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

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I always say that a little flattery of the reader by an author is a surefire way to gain a readership. From what I can tell, this is not only the first book in Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford series, but also her first published novel. Update, May 6, 2015: I am undertaking a Ruth Rendell "key" works project -- the books The Guardian recently noted as such the day of Ruth Rendell's death. Means of Evil → When Wexford and Burden attend wholefood fanatic Axel Kingman's wedding, they never suspect that they will shortly be investigating the new bride's death.

Margaret Parsons is the flip side of extraordinary; no enemies, lives in somewhat of a rut, and has no sordid qualities about her whatsoever. Parsons led an extremely uneventful life, being a lay preacher, but Inspector Wexford is intrigued when he is looki. Overall I felt that this was a solid if unremarkable start to the Wexford line of novels but it is one that gives me hope for when the time comes to read some of the later installments.BUT, what was interesting, was the psychology of Rendells' characters; it sets the book apart from just being a routine who dun it. In fact, I never thought of myself as Wexford when I was writing, although I don’t suppose anyone is as well qualified as me—apart from Ruth herself—to know how Wexford thinks by now. It's been almost twenty years since I read it, and there has always been a niggling in the back of my mind to get back to her eventually.

The husband describes their banal marriage and life, full of routine and absent of extravagances, as proof that her being missing is a big concern. After reading the "Dossier" I knew I wanted to read more about Ruth Rendell and would encourage everyone to read more about her fascinating life and diverse accomplishments. As the woman's past is investigated the husband is either oblivious or may be among the numerous suspects.

And so, for a non quaint, psychological mystery that relies on neither sex nor violence, this is a very good read.