THE BLACK ASCOT Inspector Ian Rutledge , Book 21

Simon Prebble's deep knowledge of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mystery series, which he has long narrated, serves listeners well in this 19th addition to the canon. In it, Rutledge is asked to find out more when the prime suspect in an old murder case reportedly resurfaces. Soon Rutledge is caught up in a confounding case that's complicated by every interviewee's habit of lying to him. As the case takes Rutledge (and his Scottish "ghost," Hamish) back and forth across England, Prebble demonstrates his skill for coloring the personalities of a wide range of characters, including men and women, with accent, tone, and pacing. Add to that the warm, round oratory of his narrative voice, and you have a thoroughly satisfying listen. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2019]