Summary of A Test of Wills, by Charles Todd

Delve into 'A Test of Wills' by Charles Todd, where Inspector Rutledge faces murder and his own haunting past in a gripping post-WWI mystery.

Welcome to the post-World War I vibe where, apparently, people are still concerned about who-dun-it while sipping on their tea and trying to forget the horrors of trench warfare-enter A Test of Wills. It's the first in the Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries series, and spoiler alert: not one character is a festive baker, which is quite disappointing.

So, picture this: we're in England, a quaint little village called Henrietta-because, obviously, that's where murder always seems to rear its ugly head. After the war, our reluctant hero, Inspector Ian Rutledge, is back from the battlefield where he was undoubtedly haunted by a few too many ghosts (and not just in the Victorian sense) and now he's forced to be the Sherlock of his own angst-ridden life. What a plot twist!

The drama kicks off when a local big shot, Colonel Charles Harris, is found face down in a puddle of his own misfortune right outside his home. His death? A classic case of murder! Everyone's looking sideways at each other like they've just been caught with their hand in the biscuit tin. It's a small town, after all, and the gossip network is stronger than your grandma's wifi connection.

As Rutledge gets dragged into the mix, we meet an ensemble of sketchy characters who could fill in the cast of a particularly grim soap opera. From the grieving widow to the resentful townsfolk, everyone seems to have a very good reason to want Harris dead. Spoiler alert: some of them might even be more interesting than the actual detective. Rutledge has to sift through their lies and alibis as if he's at a particularly nasty family reunion, trying to figure out who's been telling tales and who's actually in the running for the worst family member award.

Let's not forget, Rutledge is still carrying the emotional baggage from the war, namely, the ghost of a soldier he couldn't save. That's right, this isn't just a whodunit; it's a tragic backstory bonanza. Just when you think the plot can't get more twisted, it totally does! Rutledge has to battle his own demons while wrestling with a case that has more layers than an onion... or a really poorly made lasagna.

As the investigation unfolds, Rutledge finds clues, gets misled, and ultimately draws on his psychological warfare skills. Yes, nothing like a bit of good old-fashioned mental trauma to solve a mystery! It turns out the murder reflects not just the town's darkness, but Rutledge's own struggle with guilt and survival, making for a deeply layered narrative-although, honestly, it could've used a touch more humor if you ask me.

In the end, we unearth not just the identity of the killer (who, let me tell you, you won't see coming), but also some truths about justice, redemption, and the scars left behind by war. It's gripping, emotional, and perfect for those who love a pinch of historical context with their crime fiction.

So, if you're looking for a good read that'll leave you questioning your life choices, A Test of Wills is just the ticket. Also, join Inspector Rutledge as he tries to solve crimes while carrying more mental baggage than a tourist on a budget flight. Bon appétit!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.