"This was Rendell's first novel in 1964 that introduced her central character, Detective Chief Inspector Reg Wexford of Kingsmarkham, a particularly murder-prone village in Sussex.
"A civilized man with decent values, Inspector Wexford is unusually tolerant and compassionate. His success in case-solving is often based on his ability to see in people emotions and motivations that other detectives would overlook... it is Wexford's understanding of young people and his acceptance of their values which are instrumental to his solution of a case.
"After his first appearance in the series at the age of 52, Wexford continued to grow, coping with domestic problems, conflicts with superiors, and personal illness. He is a vulnerable and thereby appealing character: a detective who transcends his crime-solving function." (Abridged from Wikipedia)

This was a captivating story in a quiet English village, a refreshing change from some of the more intense crime stories I've read recently and yet filled with undercurrents giving rise to anticipation. To hold such interest for me though written in 1964 bodes well for the long life of other Rendell tales.

I'm sending this as an extra surprise to someone with a Wish List Book. I think it needs to be out there and being read, especially as it is the first in this series. If it is not the right genre, then please release it where-ever takes your fancy but I will add my usual release note.

Dear Reader.
Thank you for picking up this book! Please make a journal entry here to let me know that this book has found a good home with you. You may choose to remain anonymous or to join (its free). If you join, please consider indicating that Sherlockfan referred you. I hope you enjoy the book. You can make another journal entry with your comments when you’ve finished reading. Whenever you’re ready to send it on its way, make a journal entry if you are giving or sending this book to a known person, or release notes if you are leaving it "in the wild" again for anyone to catch. Then watch its journey. You’ll be alerted by e-mail each time someone makes another journal entry. It’s confidential (you’re known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address), and it’s spam-free.

Received as a bonus from Sherlockfan - thanks so much! I've always meant to get around to reading a Ruth Rendell book (can't belive I haven't read one yet!!), and this looks like a nice short one, so I will probably get to it quite soon!

Read this and loved it! I didn't work out whodunnit. Everytime I put this down I kept wanting to come back to it. I will definitely read more of Rendell's books, and will look out for the next in the Inspector Wexford series.

Thanks for introducing me to a new author Sherlockfan!!

I will offer this up on the Oz VBB.

Claimed on the Oz VBB. Enjoy!

Arrived as one of my picks from the OZ Virtual Book Box. I think countdebeans (the other BookCrosser here) would like to read this one too. Great to come across the no.1 in a new series for me. Thanks tantan.
With a wave to Sherlockfan across the ditch!