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Rating: 
Summary: Wexford's First, Not His Best
Review: Actually this is not Inspector Wexford's first case, but the first that Rendell wrote with him as the main character. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, this was her first mystery, period. And it's surprisingly dull, as far as I'm concerned. The "shocking" conclusion to me was obvious from the first few chapters -- I can't tell you why without giving it away -- and now, 30 years later, not so shocking. In fact, by today's standards, it's pretty tame, even quaint. The caliber of Rendell's work soars with her next mystery "Wolf to the Slaughter" and from there she just gets better and better. But this first effort didn't do it for me. Don't base your opinion of Rendell on this book -- unless you love it, of course! -- but do check out the rest of the Wexford mysteries, which are sublimely written and -- yes -- shocking in their conclusions!
Rating: 
Summary: Sheer brilliance
Review: This is a superb debut. One of the best debut novels ever published, i feel, and a wonderful introduction to the best writer currently at work in any genre. Margaret Parsons is dead. She appeared to lead a very dull life. She had been a "good" woman. Religious, old-fashioned, and respectable, her life had been as spotless and ordinary as her home, as unexciting and dependable as her marriage. But it was not her life that interested Chief Inspector Reg Wexford, but her death. How could it be that such an ordinary, predictable woman could meet her end in such a death of passion and violence? For which there appears neither motive nor clue... Thus began Ruth Rendell's writing career. The rest, as they say, is history. Already, so very early on, we are shown the immense talents of a brilliant author. Tight and complex plotting. First-class writing. Realistic and believeable characters. Good psychology, and an ability to shock and surprise which can make you feel uncomfortable. This novel really has stood the test of time. Even after about 20 other Wexford novels, this still remains as one of my favourites. (If not THE favourite) The story is simply but expertly told. The murder mystery side of it all is told as deftly and deceptivelt as an Agatha Christie story, and the identity of the killer and is singularly unguessable. This novel has hints of Christie about it (who was still writing novels at the time this was published, and would have at least ten years left in her) in its style, but this novel is even better. This one retains all the things which made Christie famous, yet builds on her faults. Excellent and well drawn characters, and absolutely first class writing, with a great sense of atmosphere. This is a truly brilliant debut novel, which really deserves it's unique place in the Rendell archive.
Rating: 
Summary: A good into to Rendell
Review: This is the first book in the Wexford and Burden series by Rendell and it is a good read. The plot revolves around a missing housewife and distraight husband who is trying to find her. The trail weaves among many different people and ends in a surprise. This novel was written in 1964 and might seem a little bit outdated to some readers and the two main detectives are not developed yet. However, the story moves along well and keeps one interested til the end. A good start to a great series.
Rating:
Summary: A good into to Rendell
Review: This is the first book in the Wexford and Burden series by Rendell and it is a good read. The plot revolves around a missing housewife and distraight husband who is trying to find her. The trail weaves among many different people and ends in a surprise. This novel was written in 1964 and might seem a little bit outdated to some readers and the two main detectives are not developed yet. However, the story moves along well and keeps one interested til the end. A good start to a great series.
Rating: 
Summary: Who is Doon ?
Review: This is the first of Ruth Rendell's books and we are thrust into the death of Margaret Parson's. All we have are the inscriptions in books from Doon, who is Doon and what is the link to Margaret? I was so pleased to come across this novel. the first in the series of Wexford novels. This book will have you wondering who is Doon ? and you won't know till the final pages. A very good first novel and as we know the rest is history.
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