Book Review: Legacy of the Dead

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Legacy of the Dead     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Charles Todd
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Police Procedural
Series: Ian Rutledge # 4
Bantam, Oct 2000, $24.95, 320 pp.

In 1919 Scotland, World War I veteran, Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge investigates the death of Eleanor Gray, last seen three years ago. Apparently, the remains of a person, probably Eleanor, have been found on a mountainside near Duncarrick. The local police arrest Fiona MacDonald for murdering Eleanor.

Ian knows he must carefully conduct his investigation so as not to affront the victim’s mother Lady Maude Gray. At the same time, Ian feels stifled because the accused declines any defense even if it means her execution. With the ghost of Hamish MacLeod haunting his every step, Ian asks questions of anyone associated with the two women especially during the year of Eleanor’s disappearance. Each step forward seems to lead to detours from the truth as an unknown puppet master manipulates behind the scenes.

In his fourth appearance, Rutledge has become a complete character so that readers can fully understand him and through his mind MacLeod. In turn, the audience also obtains a feel for the impact of World War I especially on the immediate decade that followed. LEGACY OF DEAD is a powerful entry in a strong series as Charles Todd continues his intelligent writing that assumes his followers are shrewd and perceptive individuals. This novel is a dazzling historical police procedural that will send new fans searching for the three antecedent books.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner