Speaker of Mandarin

I'm meaning to read the Inspector Wexford mysteries in sequence, but happened onto a copy of this one and find it definitely a better than average mystery. I especially enjoyed the rather mystical overtone concerning the old woman with bound feet in the first part of the novel as well as the different styles of investigation employed by inspectors Wexford and Burden. This being only the third Inspector exford mystery I've read, I can't fairly compare it with others in the series. Be that as it may, this is definitely worthwhile reading.

I have read all the Wexford books and this one has stayed with me.I think about it often as it made a huge impact on me when I read it. The characters are complex and there is an almost mystical quality about it. This book along with "Semisola" are my favorite Wexford stories.

Certainly Chief Inspector Wexford is "out of his bailiwick" in this Ruth Rendell suspense! In "Speaker of Mandarin," the erstwhile police detective finds himself in China, enjoying the sights. So much so that some sights keep recurring! Even after he returns home to his routine of solving murders in Kingsmarkham! Following the trip to China, one of Wexford's fellow travelers is murdered. And Rendell & Company are off and running. This series, certainly one of the best in the police procedural genre, always provides the reader with plenty of suspense, intrigue, intelligence, and great characterization. In his investigation, Wexford finds that there's more to this group of travelers than meets the ey, much like an Oriental puzzle box: until you press the exact button, it remains a mystery. Through Wexford's skill, ably assisted by Mike Burden with a little help from Wexford's wife Dora, the puzzle--and murderer--is soon revealed. Rendell is true to form here,although finding her in China is a bit surprising! Nevertheless, Rendell fans will applaud and new readers will be impressed! ([email protected])

Although SPEAKER OF MANDARIN does not contain the depth of psychology and characterization for which Rendell/Vine is famous, it is a light-hearted, entertaining, and at some points funny, read. Wexford's travels in China, which are described in detail, are intriguingly written, and Rendell's observations of the trip are sharp and humorous without being racist. The book is ingeniously plotted, full of red herrings, although the final solution is somewhat rushed and a bit of a let-down. But the book is easy to read and entertaining.