A Test of Wills

by Charles Todd

Book 1 in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series.

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In June 1919, Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent to a Warwickshire village to investigate the murder of a widely admired colonel. The strongest suspect is a decorated veteran with influential connections, and local witnesses seem more interested in protecting reputations than clarifying facts. Rutledge must conduct the inquiry while concealing the shell shock that has left him hearing the relentless voice of Hamish MacLeod, a soldier he executed during the war.

The first novel establishes the series’ central conflict between public honour and private trauma. Military rank, class and heroism distort the investigation, while Rutledge’s own survival depends on appearing emotionally untouched. His search for the murderer therefore becomes inseparable from his effort to prove that a damaged veteran can still exercise judgement.