A Guid Soldier

Book 0: A Mulholland / Strand Magazine Short

by Charles Todd

Genres: Mystery; Thrillers

Synopsis

Set during Inspector Rutledge's time in the Great War, Charles Todd's short story introduces a born killer.

It's World War I, and young Glaswegian Dougal Kerr is a new recruit in the British army. Dougal has no family and no past, but his easygoing demeanor belies his cheerless upbringing. There's only one thing that gives Ian Rutledge pause: Dougal is very good at killing, and he doesn't seem to mind it at all--in fact, he seems to relish it. In wartime, how does one tell the difference between a remorseless killer and "a guid soldier"?

"A Guid Soldier" by Charles Todd is one of 20 short stories within Mulholland Books's Strand Originals series, featuring thrilling stories by the biggest names in mystery from the Strand Magazine archives. View the full series list at mulhollandbooks.com and listen to them all!

Release date: September 6, 2016

Publisher: Mulholland Books

Print pages: 17

Sample

He remembered when the raw recruit had come up the lines. Dougal Kerr was solidly built, and strong, but not as tall as most men his age. A good soldier. Quiet and dependable. One of too many who would die before the week, the month, or the year was out. Rutledge made a point, as he always did, of speaking to the newcomer that night, asking him where he was from and a little about his family. It was important to know something of each man for when the time came to write the letters to the dead men’s families.

Dougal said, “I’m fra’ Glasgow. No family. I’ve been in care ever since I can remember.”

An orphan. No mother to grieve, no father to weep in private or boast about his hero lad in public.

“Good luck, son. Come to me if you need help. It’s not easy, it never is, to deal with the fighting.”

A broad and appealing grin spread across Dougal’s face. “Thankee sir, but I doubt I’ll have trouble. I’ve always wanted to be a soldier.”
. . .