Proof of Guilt: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery

The mother and son who use the Todd nom de plume continue to impress with their 15th Rutledge mystery (after 2012’s The Confession), coupling a gripping whodunit with their ongoing exploration of the aftereffects of the hell of WWI on the human psyche. In 1920, the Scotland Yard homicide inspector is still haunted by his experiences in the trenches and guilt over shooting one of his men for disobeying an order. Adding to Rutledge’s anxiety is the arrival of a new boss, who sends him to look into a suspicious hit-and-run in London’s Chelsea neighborhood. No witness saw or heard anything. Only a valuable French-made watch in the possession of the unidentified victim gives a clue to his identity. As usual, the authors toss a lot of plot balls in the air and manage to juggle them deftly. Agent: Jane Chelius, Jane Chelius Literary. (Feb.)