Charles Todd is a pseudonym used by the American writing duo of Caroline and Charles Todd. Mother and son, they are well-known for their crime novels, particularly those featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge, a Scotland Yard detective in post-World War I England. Caroline, who passed away in 2021, left behind a legacy that Charles continues to honor through their work.
Caroline and Charles Todd are based in the United States, but their novels are predominantly set in Britain, particularly during the World War I era. They have written a series of novels around Ian Rutledge, a veteran who returns home to serve as a police inspector. The duo has also created the Bess Crawford series and two standalone mystery novels. Their writing combines historical themes with intriguing storylines, resonating with many readers.
Caroline and Charles come from a family with a rich storytelling tradition. They spent many evenings listening to their fathers and grandfathers share stories, and Caroline's grandmother told captivating ghost stories. This heritage has significantly influenced their writing, enabling them to create compelling narratives set in times before their own. Their shared interest in World War I was sparked by an uncle who served as a flyer during the war. Charles's love for history, particularly the American Civil War, WWI, and WWII, has also contributed to their storytelling.
Caroline and Charles both have unique backgrounds that enrich their writing. Caroline has a BA in English Literature and History, and a Masters in International Relations. Charles has a BA in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Business Management, and a culinary arts degree. Charles is a sailing enthusiast and has had a career as a business consultant, while Caroline loves to travel, garden, and paint in oils. They both enjoy sports and have a passion for animals, with a history of adopting rescues. Despite the challenges of writing together, they have created a successful partnership, with Caroline giving Charles a hard time and Charles crashing Caroline's computer in retaliation.