From Doon with Death: The First Inspector Wexford Mystery

Starters is the British term for appetizers. And, as the first in the Inspector Wexford series, Rendell does, indeed, present a fine appetizer. FROM DOON WITH DEATH was published in 1964. I got a list of the titles and publication dates of the Wexford books and am hoping to read/reread them in order. I've read a couple published in the 1980's and can see a gorwth/progression with the characters. Reading through the whole series should be fun. Rendell is a masterful mystery writer who does extraordinary things with rather ordinary characters -all in the great Brittish tradition ... and FROM DOON WITH DEATH gets things off to a great start(er)!

This is a cleverly written Inspector Wexford mystery. The book is well-written and has an ending that is hard to guess. This book is compact and it does not waste words, chapters or characters. Each scene is important in the development of the story.

"From Doon With Death" is Ruth Rendell's first novel, and also marks the literary debuts of protagonists Chief Inspector Reg Wexford, and his partner in crime solving, Inspector Mike Burden. At this somewhat late date in life, I thought it about time I explore Ms. Rendell's mysteries, and her psychological thrillers, which receive such rave reviews. "From Doon With Death" was my recent introduction to the author's work. I believe in starting at the beginning. Now I understand what all the fanfare is about. This is an excellent mystery - and it is only her first effort. I know she has matured greatly as a writer in the forty plus years since she published this book in 1964. I look forward to following her development as a writer as I continue to read her books, authored under the name of Barbara Vine, as well as Ruth Rendell. Margaret Parsons and her husband of six years, Ronald, have recently moved to Kingsmarkham in Sussex. They are a happily married, rather introverted couple, and keep to themselves most of the time. Although Margaret is a lay preacher at the local Methodist Church, and has some acquaintances there, the two have not made any friends yet. They are definitely not wealthy and live a very frugal existence. Ronald works for the Southern Water Board at Stowerton and Margaret is a homemaker, a good one too. Their large, ugly house, is not well constructed, nor does it have a refrigerator, washing machine or other modern conveniences. It does contain, however, a small but very expensive collection of Victorian literature and poetry, bound in suede, scented leather and watered silk. All are inscribed, on the fly leaves, from Doon to Minna, and the messages are personal, romantic, and intense, to say the least. At the book's beginning, a frantic Ronald Parsons telephones Inspector Mike Burden, a neighbor, to tell him that his wife hasn't come home that evening. The body of the thirty-two year-old woman, is found the next day, strangled in a near-by wood. She had left home with only her keys and purse, not even her coat. When the valuable book collection is discovered in a trunk in the attic, the investigation take on a new nature. Who are Minna and Doon? And who was Margaret Parsons? Although the seemingly prim and proper Mrs. Parsons is dead when the story begins, the author paints a vivid portrait of the victim in retrospect, through the testimonies of those questioned in connection to the crime. Chief Inspector Wexford, with his countrified ways and off-beat humor, is a meticulous detective, if somewhat eccentric. Inspector Burden, also very competent, makes a wonderful straightman and side-kick. The narrative is taut, the characters diverse and original, and the mystery suspenseful. I couldn't figure out who did it. Ms. Rendell also writes a scathing commentary about the idle rich. This is a book that stands the test of time and continues to rivet its readers. I highly recommend it. JANA

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.

This was Ruth Rendell's first novel and it is apparent during reading it that this was the debut of a highly gifted writer. The characters and descriptions are vivid and skillfully woven (that vase of hydrangeas in the library remains in my head) and the plot is intriguing and clever.