This novella is set in Dec. 1921 after the events of the forthcoming novel A Day of Judgement, which is set in July 1921.
A few days before Christmas, Chief Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent to Kent to the home of Lord Edward Braxton, a retired Army Colonel who has survived an attempted murder. As the newest Chief, and one who has no children to spend Christmas with, Rutledge takes the case.
The Colonel, who prefers his Army title to ancestral rank, is cantankerous, uncooperative, and convinced that someone will kill him before he sees another Christmas. The problem is, he can’t describe his attacker in detail or think of a specific person who means him harm. Since he spent the war as part of the staff for Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, referred to as “Butcher Haig” by Hamish because his orders sent many good soldiers to unnecessary deaths, any number of people could want Braxton dead: soldiers who survived as well as loved ones of soldiers who died.
Rutledge finds comfort in his lodgings at the local tavern where holiday spirit evokes warm feelings and happy childhood memories. The inn is a haven of warm fires, good food, and good service. Despite these comforts Rutledge’s nights are still filled with nightmares of the war.
In contrast to the cozy tavern is the Lord’s house. Fearing his own imminent death, he has banned any celebration of Christmas, from decorations to Wassail, much to the disappointment of his Lady and their servants. Braxton demands a police guard but refuses to let them in house, banning them to patrolling the outdoor estate during freezing weather. He is clearly not a nice guy.
Despite the police protection, Braxton disappears one night and it’s up to Rutledge to find the man before his murderer does. No spoilers here, but the ending is an appropriate holiday surprise that wraps up the case nicely.
After a two-year hiatus, it’s good to spend time with Rutledge and Hamish again. The novella fits the tone and pace of the previous books seamlessly. Charles Todd has done a masterful job of continuing this series without his mother and co-author Caroline Todd. I’m sure she would be proud. Now we can count the days until Rutledge’s next adventure in A Day of Judgement in early 2026. — Cathy Akers-Jordan