lucan of the early 1920s??) But what will he find out along the way -- about himself, as well as the long-missing Alan Barrington? Just how ruthless is the man who committed that long-ago crime -- whoever he may be? Once again, the authors bring us, slowly and delicately, a few more inches along Ian Rutledge's life path, while at the same time delivering a mystery that has a slow but steady buildup in suspense. I do wish that Todd was less prone to have his characters go barreling around the country in motorcars from point A to point (at times, the novels feel like a kind of Baedeker guide...) but overall that's a minor quibble about what is a solid addition to what remains a solid and rewarding series of historical mysteries. They aren't as in-depth as the two books penned by Rennie Airth and set in this era featuring John Madden, but are great to hunker down with on a cold winter weekend. Recommended. I received an advance e-galley from the publishers via Edelweiss; the opinions are purely my own...