Charles Todd writes a mystery series set in post WWI England and featuring Ian Rutledge. I have enjoyed many books in the series, but I find it very hard to "sell"the series to other readers.
The main character, Detective Rutledge is a very sympathetic man who suffers from what we now call PTS. Rutledge has multiple symptoms not the least of which are acute claustrophobia and sudden flashbacks to traumatic battle field events. The most remarkable symptom of Det Rutledge's PTS is that he hears the voice of a one of his subordinate officers in his head. The deceased Scotsman Hamish in previous novels has acted a Watson type role. I found the situation - having a distinct personality inside the mind of the primary character -intriguing.
As the series progressed and Det Rutledge moved away from his war time trauma, the novels are more focused on plot than on the introspection and psychological development of the main character.
It's a decline in the series for me.
Sadly the latest novel Proof of Guilt has a very elaborate plot : six bodies( -- 3 of whom were attempted assassins) died in the novel. Hamish's role is reduced to the occasional exclamation " 'Ware" to warn of OBVIOUS danger. Wondrous improbability gives us a new temporary and real life Watson. The frenzied conclusion left me disappointed.
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