CONFESSION (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries, 14) by Charles Todd

" Todd's books of late have been very good. But not as great as most of the earlier works. Now Todd has made a huge comeback with "The Confession". Reminiscent of the earlier books, it is very haunting with many disturbing elements each of which are explored just enough to compel you to continue reading and reading and reading. I have not even finished this book and I want everyone who is thinking of buying this book, to do so. You won't be disappointed. And if you have never read Todd and this is your first, after finishing "The Confession" go back and start with book one in the Ian Rutledge series and give yourself the best time you'll have. This writing team, for Todd is two people, brings back a time that I am most fond of and know a great deal about academically. I always applaud their accuracy as they tell a good story for never do they miss the mark nor do they ever get bogged down in the details. Only Rennie Airth, who has written only 2 in this genre, his third being set during WW2, is as good. I am thrilled with this latest book and the only better thing for me would be to someday meet this talented writing team and tell them in person what a great story idea they have come up with and have sustained now for over 10 years! Bravo. Buy this book. You won't regret it...."

묘한 매력이 있는 미스터리 장편소설이다. 1차 세계대전이 끝나고 얼마 지나지 않은 시기가 작품의 배경이다. 통신도구나 운송수단도 많지 않던 그런 시절이라 현대가 배경이 되는 빠른 전개의 작품들에 비해서 이야기의 흐름이 정말 느리다. 주인공 형사가 사건을 풀어가는 과정이 답답하기도 하지만 묘하게 계속 읽게 만드는 매력이 있다. 영국식 문장들이 좀 등장하고 집중력이 필요한 문장들이 등장하기 때문에 읽기에 쉽다고는 말하기 힘든 작품이다. 하지만 묘하게 계속 읽게 되는 작품이다. 막판에 드러나는 반전과 충격적인 범인의 실체는 이 작품의 큰 매력이다.