Charles Todd
Dear Reyna:
Thank you so much for writing! There is no follow up. Rutledge says he believes Louis French was buried in the new rose garden. And he is seldom wrong. After all, the garden is being renovated and is a ready-made grave, as well as a rather macabre choice! But the more important next move is to find the killer and prove his guilt. The garden will be dug up later to confirm this murder, and add to charges. Stopping the killer comes first. The title says it all—Rutledge needs proof of guilt in order to make his arrest. And French’s body doesn’t provide proof, it just adds to the body count. We played fair and told our readers where French was. We just didn’t show that Rutledge was right, because it would have been after the arrest, would have taken a court order, etc. Really an anticlimax, since the answer is already there. Sometimes the story leaves a little to your imagination, but gives you the clues to go with that.
All the Best,
Charles
Thank you so much for writing! There is no follow up. Rutledge says he believes Louis French was buried in the new rose garden. And he is seldom wrong. After all, the garden is being renovated and is a ready-made grave, as well as a rather macabre choice! But the more important next move is to find the killer and prove his guilt. The garden will be dug up later to confirm this murder, and add to charges. Stopping the killer comes first. The title says it all—Rutledge needs proof of guilt in order to make his arrest. And French’s body doesn’t provide proof, it just adds to the body count. We played fair and told our readers where French was. We just didn’t show that Rutledge was right, because it would have been after the arrest, would have taken a court order, etc. Really an anticlimax, since the answer is already there. Sometimes the story leaves a little to your imagination, but gives you the clues to go with that.
All the Best,
Charles
More Answered Questions
Moraimag
asked
Charles Todd:
I was happy to hear Ian’s story will continue. I’ve listened to all the audiobooks more than once. Recently we mystery lovers lost Anne Perry and with her sad news we knew we also lost William Monk. Can you share more about how the book gets none? They are so well written! How did the collaboration with your mother work? I didn’t know you were a pair until I had read almost the whole series. Thanks!
Arnold Kanarek
asked
Charles Todd:
I just finished Cliff's Edge, and I enjoyed it very much. Following Bess after the war is different than all the previous war stories. It is somewhat obvious from the ending that you already have thought about the next book since you have hinted at a continuation of the Bess and Simon saga. The Cliff's Edge is a cliffhanger. How come Ian didn't come from the Yard to save the family?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more