A Day of Judgment

Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries, Book 25

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Simon Vance

July, 1921: England is suffering a heatwave and the coast of Northumberland, just across the border from Scotland, is filled with holiday-makers bird watching and enjoying the beaches. Pilgrims also come to visit the home of Saints Cuthbert and Aiden—the founders of Christianity in England—located on the "Holy Island" of Lindisfarne, accessible by a causeway at low tide.

When the murdered body of a local man washes ashore just south of Lindisfarne, the government and the Church of England are concerned about protecting both the reputation of the Church and the sacred sites that are a destination for hundreds of pilgrims at this time of year. With his ability to move in the highest social and political circles, Rutledge is sent by Scotland Yard to solve this crime and dispel any association with the Church.

Facing a puzzling case and a cast of locals that don't take kindly to outsiders, the newly promoted Rutledge meets one of the most challenging cases of his career. To solve it, he'll also have to confront his own demons left over from his time in the war.

©2026 Charles Todd (P)2026 Highbridge Audio

Leaves you wanting more

The plot is a little thin. The descriptions of Rutledge’s activities a little too detailed.
For example, a big deal is made of certain details and you assume they will play into the plot but they never do.
With the descriptions of how he starts the car each time I could do it in my sleep. And he is awash in bitters and tea.
The anti-German plot could have been woven in better.
But, all that being said, I love this series and am dreading when Charles Todd eventually puts away his typewriter. Ian’s psychological struggles are so well drawn. It is a cut above most mystery stories.

Wonderful!

Another immersive mystery from this author writing without his dearly departed co author mother. Fantastic series. One of the very best. Simon Vance does his usual stellar narration.

It is a great story

Very entertaining, it kept me invested the whole way through. It is worth the listen.

Fantastic narrator

I have all of Todd's books. I enjoyed them all. This one held my attention. I love the detail to all things British. The ending seemed liked it was plunked down. looking forward to the next one.

Another Solid Ian Rutledge Story

This may not be my “favorite” Ian Rutledge but since nearly all of them have been “favorites”, I was pleased with this first full length novel since Mr. Todd’s mother’s death. It can’t be easy writing with “half” yourself missing after the many years they collaborated together. Like with his personal life, things with Ian Rutledge’s personal life have changed as well. He’s now finally received the promotion he had long since given up on receiving. He’s back in further contact with Kate. And his conflicts at the Yard have eased a little. Insofar as the story itself is concerned, it is an interesting story and the ending works out well. True, it may not have some of the “didn’t see that coming” aspects as some of the author’s prior books, but it is a solid reveal. I personally like, as one reviewer also commented on, all the “British” descriptions of locations, foods, etc. I was thoroughly “amused” by the “big deal” about not upsetting the Church of England and the archdiocese. Not sure why Mr. Todd made such “clear” references to their concern, but it was quite clear from what was said what THEIR concerns were: The “pilgrims” and the “holiday makers” coming to the “holy island.” As one of the vicars with whom he discussed the case aptly stated, “I knew there had to be politics involved here somewhere.” Wouldn’t want to “ruffle the feathers” of such powerful “players” or risk any monetary gain. Look forward to the next installment in this series as well as the new Bess Crawford book due out later this Spring, I think. And the narrator: Simon Vance is fantastic. He’s not Simon Prebble, but his narration stands fully on its own. Give this book, and Mr. Todd and Mr. Vance, a chance.