Ruth Rendell

Ruth Rendell was a renowned British author known for her mystery and psychological crime novels. She also wrote under the pseudonym Barbara Vine and was celebrated for her intricate plots and deep character studies.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Judgement In Stone

    The Motiveless Crime
    Cover of 'A Judgement In Stone' by Ruth Rendell

    "A Judgement In Stone" is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the tragic events surrounding the murder of the wealthy Coverdale family. As the investigation unfolds, the true motives and dark secrets of the family's housekeeper, Eunice, are gradually revealed, leading to a shocking climax. With its intricate plot and complex characters, the book explores themes of class divide, social isolation, and the destructive power of secrets.

    The 1322nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Live Flesh

    Cover of 'Live Flesh' by Ruth Rendell

    This novel delves into the life of Victor Jenner, a man released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime that left a police officer paralyzed. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature as Victor attempts to navigate his newfound freedom. Struggling with his past actions and the consequences they wrought, he seeks a fresh start and a chance at a normal life. However, his path is fraught with challenges, including his interactions with the victim's family and his own inner demons, leading to a suspenseful exploration of whether true atonement and peace are ever fully attainable.

    The 6400th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Crocodile Bird

    Cover of 'The Crocodile Bird' by Ruth Rendell

    Set against the backdrop of a secluded English estate, this psychological thriller delves into the complex relationship between a mother and daughter living in isolation. The story unfolds through the eyes of the daughter, who has been sheltered from the outside world and is now forced to confront the secrets and crimes of her mother's past. As the narrative weaves between past and present, the daughter grapples with her own identity and the moral dilemmas posed by her mother's actions, leading to a gripping exploration of loyalty, freedom, and the consequences of living in a world built on lies.

    The 7073rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Keys To The Street

    Cover of 'The Keys To The Street' by Ruth Rendell

    This novel weaves a suspenseful tale set against the backdrop of London's Regent's Park, where the lives of the affluent and the homeless intersect with deadly consequences. The story follows Mary Jago, who donates bone marrow to save the life of a stranger, thereby escaping her abusive relationship. However, her act of kindness inadvertently draws her into a web of murder, deceit, and danger. As a series of brutal murders terrorize the park's inhabitants, Mary finds herself deeply entangled in a mystery that forces her to confront her own fears and secrets. The narrative masterfully explores themes of social inequality, redemption, and the complex nature of human relationships, all while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with its gripping suspense and unexpected twists.

    The 7921st Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. A Demon In My View

    Cover of 'A Demon In My View' by Ruth Rendell

    The book revolves around a reclusive, socially awkward man who secretly harbors a dark fascination with death and has a history of committing murders. He lives in a boarding house, where he keeps a mannequin that he treats as if it were a real person, a chilling reflection of his disturbed psyche. His life becomes increasingly complicated when a new tenant moves in, setting off a chain of events that threatens to expose his sinister past. As the tension escalates, the man struggles to maintain his facade of normalcy while his inner demons and the threat of discovery loom over him.

    The 8159th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. A Sight for Sore Eyes

    Cover of 'A Sight for Sore Eyes' by Ruth Rendell

    "A Sight for Sore Eyes" is a psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three characters: a beautiful, but emotionally scarred girl; a charming, but psychopathic young man; and a woman obsessed with the Victorian age. The narrative explores their complex relationships and the devastating effects of obsession, mental illness, and the desire for beauty and perfection. The story builds towards a shocking climax, where the protagonists' lives collide with deadly consequences.

    The 11184th Greatest Book of All Time
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