From Doon With Death: A Wexford Case - 50th Anniversary Edition (Wexford, 1)

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What I mean is that having read other Inspector Wexford books, I know that the author takes time to more fully develop Wexford's character as the series progresses.

Margaret Parsons was a shy, unexceptional woman who lived a Spartan existence with her dour husband in a decrepit Victorian house. I always say that a little flattery of the reader by an author is a surefire way to gain a readership. The Kindle editions of this book appear to be completely muddled on GR, so I've used the 50th Anniversary paperback as a proxy. Although Ruth Rendell does use certain stereotypes, it is clear that she has laid down a great basis for further books - Wexford is plain talking, intelligent and not easily swayed by a pretty face; Burdon a great sidekick and the small town of Kingsmarkham well described. I have watched many shows on Acorn TV of British detectives and Wexford reminds me of many that I appreciate not only for the exploration of the criminal mind but also of human psychology all against the backdrop of diverse socioeconomic topics so if opportunity presents I know that I will continue reading this series or watch some of the stories that were adapted for TV.So, this one doesn't really have much in the way of backstory of our Inspector, but it is quite a good police procedural. There is the open-minded attitude Inspector Wexford has towards people who are different from the majority.

Overall, I'm feeling three stars for this and am looking forward to reading the next one and hopefully many more after that. Parsons led an extremely uneventful life, being a lay preacher, but Inspector Wexford is intrigued when he is looking through her belongings and fine a number of expensive antique books all inscribed 'From Doon to Minna'.I know nothing much about Inspector Wexford or Mike Burden (who actually does decent work and doesn't go around contradicting or second-guessing his boss), just that they are the law. My own thought is that while Wexford receives helpful information that we don’t have, the reader ought to be able to get ahead of him by at least thinking to ask a question. Wexford has only a few clues: a spent match on the ground, and inscriptions in some of Margaret's books that are signed "Doon.

I hear her solo stories and other Reginald Wexford / Mike Burden cases are better; a good thing, because I own nearly them all, courtesy of bargain bins! From long experience Burden knew that whatever may happen in detective fiction, coincidence is more common than conspiracy in real life. Religious, old-fashioned, and respectable, her life had been as spotless and ordinary as her home, as unexciting and dependable as her marriage.Unlike other novels, the story is not burdened by the personal stories of the detectives, focusing on the crime and the investigation. There is a strong sociological commentary throughout, in this book in particular as far as class differences and sexual politics go and author's attitude is stunningly, notably progressive for the time.