A Pale Horse
by Charles Todd
Published by William Morrow
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Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid
Five young boys borrow a book on alchemy from the schoolmaster’s shelf and sneak out at night to the ruins of Fountain Abby. Their intention is to call up the devil, and when they stumble over a body in a dark cloak and wearing a gas mask, they feel that they really did call up the devil. The boys swear each other to secrecy–but how long can they contain the secret that is eating away at them?
Meanwhile, Inspector Rutledge was ordered to leave for Berkshire in order to check up on a man living in Tomlin Cottages. It seems the war department had misplaced one of their own and Rutledge was to find out what happened to him. His excuse for being in the area was a visit to The Great White Horse done in chalk on the hillside. The horse had fascinated many people over the years.
Rutledge was concerned over his sister Frances but decided his concern could wait until his return. Hamish was of course traveling with Rutledge and offering his suggestions all the way.
The residents of Tomlin Cottages are a strange group and hard to get to know. Rutledge is trying to discover if there is a connection between the disappearance of the man from Tomlin Cottages and the body found in the Abby.
To say more would be spoilers but this is one of the best Charles Todd stories yet. I was very surprised by the ending.
Armchair Interviews says: Charles Todd does it again.
Author’s Web site: http://www.CharlesTodd.com