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Im trying the first in Ruth Rendell‘s Wexford mysteries. I loved the stand alone I read. This book is less complicated, very readable, very believable, real like it‘s actually happening next door ( in the old days ). I‘m loving the details of the time .the immersion heater, the fabric tacked on the kitchen press . . ‘ the police station a concrete box of tricks amid the quiet crowded houses of High Street‘ the overall atmosphere she creates 👌🏻

32/22 I started listening to this as it was included on audible and the ladies at the Currently Reading podcast suggested it for lovers of Louise Penny. I wouldn‘t say it was the same level of enjoyment for me as that but it was an easy listen if not a very surprising conclusion. And I will certainly listen to another in the future. Side note- that cover art has zero to do with the story 🤷🏻‍♀️ A solid 3⭐️

Book and the Olympics: my evening sorted! I had a tough time choosing my next book. I wanted it to be from my bingo card, but I dislike reading “out of season,” and the next books in both the Lynley and the Serailler series are not only set in the winter, but the cold sets the scene. I make exceptions, I mean of course I do, but if it feels the season is intrinsic to the plot, I need it to match the season I‘m in.

Bk1 of my #StayHome24in48 #readathon & Bk15 of March is done. The 1st book in the Inspector Wexford series was a little bit dated, it was written in 1964, but it was still a good story. I didn‘t guess who Doon was until the end so it that regard it was a great success. I think in ‘64 the ending would‘ve been a lot more shocking than it is today, it would have been scandalous!🤭Not bad for a debut novel.

And there it is again. Then you find out the murder victim has the same birthday as you!🎁 #StayHome24in48 #isolationinteractions #readathon #coincidences

When you‘re reading a book and today‘s date just happens to be on the page. And it‘s your birthday 🎂 #StayHome24in48 #isolationinteractions #readathon

And we‘re off! Kicking off my #StayHome24in48 #readathon with the 1st Inspector Wexford novel from Ruth Rendell. Written in 1964, I‘m obviously expecting it to be a bit dated but then again, most Dame Agathas were written a lot earlier than that and I enjoy them. This involves a dead housewife, a secret lover & a discovery of rare books. How‘s everybody else‘s #quarantine going?

Bk2 of my #QuarantineLibraryHaul is the 1st Inspector Wexford novel from Rendell. I‘ve read a few of her stand-alones(The Scolds Bridle was brilliant)I somehow have an omnibus of the last 3 Wexford stories but have none of the rest in my shelves🤔Margaret Parsons is unremarkable, until she‘s found strangled in the woods. Inspector Wexford has no motive for her death, until he finds her stash of rare books, all inscribed by her secret lover, Doon.

Very partial to Ruth Rendell's writing- love her style & stories, this one is no different. Though some parts of the plot are predictable, I enjoyed reading this book. it's a nicely written dark story with a few twists & interesting, flawed characters with many secrets.

Listened to the audiobook while walking and working. I hated it! I suppose it hasn‘t dated well. The atmosphere was a bit like a miserable kitchen sink drama but with hysterical overwrought women carrying on like they were on the set of Dynasty. The ending‘s passé but that‘s its age. Also could really have done without Wexford saying “it makes me want to puke,” yuck.

#friyayintro @howjessreads
1. Trim the hibiscus in the backyard
2. Pack for a trip to Wisconsin Sunday
3. Mexican wedding ring cookies
4. From Doon to Death by Ruth Randell
5. @Samplergal

Going back to the early work of an admired author is a bit like being a Beatles fan raised on the White Album hearing Love Me Do for the first time. Kinda charming but little hint of the splendours to come. Wexford is little more than a generic "good cop" and the twist, doubtless shocking in 1964, is easy for a contemporary reader to see coming. But hey, we all have to start somewhere.

Well-paced and beautifully written. Rendell “hated” (her word) Agatha Christie, because Christie‘s characters are ordinary but turn suddenly turn violent. Rendell‘s own characters act in keeping with what would, in time, become established neuroses and behavior patterns. But this book is unquestionably dated. Modern readers will see the end of this coming far in advance; our ideas of “neurosis” have changed since 1964. Still highly enjoyable!

Here‘s my next to-read. I love a good mystery in the summer, and I‘ve never read Ruth Rendell. Excited! It‘s about 100 thousand degrees today, so I‘m happy to stay in the air conditioning with my dog and read. What are your plans today?

I wasn't in the mood for a mystery but my download for this one only had two days left. I ended up really enjoying it. It's a very quick read. The writing is nice and the atmosphere reminded me of a more modern Agatha Christie novel mixed with Louise Penny. It definitely isn't an edge-of-your-seat thriller type of book, which I was actually happy about. Just a solid mystery with interesting characters. Will definitely check out the next book.

#FunFridayPhoto #favoritemystery

24 Det. Wexford novels
28 stand-alones
14 novels as Barbara Vine
3 novellas
7 short story collections
3 lifetime achievement awards
Over a dozen other awards & honors
& the CBE

If you haven't read Ruth Rendell, you ARE missing out.
Get her bibliography - start with From Doon With Death - and clear the rest of your decks, because you're gonna be busy for a while 📚📚📚

@Liberty

I just finished this book, and I have to admit that I enjoyed it to the end. It wasn't one of the quickest paced or in a flashy setting, but the characters are interesting and I can't wait to see how Inspector Wexler develops as we go along. My only criticism is they don't seem fleshed out yet.