A Test of Wills Audiobook By Charles Todd cover art

A Test of Wills

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A Test of Wills

By: Charles Todd
Narrated by: Samuel Giles
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$8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

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Ian Rutledge returns to his career at Scotland Yard after years fighting in the First World War. Unknown to his colleagues he is still suffering from shell shock, and is burdened with the guilt of having had executed a young soldier on the battlefield for refusing to fight. A jealous colleague has learned of his secret and has managed to have Rutledge assigned to a difficult case which could spell disaster for Rutledge whatever the outcome.

A retired officer has been murdered, and Rutledge, fighting the torment of his illness, goes to investigate. As he digs into the lives of the villagers, the witness who disturbs him most is a war-ravaged ex-soldier who chills Rutledge with the realization that he could become like this man.

©1996 Charles Todd (P)1999 W.F. Howes Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives
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Compelling Mystery • Unexpected Twists • Engaging Accents • Complex Protagonist • Historical Backdrop • Intriguing Plot

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You can count on novels in this series to be solid historical police procedurals without egregious gore, violence, sex or language -- but this one still just misses a four star rating from me. Some of the plot elements didn't flow well, some of the language just a little too modern, and perhaps the novel is longer than it needed to be --but still, this is strong as a first novel in a period series.

Although we learn a little about Hamish in each subsequent novel, it was interesting to meet him (it?) in the first. I am accustomed to the talented Simon Prebble as narrator of later instalments, but I preferred Samuel Gilles as Rutledge (and usually I don't like Gilles).

If you're new to this series, it's worthwhile starting here, and if you're already a fan, meet Hamish again for the first time.

Good to meet Hamish at the beginning

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This book keeps you on your toes, or rather keeps Inspector Rutledge on his toes. There's always more suspense around the corner. I had trouble putting it down. It really was a 'test' for the Inspector, to learn who was responsible. He ran into more problems at every turn, including the opinions of that crazy Scot in his conscience. I totally enjoyed reading this book and always look forward to another by Charles Todd.

Great book-A Test of Wills

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Where does A Test of Wills rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Good story even though it was a bit slow. The author did a good job of presenting the story--who I did it and the actual murderer didn't match. The ending revelation was great.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Test of Wills?

At the end, Inspector Rutledge figures out exactly who the murderer is although he thinks that the person is in trouble.

Have you listened to any of Samuel Giles’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Good Story

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I love mysteries, but I usually figure out the ending well before the reveal. I didn't on this one. I had all the pieces and I had half a clue, but not quite there. It kept me reading until well past my bedtime to see how it solved out.

I enjoyed the main character and the writing. I've already purchased the next in the series.

The narrator did a fine job.

Kept me hooked to the end

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Totally enjoying the entire series of books. English decorum, multifaceted mysteries to unfurl clue by clue, great characterization, historic view of post war England, unique stories, and the changing, evolving character of Ian Rutledge. Engaging and compelling listens.

Unique and compelling!

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