This is the sixteenth book in a series that I thoroughly enjoy. Last year, I praised the series, but was disappointed with the fifteenth novel. I was critical of the lack of the usual sense of place, the downplaying of Hamish's role and the plot in general. The authors have made a fine comeback. In the opening chapters, I felt as if I were lost on the Fens and thankfully, Hamish haunts Rutledge every step of the way. Once again, one is almost overwhelmed by the pain in post-war WW1 England. Loneliness, despair and a wonder about all the horror that had happened pervade every chapter. Northwest of London, two men have been shot by a hidden rifleman. Only a vet would have a rifle, the skill to use it and presumably a grudge against a former captain in the army. Why he also shot the local Tory MP candidate confounds Rutledge. There is no apparent connection between the two. As the investigation progresses, Rutledge becomes convinced that the murderer is a sharpshooter, trained as a sniper, and someone whom the trenches deeply affected. He pounds away relentlessly and eventually finds his man. A sharpshooter he was - but not in the Great War.
No comments:
Post a Comment