From Doon With Death: A Wexford Case - 50th Anniversary Edition (Wexford, 1)

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Although the identity of the victim's lover "Doon" would not be much of a surprise to the 21st century reader, at the time of its release it was considered ground-breaking and daring, and this novel immediately garnered Rendell international critical attention. Now, I have had some success with Barbara Vine (though not infallible success), and have liked Ruth Rendell less, in spite of their being the same person. In one of these podcasts, Meredith had recommended the Inspector Wexford series to Louise Penny fans. I surmise Ruth intentionally conveyed a depressed husband and household but that persisted too long, before the appearance of a clue brought any action at all.

BUT, what was interesting, was the psychology of Rendells' characters; it sets the book apart from just being a routine who dun it.However, I am very pleased to say that at the 50% mark this changed and I became nicely engaged in the story. Rendell hangs a lot of the narrative on the question of Doon’s identity, revealing something of that person’s personality to the reader in the form of short excerpts from letters that they had written to Minna as caps to the chapters.

However, I do agree strongly with other reviewers that this kindle book had a large number of typos, which is very disappointing. The humanity of Wexford shows not only his impatience when his time is wasted but also his compassion while still following the letter of the law. Here’s the big thing that came out of my reading this book: The afterword in the edition I read discusses Rendell’s attitude toward the Shocking Content and how it is in line with what was believed to be Right and True at the time the book was written.Rendell says she modeled Wexford after her father and I realized that maybe that is why this series appeals to me so much. I must confess that as I reached the 40% marker or so, I was worried that this might get a bit dull and disuade me from the series.