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Dazzling psychological suspense. Razor-sharp dialogue. Plots that catch and hold like a noose. These are the hallmarks of crime legend Ruth Rendell, "the best mystery writer in the English-speaking world" (Time magazine). From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel--and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. Except that Margaret Parsons is dead, brutally strangled, her body abandoned in the nearby woods. Who would kill someone with nothing to hide? Inspector Wexford, the formidable chief of police, feels baffled -- until he discovers Margaret's dark secret: a trove of rare books, each volume breathlessly inscribed by a passionate lover identified only as Doon. As Wexford delves deeper into both Mrs. Parsons' past and the wary community circling round her memory like wolves, the case builds with relentless momentum to a surprise finale as clever as it is blindsiding. In From Doon with Death, Ruth Rendell instantly mastered the form that would become synonymous with her name. Chilling, richly characterized, and ingeniously constructed, this is psychological suspense at its very finest. Praise for From Doon with Death "One of the most remarkable novelists of her generation."--People "She has transcended her genre by her remarkable imaginative power to explore and illuminate the dark corners of the human psyche."--P.D. James… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member smik
In six years of married life Ronald Parsons had never come home to an empty house. Margaret was always there, and after only an hour and a half of waiting, he approached Mike Burden who lived just down the road. Burden's new boss Chief Inspector Reg Wexford is of the opinion that Margaret has
Not only was FROM DOON WITH DEATH the first book in the Wexford series, it was Ruth Rendell's debut novel. FROM DOON WITH DEATH is in some senses a "forgotten book". This year the Wexford series of 22 titles comes to an end with THE MONSTER IN THE BOX.
In the history of the series FROM DOON WITH DEATH is important because it introduces Wexford and Burden, and really broke new ground in crime fiction with the creation of a detective duo in what was essentially a police procedural. Interestingly Wexford is already 52 years old, and so Rendell is immediately faced with the problem of how to age her detective. As Reactions to Reading points out in her recent post, if he had been aged in real-time, a la Ian Rankin's Rebus, Wexford would now be 97. So I reckon Wexford and Burden only age 1 year every 5 or 6 years, although their children do grow up.
I don't think FROM DOON WITH DEATH is Rendell's best book. It has many signs that this is a debut novel. In addition to its comparative brevity, I think Rendell's understanding of police procedures is a bit limited. Wexford comes over with a coarseness that is considerably reduced in later books, where he and Burden are both given quite detailed back-stories, and elements of family interest. And speaking of elements, I think there is a gender element in FROM DOON WITH DEATH, and if you read the book you'll see what I mean, that must have been a bit of a jolt for crime fiction readers in the mid 1960s.
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bolted, but he sets Burden to doing the usual checks, with no real results. Two days later Margaret's body is discovered in the woods on the outskirts of town, and that's when it becomes obvious that Margaret had a life, a history, that her husband knew nothing about.Not only was FROM DOON WITH DEATH the first book in the Wexford series, it was Ruth Rendell's debut novel. FROM DOON WITH DEATH is in some senses a "forgotten book". This year the Wexford series of 22 titles comes to an end with THE MONSTER IN THE BOX.
In the history of the series FROM DOON WITH DEATH is important because it introduces Wexford and Burden, and really broke new ground in crime fiction with the creation of a detective duo in what was essentially a police procedural. Interestingly Wexford is already 52 years old, and so Rendell is immediately faced with the problem of how to age her detective. As Reactions to Reading points out in her recent post, if he had been aged in real-time, a la Ian Rankin's Rebus, Wexford would now be 97. So I reckon Wexford and Burden only age 1 year every 5 or 6 years, although their children do grow up.
I don't think FROM DOON WITH DEATH is Rendell's best book. It has many signs that this is a debut novel. In addition to its comparative brevity, I think Rendell's understanding of police procedures is a bit limited. Wexford comes over with a coarseness that is considerably reduced in later books, where he and Burden are both given quite detailed back-stories, and elements of family interest. And speaking of elements, I think there is a gender element in FROM DOON WITH DEATH, and if you read the book you'll see what I mean, that must have been a bit of a jolt for crime fiction readers in the mid 1960s.
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LibraryThing member sarah-e
Not as compelling as some of Rendell's other works, but still quite interesting. Wexford isn't as lovable or intelligent as I thought he would be given the series' popularity, but he could grow on me in another book or two.
LibraryThing member jtck121166
On the death of Ruth Rendell, I sought this out to see what all the fuss had bee about. It's fairly gentle, and Wexford is clearly not yet fully formed. Obviously of its time, it hasn't really stood the test of time, as perhaps best symbolised by the supposedly shocking denouement, which today
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wouldn't raise the eyebrow of an infant (through no fault of the author!). Show Less
LibraryThing member bevok
Ruth Rendell's first Wexford novel bursts on the scene fully formed. The language is beautiful, and the form of the police procedural (an archetypical example of the Morse/Barnaby generation) fully realised from the beginning. The debt to Christie is clear - the setting of the village with it's
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archetypical 'types' and class divisions. What I really savoured was the eye for detail and simply beautiful language. The performance on Audible by Terrace Hardiman is superb. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrtall
From Doon with Death is Ruth Rendell's inaugural Inspector Wexford murder mystery, and it's a fine start. An upstanding housewife, Mrs Parsons, has gone missing, and it's DI Burden and Inspector Wexford on the case. This is a short work, but it displays several of the classic Ruth Rendell
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characteristics: lots of psychological speculation and exploration; telling -- almost cruel -- details about characters' intimate lives; and Rendell's odd mix of mostly-compelling narrative that's unfortunately punctuated by brief passages that are virtually indigestible. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookswoman
This is my first Ruth Rendell book. It is always surprising to go back and read books from earlier times. First published in 1964, this book moves at a slower pace and has pretty laid back police and suspects. I enjoyed the story but did struggle a bit to keep everything straight. When Margaret
I had no idea who "Doon" was and the reveal was a surprise. I'll be reading more in the series.
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Parsons is found dead it is a puzzle. She is a 40ish woman, seemingly happily married and living in a quiet English village. This book introduces Chief Inspector Wexford and he is the basis for the series.I had no idea who "Doon" was and the reveal was a surprise. I'll be reading more in the series.
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LibraryThing member grandpahobo
Good mystery. I didn't guess who did it until the very end. The story was a bit choppy at times, with scenes shifting without any real transition.
LibraryThing member redheadish
I was not impressed by this first book, I found it hard to stick with finishing "From Doon With Death" It wasn't a hard read its just that I lost interest whitch doesn't happen often. Generally I don't interrupt a book with starting another but not once but twice I I did. I have to say I enjoyed
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the Two Janet Evanovich books more than this book! Which is sad because I bought like the first 5 or so of Ruth Rendall's thinking they might be really good. Ah well I will try another just to make sure. Show Less
LibraryThing member JalenV
Because I've already listened to later books books in this series, including a couple which take place after Inspector Wexford retired, listening to the first book had no effect on whether or not I'd listen to more.
I agree with other reviewers who think the solution might have been more surprising
Rather wish Ms. Rendell had let us know how the widower reacted to the revelation and his murdered wife's last letter. He was one of the two characters I pitied.
I agree with other reviewers who think the solution might have been more surprising
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back when the book came out. I will commend the author for chucking red herrings about during the climax. Several times she had me wondering if I'd guessed the killer after all. All of the suspects are married (except for the newly-widowed husband, of course), but not all are faithful.Rather wish Ms. Rendell had let us know how the widower reacted to the revelation and his murdered wife's last letter. He was one of the two characters I pitied.
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LibraryThing member gail616
Read through in one sitting. Very much enjoyed it. Will read more of her books.
LibraryThing member crazeedi73
I wish the Inspector's character would have been more developed. Maybe in the following books it will be, so I am reserving judgement. The book was a quick read, it did keep my interest, but I hope the next ones are better
LibraryThing member majkia
First in the Inspector Wexler series. I was a bit disappointed in this, as we learned little of the Inspector and he came across, to me, as not at all the sort of guy I’d like to know better. Hopefully that will change as the series progresses.
LibraryThing member ScottKalas
I wished I could say I like it but truth is it was a boring read. Being one who always gives everything more then one try, I imagine I'll read another of Rendell's books but will not be in a hurry to do so.
I could never really get into any of the characters especially Inspector Wexford. The ending
Oh well not every book can be must read and 'From Doon With Death' certainly fell short of 'must read' stature
I could never really get into any of the characters especially Inspector Wexford. The ending
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was good but all the events leading to it never reached a level of suspense where it was hard to put down. In fact it was quite easy to put down and almost became a chore to finish. A short book of only 191 pages took me twice as long to read a 300 page book.Oh well not every book can be must read and 'From Doon With Death' certainly fell short of 'must read' stature
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LibraryThing member JulesJones
First of the Inspector Wexford novels, first published in 1964, and very much of its time. Inspector Burden's neighbour asks for some unofficial help when he comes home to find his wife missing. Burden's more interested in escaping to his planned trip to the cinema, assuming that the woman has
It's fairly well constructed and written, and while the lead characters aren't that well developed, they do come across as distinct personalities even in this short novel. There's a strong focus on psychological study of the various suspects and witnesses, and Wexford is shown as a broad-minded man whose uncensorious attitude to human frailities can be an asset in his job. But I found the general shape of the solution far too obvious from the very beginning of the book, and was disappointed to find that I was right.
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simply had an assignation and missed her bus or train home. But when Margaret Parsons is found murdered in nearby woods, Burden and Wexford have a mystery on their hands. Who would want to kill a quiet, nondescript housewife who seemed devoted to her husband? There are few clues, until they discover the dead woman had a collection of expensive books, inscribed from "Doon". An old lover, perhaps, one who hadn't accepted that she had moved on and married elsewhere. But finding the pseudonymous Doon is another matter.It's fairly well constructed and written, and while the lead characters aren't that well developed, they do come across as distinct personalities even in this short novel. There's a strong focus on psychological study of the various suspects and witnesses, and Wexford is shown as a broad-minded man whose uncensorious attitude to human frailities can be an asset in his job. But I found the general shape of the solution far too obvious from the very beginning of the book, and was disappointed to find that I was right.
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LibraryThing member jayne_charles
Ruth Rendell's first Inspector Wexford novel, if I'm not much mistaken. Spoiled a little for me by the fact that I worked out the twist very early on, and was able to narrow down the suspects. Perhaps I should just be impressed that enough clues were dropped early enough in the story to make this
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possible. Show Less
LibraryThing member piemouth
Her first Inspector Wexford novel, and it’s still good.
LibraryThing member Matke
The first entry in the Inspector Wexford series by Rendell. Wexford is a colorful, contradictory character. He's interesting and, I think, worth reading more about. Other characters are also well-developed. The plot was just okay, but it was her first effort. The book sort of reminded me of
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Inspector Morse, in that Wexford has much compassion for the suspects in the case, and a complex personality. Show Less
LibraryThing member bcquinnsmom
There's a short section in the back of the edition of this book that I own which notes that Rendell did not follow along the Agatha Christie line and write mysteries based on characters of the upper class. Indeed, From Doon With Death, the first Wexford novel, focuses on the mystery of the death of
For a series opener, it's a bit typical. 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. Also, as a side note, don't forget that this book was written in 1964 and thus attitudes are a bit dated. Overall though, I love Ruth Rendell's work, and I'm very happy to have read this one.
I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy a good British mystery with solid plotting.
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a somewhat rather dowdy housewife who goes missing and then turns up dead. Margaret Parsons is the flip side of extraordinary; no enemies, lives in somewhat of a rut, and has no sordid qualities about her whatsoever. So why would anyone want this woman dead? Wexford has only a few clues: a spent match on the ground, and inscriptions in some of Margaret's books that are signed "Doon." But there's no clue as to Doon's identity, so Wexford is baffled. For a series opener, it's a bit typical. 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. Also, as a side note, don't forget that this book was written in 1964 and thus attitudes are a bit dated. Overall though, I love Ruth Rendell's work, and I'm very happy to have read this one.
I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy a good British mystery with solid plotting.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
I may have read this book before many years ago but didn't remember it. I didn't realise until I'd finished that it was the first book. It was written in the 60s and you can tell this by its thinness (golly novels are fat nowadays) and by the motivation of the murder. I doubt modern audiences would
I still enjoyed it though and because I remember the TV series, Wexford and Burden were full characters to me already so I didn't feel they were lacking.
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have much trouble in working it out.I still enjoyed it though and because I remember the TV series, Wexford and Burden were full characters to me already so I didn't feel they were lacking.
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LibraryThing member laytonwoman3rd
The first of Rendell's Inspector Wexford series. It's a beauty. An ordinary housewife goes missing, and is ultimately found dead in a patch of woods. Who among her limited circle of acquaintances could possibly have had reason to murder her? Wexford scopes it all out, with some absolutely fine
September 2014
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observations and reactions that were surely ahead of the time for 1964, and which I can't really mention without being spoilerish. This is written in classic British mystery style, with some obvious clues, some hidden information, some red herrings, and the suspects gathered uncomfortably together for the reveal. I'm glad she has written so much; she'll be one of those authors I know I can always turn to when I need something guaranteed to entertain me for a few hours.September 2014
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LibraryThing member ajlewis2
The plot was very good, but I felt that the story dragged and was not engaging. Still it was a good reading and I did not want to put it down until I found out whodunit.
LibraryThing member AnaraGuard
I came across this mystery--Ruth Rendell's first ever. Although I enjoyed it, I don't recommend it wholeheartedly. It was quite obvious, from a somewhat stilted literary device and a rather oldfashioned viewpoint (it was first published in 1962 after all), what the big reveal turned out to be. So,
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as a mystery, I can't give it high marks. But as a first time effort, and as a character study, it showed the great promise that Ms. Rendell/Ms. Vine turned out to possess. Only for diehard fans, I think. Show Less
LibraryThing member reading_fox
First published in '64 and it shows, this is the first Chief Inspector Wexford mystery, and very short. Wexford is already a CI with Burtonhis faithful Inspecter in Kingsmarkham from where he won't move for the next 40 yers!
An integuing mystery, carefully highlighting english country town life in
Quick and easy readable mystery.
An integuing mystery, carefully highlighting english country town life in
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the 60s parsimonious housewives and flash husbands, cars are still a luxery and not everyone has a telephone. Forensic labs are a hit and miss affair without much detail. The clues aer well placed and although there is a bit of the "confirmed what I thought" style of porse that is annoying in a mystery, it is possible to guess the killer some way before the end. Another contrast to today's more modern mysteries is that there is only the one body - reflected in the very short length of the story. The descriptions are good, the prose flows fairly well without any introspective meanderings. Quick and easy readable mystery.
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LibraryThing member AliceAnna
I read this as part of a reading challenge. This was my author debut selection. I had never read any of Rendell's works before and I thought this was a very solid debut (given that I know absolutely nothing about her work). I found it reminiscent of P.D. James, although the characters were not as
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well-drawn as James. I would give this a 3-1/2 star rating and I'll probably try another of her Wexford mysteries in order to see how the character develops. Show Less
LibraryThing member EmpressReece
First Weford book- will continue reading series!