The Black Ascot” by Charles Todd is an intriguing mystery novel set in Scotland Yard’s world of investigations. Here’s a brief summary:

Inspector Ian Rutledge, the protagonist, receives an astonishing tip from a grateful ex-convict. The tip leads him to suspect Alan Barrington, who has eluded capture for a decade. Barrington is believed to be involved in an appalling murder during the famous 1910 royal horse race meet known as Black Ascot, which honored the late King Edward VII. His disappearance sparked a manhunt that consumed Britain.

Assigned to a quiet search under the guise of reviewing a cold case, Rutledge meticulously retraces the original inquiry. As he delves into Barrington’s past, he uncovers relationships and secrets that hadn’t surfaced in 1910. However, Rutledge’s sanity is suddenly questioned due to a shocking turn of events. Battling the shame of shell shock, he must find Barrington and bring him to justice to save his career and sanity.