• The Black Ascot

  • By: Charles Todd
  • Narrated by: Simon Prebble
  • Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (803 ratings)

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The Black Ascot  By  cover art

The Black Ascot

By: Charles Todd
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's summary

Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge seeks a killer who has eluded Scotland Yard for years in this next installment of the acclaimed New York Times best-selling series.

An astonishing tip from a grateful ex-convict seems implausible - but Inspector Ian Rutledge is intrigued and brings it to his superior at Scotland Yard. Alan Barrington, who has evaded capture for 10 years, is the suspect in an appalling murder during Black Ascot, the famous 1910 royal horse race honoring the late King Edward VII. His disappearance began a manhunt that consumed Britain for a decade. Now, it appears that Barrington has returned to England, giving the Yard a last chance to retrieve its reputation and see justice done. Rutledge is put in charge of a quiet search under cover of a routine review of a cold case.

Meticulously retracing the original inquiry, Rutledge begins to know Alan Barrington well, delving into relationships and secrets that hadn’t surfaced in 1910. But is he too close to finding his man?

His sanity is suddenly brought into question by a shocking turn of events. His sister, Frances, Melinda Crawford, and Dr. Fleming stand by him, but there is no greater shame than shell shock. Questioning himself, he realizes he cannot look back. The only way to save his career - much less his sanity - is to find Alan Barrington and bring him to justice. But is this elusive murderer still in England?

©2019 Charles Todd (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Black Ascot

Average customer ratings
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Good as always

Still waiting for a little romance for Rutledge. None here but as always it’s a good story. Maybe next time he will fall in love

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best Inspector Rutledge mystery ever!

I love the Inspector Rutledge series and I really enjoy Simon Prebble as a reader, but this time they outdid themselves- I truly did not see the end coming---great book!

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8 people found this helpful

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Great story, great narrator

This was a fantastic Ian Rutledge novel with all the usual twists and turns we have come to expect of Charles Todd. And what can I say about Simon Prebble? I love, love, love his skillful narration! He is the best! I can’t wait until the next Ian Rutledge novel is published!

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

More like this!!!!

Could not put it down. Finished in 1 day. Now the wait is on for the next Charles Todd Rutledge mystery. They get better and better!!!

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Twist to the Plot!

I love Simon Prebble’s voice to distinguish the many different characters. He makes listening such a pleasure.

Loved the plot. No cell phones or electronics. Rutledge must live by his logic and wits to solve a crime. The plot, again, was a wonderful twist at the end. I fully enjoyed this novel.

A Colorado Listener

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Charles Todd has written great Ian Rutledge

this is another great story from Charles Todd I love all the Ian Rutledge novels I had a hard time finishing this one because of so many interruptions from my family but I plan to listen to this again thank you Charles.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very Compelling story.

I seldom give reviews so I'm breaking habit with this book. It is terrific. I enjoy the Inspector Rutledge series but found this one to be more of a "page-turner" than usual. I'm always impressed by the authors' attention to detail and the nuances of Rutledge's inner demons, the storyline, and I was not disappointed here. The only reason I gave the performence four stars is the obvious editing - a bit jarring.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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What a total Bore!

I finally decided to quit this drivel with 2 more hours to go. It is tedious and boring

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great book by Charles Todd

Exceptionally interesting mystery with another excellent narration by Simon Prebble. You cannot go wrong selecting any book in the Inspector Rutledge series.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The best yet

I have read 17 of the Inspector Rutledge series and have to say that this was the best of them. Have enjoyed the other 16 but this was one that held my attention intently. No could not wait until I got to finish and quell my curiosity. A must read.
Angel


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