Search the Dark

By: Charles Todd

Narrated by: Samuel Gillies

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Dorset is the latest setting for the talents of Inspector Ian Rutledge, a veteran of the First World War still haunted, literally, by his actions. Indeed, his personal ghost only serves to complicate things as his inner doubts blend into the trauma of the case. The disappearance of two children, the murder of a woman supposed to be their mother, and an unstable suspect who may or may not be guilty form the bones of Todd's latest psychological thriller, augmented by the in-depth and impressive character analysis that distinguishes his novels.

©2000 Charles Todd (P)1999 Recorded Books

Doesn’t fulfill potential

This Dorset installment of Ian Rutledge has a lot going for it, but ultimately doesn’t quite live up to it’s potential. The subplot of exploring mental health in the context of the Great War is a rich one, but I think aside from Hamish they manage it better in the Bess Crawford books. The conclusion of this mystery was more sad than riveting and the female characters were generally irritating. With a little bit more attention to detail some one note characters such as the local inspector or Elizabeth could have been better flushed out. As it is, you just loathe them rather than finding yourself fascinated by the social dynamic as you usually do in Charles Todd books. Gilles is at his best here. I don’t agree that his old fashioned sound is bad. It may be an active choice to suit the era of the story. He suits these regional accents with more subtlety than most readers.

interesting characters

in the last two books I correctly guessed the guilty immediately. just didn't know the reasons why. The journey was still interesting

Not worth the time

I’ve listened to several Charles Todd Books and truly enjoyed them. Not this one. Way to much character development of miscellaneous characters. It was like if he kept writing he’d figure out the ending. I was actually peeved, wanting to say....just get on with it.

Twists and Turns

Lots of twists make this a dark murder mystery to be solved by Ian Rutledge and Hamis

To many characters for me, few normal women.

Just like all novels in this series, many towns and characters makes it hard to keep everything in order. Detective Rutledge runs back and forth. I should make notes from the beginning. 1 complaint: woman are often described as weak to almost fainting, sometimes wanting to put off bad news “until tomorrow “

Another winner!

This is my favorite series - I am rationing myself to one a month. As usual, this one has a very intricate, intriguing plot with some real surprises at the end.

I enjoy Samuel Gillies's narration - perhaps, as someone said, he is a bit stiff, but I find that style appealing. I know some prefer Simon Prebble but both are fine in my opinion.

I'm looking forward to my next credit and my next Inspector Rutledge novel!

Another Winner but...

I admire the complex plots of the duo known as Charles Todd. Often, I have to resort to pen and paper to keep track of the characters and the relationships. But, there is too much flotsam and jetsam in this novel. I sense an effort to make it long rather than the detritus contributing to the plot. The intricacies of the interweaving plot is more than worth the effort to listen. But be prepared to want to skim over a real page in a real book.

Search the Dark

This was a great book. Charles Todd does it again. The suspense keeps you on your toes.
And the ending is nothing like you picture.

Not as good as hoped...

I was not happy with the ending. Several things left me feeling unsatisfied. Not as good as the previous books but I am continuing the series.

Decent recording

Would you listen to Search the Dark again? Why?

Yes. Narrator does a better job in this one. The story's complexity is fun.