A Fatal Lie: A Novel

Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent from London to a Welsh village to investigate the mysterious death of Sam Milford, a good man with a faded military tattoo and an unusual label in his shirt. He uncovers a web of lies swirling around a suicidal woman, a child's tragic fate, and another woman bent on protecting her past. Rutledge must retrace Milford's last journey, but death seems to stalk him, and the truth shifts at every turn.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In the realm of crime fiction, a hero like Inspector Rutledge stands out as a truly complex and captivating figure. His involvement in a perplexing case, where he delves into the life and past of a deceased man in search of a killer determined to conceal dark secrets, showcases his remarkable skills and determination. The peaceful Welsh village of Llanfyllin is shaken to its core when a young boy discovers a lifeless body in a nearby river. The man, who has no identification and is not a local, raises suspicions. The village police seek assistance from Scotland Yard, and Inspector Ian Rutledge is dispatched to unravel the mystery.

Upon examining the victim, Rutledge notices a faded military tattoo on his arm and an unusual label in his shirt's collar. These clues gradually lead him to the identity of the deceased as Sam Milford. Milford, by all accounts, was a good man with a solid reputation. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain enigmatic. Rutledge embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, navigating a web of lies that entangles a suicidal woman, a child's tragic fate, and another woman who is fiercely protective of her past. As he unravels the layers of deceit, Rutledge realizes that the motive for murder remains elusive, and the killer remains shrouded in darkness, ready to strike at any moment.

In his pursuit of the truth, Rutledge must retrace Milford's final journey. However, death seems to follow him relentlessly, and the truth appears to shift with every turn. Whether the murderer is a man or a woman, they remain hidden in the shadows, constantly eluding capture. Rutledge must employ desperate measures to lure the killer into the light, risking everything to bring them to justice.

Inspector Rutledge's character is a testament to the depth and complexity of crime fiction heroes. His unwavering determination, combined with his exceptional investigative skills, make him a formidable opponent against the forces of evil. The case of Sam Milford serves as a reminder that even in the most peaceful of communities, darkness can lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. Rutledge's unwavering pursuit of the truth brings him face-to-face with the darkest aspects of human nature, and his triumph over adversity is a testament to his resilience and courage.

In conclusion, Inspector Rutledge stands as a remarkable hero in crime fiction, a character who embodies the complexities and challenges of the genre. His involvement in the perplexing case of Sam Milford showcases his exceptional skills and determination, and his triumph over adversity is a testament to his resilience and courage. Crime fiction enthusiasts will continue to be captivated by the exploits of Inspector Rutledge, as he continues to navigate the treacherous waters of crime and justice, seeking the truth and bringing criminals to justice.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 134 x 203 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062905567