Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sue_ferris's review against another edition
Another great Inspector Wexford read. Page turner
andyshute's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one - Wexford's been sent off for some convalesce (to London of all places) and his country sensibilities and personal style come a cropper when dealing with the Met. It's a charming fish our of water story and allows a much deeper insight into Wexford's psyche, his weaknesses and his approach. I felt the character developed more here than the entire series to date. The story is almost secondary, provided only for Reg to bounce off of as we see him fight for relevance, respect and the truth. Then ending felt rushed and weak but again, it felt secondary to the journey we took.
ceeceerose's review against another edition
4.0
Rendell’s Chief Inspector Wexford is at it once again…this time in London, where he’s recuperating after a heart attack. But Wexford doesn’t know the meaning of the word REST, especially when he stumbles into a case of multiple murders.
saareman's review against another edition
4.0
Wexford Down but Not Out
Review of the Arrow Books/Cornerstone Digital Kindle eBook edition (2010) of the original Hutchinson hardcover (1972)
This continues my 2023 binge read / re-read of Ruth Rendell's (aka [a:Barbara Vine|47687|Barbara Vine|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263385982p2/47687.jpg]) novels and it is the 7th in the Inspector Wexford series. Rendell keeps the series fresh by having Wexford forced to take a vacation and to improve his health regimen under doctor's orders. He goes to London with wife Dora to visit his nephew who is a high ranking Inspector in the police there. Wexford bristles under the doctor's diet carried through by Dora and his nephew's wife Denise. Meanwhile his nephew has been ordered to keep police work away from Wexford's orbit. A high profile case sends Wexford off on his own private investigation which he tries to hide from his family.
Cover image for the original Hutchinson hardcover edition from 1972. Image sourced from Wikipedia.
It all comes out though, and Wexford is brought in as an unofficial consultant on the case. He stumbles badly though with his first proposed solution and is embarrassed in front of his nephew's police squad. Will he have to crawl back to Kingsmarkham in Sussex, having been shown up by the superior investigative forces in the city? Or will he solve the case despite all? You can guess the rest
Review of the Arrow Books/Cornerstone Digital Kindle eBook edition (2010) of the original Hutchinson hardcover (1972)
Wexford viewed it grimly: two circular biscuits apparently composed of sawdust and glue, a pat of unsaturated fat, half a sugarless grapefruit, black coffee and, crowning horror, a glass of wobbly pallid substance he took to be yoghurt. - Inspector Wexford is put on a diet by his doctor.
No one but a fool follows a regimen that debilitates him while moderate indulgence makes him feel good. - Wexford’s opinion about his diet.
This continues my 2023 binge read / re-read of Ruth Rendell's (aka [a:Barbara Vine|47687|Barbara Vine|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263385982p2/47687.jpg]) novels and it is the 7th in the Inspector Wexford series. Rendell keeps the series fresh by having Wexford forced to take a vacation and to improve his health regimen under doctor's orders. He goes to London with wife Dora to visit his nephew who is a high ranking Inspector in the police there. Wexford bristles under the doctor's diet carried through by Dora and his nephew's wife Denise. Meanwhile his nephew has been ordered to keep police work away from Wexford's orbit. A high profile case sends Wexford off on his own private investigation which he tries to hide from his family.
Cover image for the original Hutchinson hardcover edition from 1972. Image sourced from Wikipedia.
It all comes out though, and Wexford is brought in as an unofficial consultant on the case. He stumbles badly though with his first proposed solution and is embarrassed in front of his nephew's police squad. Will he have to crawl back to Kingsmarkham in Sussex, having been shown up by the superior investigative forces in the city? Or will he solve the case despite all? You can guess the rest
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
Wexford is out of his comfort zone and still feeling a little shook up by his recent medical issue. He's not as sure of himself here as he usually is, not as confident. And he's not treated with the same deference he is in his own town. It's a different look at the detective, but in the end after a misstep or two, his intuition and perseverance get them to the killer, even though it's a twisty road.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
dennisfischman's review against another edition
4.0
Like Inspector Wexford, initially I was completely wrong about the solution to this mystery. Even after he figured it out, however, I was still a couple of twists and turns behind. And yet, I felt that Rendell had played fair with me, and all the clues were there if I had put them together differently. That's the definition of a well-plotted mystery.
It's also a typical Rendell in that there is no evil mastermind, no unmotivated villain, only people acting in character (and often from good motives) who end up doing terrible things.
It's also a typical Rendell in that there is no evil mastermind, no unmotivated villain, only people acting in character (and often from good motives) who end up doing terrible things.
fern17's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
ianl1963's review against another edition
3.0
Robin Bailey reading, so not too bad.
Same formula different location, cast list altered slightly but the same traits displayed.
I guess formula not taxing for authoress or reader/listener.
Same formula different location, cast list altered slightly but the same traits displayed.
I guess formula not taxing for authoress or reader/listener.