Shortly after financial advisor Harold Quarles ends his business partnership in London, he is found savagely murdered on his country estate. When Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge arrives to start his investigation of the crime, he quickly realizes the victim is thoroughly despised by nearly everyone in the small village of Cambury.

The long list of suspects ranges from the dead man's wife to the local police inspector. The only thing that seems to unite the suspects is the wall of silence they construct, which means Rutledge will need every ounce of his skill plus a little luck to breach the barricade. In fact, in this case it might be better for all concerned, including the inspector, if no one comes forth to share what he knows!

The Rutledge series has garnered Todd nominations for such prestigious accolades as the Edgar and Anthony awards. If you haven't met the Inspector Ian Rutledge, isn't it about time you did?

Reviews of other titles in this series

A Test of Wills, 1   [reviews]
A False Mirror, No 7   [review]
A Long Shadow, 8   [review]
A Pale Horse, 10   [review]
A Matter of Justice, 11  [review 1] [review 2]
The Confession, 14   [review 1] [review 2]