This was my first crime novel from Ruth Rendell, hailed by many as "the best mystery writer anywhere in the English-speaking world". Also published as Barbara Vine, she has written over 60 novels in the past 50 years, and amassed all the top crime writing awards, as well as a CBE. Her hallmarks are psychological suspense and tight plots. Finding a copy of From Doon To Death, which introduced her famous detective Inspector Wexford in 1964 seemed a good place to begin.
Working in quiet Kingsmarkham, Sussex, Inspector Wexford and his assistant Michael Burden investigate the disappearance of a middle-aged housewife. This is 1964 and Margaret has always, indeed was expected to, have supper on the table and run a clean house, not disappear leaving her coat behind. She is soon found in a damp grove and the search for suspects is on. In a small town it's hard to hide your personal business and soon Burden is involved with a crass redhead and her car salesman husband, a high class lawyer and his wife, and various others in the town - for it's really Burden we follow with advice from Wexford. Adulterous affairs abound, and deeply buried secrets unveiled when an old attic chest is found packed with first and special edition books dedicated to 'Minna' with love from 'Doon'. Minna could be the deceased Margaret - but who was Doon, who loved her so? Burden and Wexford must search back over the events of Margaret's life to find out if this is this a current affair, or one long past.
The answer to the mystery is ingenious, over 50 years later.
From reading many thrillers of today, I was disappointed in Wexford himself. I expected much more background and character, which I guess develops over many novels, and as the times and styles change, we will learn more about him. He is quite plain, and I found Burden a more intriguing character, as he does most of the work. As a mystery it was tight and very well plotted, with crisp dialogue.
Clues enough for those who like to look, and all around entertaining.
A faultless detection novel in the classic style.
1942 / Paperback / 250 pages
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