A Day of Judgment

About the book

Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard embarks on a journey to the rugged coastline of England to investigate a murder in a place where the memory of WWI still lingers strong, several years after its end.

In July of 1921, England is in the grip of a sweltering heatwave, with Northumberland's coast bustling with holiday-makers enjoying the beaches and bird watching. Pilgrims flock to Lindisfarne, the 'Holy Island' home of Saints Cuthbert and Aiden, who founded Christianity in England, accessible by a causeway at low tide.

When a local man's body is discovered washed ashore just south of Lindisfarne, both the government and the Church of England are eager to protect the Church's reputation and the sacred sites that draw hundreds of pilgrims annually. Rutledge, with his connections to high society and politics, is tasked by Scotland Yard to solve the crime and clear any suspicion on the Church.

Arriving at the scene, Rutledge finds himself caught between two fishing villages scarred by wartime battles and coastal bombardments by the German Navy. Lingering animosity towards Germany and a police force in the midst of reorganization present challenges for Rutledge in cracking the case.

Facing a complex investigation and unwelcoming locals, Rutledge confronts one of his toughest challenges yet. To solve the crime, he must also confront his own inner demons from his time serving in the war.