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Apr 30, 2015
In a book that's the backstory for all the Ian Rutledge mysteries, we're in the summer of 1914 when the Archduke is killed in Sarajevo and Rutledge is investigating a series of deaths that appear almost suicidal. It a glimpse of his life before the Great War, before he meets Hamish McLeod who will be such a presence in life after that bloodbath. Rutledge must do his sleuthing best in this one when multiple deaths begin to have similar circumstances. All the while he's also navigating his own hopes for marriage and cares about his younger sister. Chief Inspector Bowles is none too happy with his psychological approach to his work or his independence with his new motorcar. Another good mystery and a way for the authors to look at the Great War in its 100th anniversary year with characters we've come to know in its aftermath. Good effort.