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.

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

    "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 1324th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Live Flesh

    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 6410th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Crocodile Bird

    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 7086th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Keys To The Street

    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 7936th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. A Demon In My View

    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 8173rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. A Sight for Sore Eyes

    "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 11213th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. The Bridesmaid

    A Novel of Suspense

    The novel is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Philip Wardman, a young man with a deep aversion to violence and a fascination with beauty. His life takes a dark turn when he becomes infatuated with Senta, a mysterious and enigmatic bridesmaid at his sister's wedding. As their relationship intensifies, Senta reveals her dangerous and obsessive nature, drawing Philip into a web of deceit and murder. The story explores themes of obsession, identity, and the fine line between love and madness, as Philip grapples with his own morality and the consequences of his choices.

  8. 8. Road Rage

    A Novel of Suspense

    The novel intertwines themes of obsession, revenge, and the consequences of uncontrolled anger as it follows the story of a group of environmental activists who resort to extreme measures to protest the construction of a new highway. Their actions inadvertently lead to a series of dangerous events, including a kidnapping that spirals out of control. As the tension escalates, the characters are forced to confront their own motivations and the impact of their actions, ultimately leading to a dramatic and unexpected conclusion.

  9. 9. No More Dying Then

    In this gripping mystery, the quiet town of Kingsmarkham is shaken by the disappearance of two young children, Stella Rivers and John Lawrence. As Inspector Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that entangle the lives of the townspeople. The narrative weaves through the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, while Wexford races against time to solve the case before tragedy strikes again. The story is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological insight, keeping readers on edge until the final revelation.

  10. 10. A Guilty Thing Surprised

    In this gripping mystery, the tranquil life of a wealthy English family is shattered when the lady of the house is found brutally murdered in the woods. As Inspector Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and hidden resentments lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly perfect household. With each family member harboring their own motives and alibis, the inspector must navigate through a maze of deceit to reveal the shocking truth behind the murder, challenging his perceptions of guilt and innocence.

  11. 11. The Best Man To Die

    In this gripping mystery, the sudden and suspicious death of a best man at a bachelor party sets off a complex investigation led by the astute Inspector Wexford. As he delves into the tangled web of relationships and secrets surrounding the wedding party, Wexford uncovers hidden motives and unexpected connections that challenge his detective skills. The narrative weaves through themes of friendship, betrayal, and the darker sides of human nature, keeping readers on edge as they follow the twists and turns leading to a surprising resolution.

  12. 12. Wolf To The Slaughter

    In a small English town, the disappearance of a young woman named Anita Margolis sets off a complex investigation led by Chief Inspector Wexford. As Wexford and his team delve into the case, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and hidden relationships among the town's residents. The investigation takes unexpected turns, revealing the darker side of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. With a blend of psychological insight and suspense, the story explores themes of deception and the consequences of unchecked desires.

  13. 13. Kissing The Gunner's Daughter

    In this gripping psychological thriller, Inspector Wexford is drawn into a complex investigation following a brutal massacre at the home of a famous novelist and her family. As Wexford delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a tangled web of family secrets, betrayal, and hidden motives. The sole survivor, a teenage girl, holds the key to unraveling the mystery, but her trauma and the layers of deception surrounding her make the truth elusive. With masterful storytelling, the narrative explores themes of greed, ambition, and the dark undercurrents of human relationships, keeping readers on edge until the final revelation.

  14. 14. A New Lease Of Death

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford is drawn back into a decades-old murder case when a clergyman questions the guilt of the man who was hanged for the crime. As Wexford delves deeper into the past, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that challenge his beliefs about justice and morality. The investigation forces him to confront the complexities of human nature and the possibility that the truth may not always be as clear-cut as it seems. With its intricate plot and psychological depth, this novel explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the enduring impact of past actions.

  15. 15. End In Tears

    In this gripping mystery, a seemingly straightforward investigation into a young woman's death takes a dark turn as Detective Chief Inspector Wexford uncovers a web of secrets and lies in a small English town. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a range of complex characters, each with their own hidden motives and connections to the victim. The story intricately weaves themes of family, betrayal, and societal pressures, leading to a shocking revelation that challenges Wexford's perceptions of justice and morality.

  16. 16. The Monster In The Box

    In this gripping psychological thriller, Inspector Wexford is haunted by a case from his past involving a man named Eric Targo, whom he suspects of being a serial killer. As Wexford delves into the investigation, he is forced to confront his own biases and assumptions, while unraveling a complex web of deceit and danger. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of obsession, justice, and the nature of evil, as Wexford races against time to uncover the truth and prevent further tragedy.

  17. 17. The Vault

    An Inspector Wexford Novel

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a seemingly routine home renovation in a quaint London suburb uncovers a chilling secret: a hidden vault containing the remains of three bodies. As Detective Chief Inspector Wexford delves into the mystery, he is drawn into a complex web of past secrets and present-day deceptions. The investigation reveals a tapestry of interconnected lives, each with its own dark history, as Wexford races against time to unravel the truth behind the gruesome discovery. The narrative weaves together themes of guilt, redemption, and the haunting nature of buried secrets, culminating in a suspenseful and thought-provoking conclusion.

  18. 18. Not In The Flesh

    In this gripping mystery, a gruesome discovery is made when a truffle-hunting dog unearths a human skeleton buried in a secluded woodland area. As Inspector Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that span decades, involving a missing person case and a community reluctant to reveal its hidden truths. With his keen intuition and methodical approach, Wexford navigates through a maze of deceit, exploring themes of identity, family, and the passage of time, ultimately seeking justice for a victim long forgotten.

  19. 19. No Man's Nightingale

    An Inspector Wexford Novel

    In this gripping mystery, the seasoned detective Reginald Wexford is drawn out of retirement to solve the murder of a beloved vicar, Sarah Hussain, whose progressive views and mixed heritage had made her a controversial figure in the small English town of Kingsmarkham. As Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and prejudices that challenge his perceptions and test his detective skills. The narrative intricately weaves themes of societal change, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, culminating in a surprising revelation that forces the community to confront its own biases.

  20. 20. The Babes In The Wood

    A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery

    In this gripping psychological thriller, Inspector Wexford is called to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two teenagers and their babysitter during a stormy night in a small English town. As the investigation unfolds, Wexford delves into the complexities of family dynamics, hidden secrets, and the dark undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives. With each clue, the line between truth and deception blurs, leading to a shocking revelation that challenges Wexford's understanding of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.

  21. 21. A Sleeping Life

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford is called to investigate the murder of a woman found in a remote village, her identity shrouded in mystery. As he delves deeper into the case, Wexford uncovers a complex web of secrets and hidden lives, revealing the victim's true identity and the surprising connections she had with the people around her. The investigation challenges Wexford's perceptions and tests his detective skills, leading to a shocking revelation that questions the very nature of identity and the facades people maintain.

  22. 22. Simisola

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford is drawn into a complex investigation when a young Nigerian woman goes missing in the seemingly peaceful town of Kingsmarkham. As he delves deeper, the case reveals unsettling truths about racial tensions, social inequality, and hidden prejudices within the community. The narrative intricately weaves together the personal and professional challenges faced by Wexford, as he navigates a web of deceit and unexpected connections, ultimately uncovering a shocking truth that forces the town to confront its own biases.

  23. 23. Speaker Of Mandarin

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford finds himself far from his usual English setting, traveling to China for a cultural tour. However, the trip takes a dark turn when one of the tour members is found dead, and Wexford is drawn into a complex investigation. As he navigates the unfamiliar landscape and cultural nuances, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit among the group, leading him to question the motives and pasts of those around him. The story intricately weaves themes of cultural clash, human nature, and the pursuit of truth, culminating in a surprising and satisfying resolution.

  24. 24. An Unkindness Of Ravens

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford is drawn into a perplexing case when a seemingly ordinary man, Rodney Williams, goes missing. As Wexford delves deeper into Rodney's life, he uncovers a web of secrets involving radical feminist groups, hidden affairs, and a family in turmoil. The investigation takes unexpected turns, revealing the dark undercurrents of suburban life and challenging Wexford's perceptions of morality and justice. With a keen eye for detail and human psychology, the story unfolds with suspense and intrigue, leading to a surprising and thought-provoking conclusion.

  25. 25. Harm Done

    In this gripping psychological thriller, Inspector Wexford is drawn into a complex web of crime and social issues when a young girl is kidnapped and later returned unharmed, only to have another girl disappear shortly after. As Wexford delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a series of unsettling events in the community, including domestic abuse and the controversial release of a convicted pedophile. The narrative intricately weaves together the personal and the societal, challenging Wexford to confront his own beliefs while seeking justice in a world where harm is often hidden beneath the surface.

  26. 26. Death Notes

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a seemingly straightforward case of a homeless man's death by drowning takes a sinister turn when Detective Chief Inspector Wexford discovers a cryptic note in the victim's pocket. As Wexford delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden motives that stretch far beyond the initial crime scene. With each revelation, the line between victim and perpetrator blurs, challenging Wexford's perceptions and leading him to question the very nature of justice. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of guilt, redemption, and the dark undercurrents of human nature, culminating in a suspenseful and thought-provoking conclusion.

  27. 27. The Veiled One

    In this gripping mystery, Chief Inspector Wexford is drawn into a complex investigation when a woman's body is discovered in a shopping center car park, her face obscured by a veil. As Wexford delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that challenge his perceptions and test his detective skills. The narrative weaves through the intricacies of human relationships and societal issues, leading to a surprising and thought-provoking conclusion that questions the nature of justice and truth.

  28. 28. Murder Being Once Done

    In this gripping mystery, Chief Inspector Wexford is on medical leave in London, seeking rest and recovery. However, his respite is interrupted when he becomes embroiled in a perplexing murder case involving a young woman's body discovered in a cemetery. As Wexford delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies within a close-knit community, challenging his detective instincts and pushing him to the brink. With his health and career on the line, Wexford must navigate the complexities of human nature to unravel the truth behind the chilling crime.

  29. 29. Some Lie And Some Die

    In this gripping mystery, the serene setting of a music festival in Kingsmarkham is shattered when the body of a young woman is discovered in a nearby quarry. As Inspector Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that entangle the lives of the festival's attendees and the local community. With a keen eye for human nature and a knack for unraveling complex relationships, Wexford must navigate through a maze of deceit to uncover the truth behind the murder, revealing the darker undercurrents that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

  30. 30. Shake Hands Forever

    In this gripping mystery, Inspector Wexford is called to investigate the murder of a young woman found strangled in her home. As he delves into the tangled web of family secrets and hidden motives, Wexford uncovers a series of shocking revelations that challenge his perceptions and test his resolve. With each twist and turn, the inspector must navigate through deceit and betrayal to uncover the truth, all while grappling with the complexities of human relationships and the dark shadows that linger beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary life.

  31. 31. From Doon With Death

    In this gripping mystery, the quiet town of Kingsmarkham is shaken by the discovery of Margaret Parsons' lifeless body in a secluded woodland. As Inspector Wexford delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden passions that challenge the town's facade of respectability. The key to solving the murder lies in a collection of love letters signed "Doon," revealing a side of Margaret that no one knew existed. As Wexford navigates through a maze of deception and betrayal, he must unravel the truth before the killer strikes again.

  32. 33. The Pursuit Of Pleasure

    In a gripping tale of psychological suspense, the story delves into the intricate lives of its characters, revealing the dark undercurrents of human desires and the lengths one might go to fulfill them. Set against a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, the narrative weaves through the complexities of relationships, secrets, and the pursuit of forbidden pleasures. As the plot unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where moral boundaries blur, and the consequences of unchecked ambition and obsession become chillingly apparent.

  33. 34. The Tree Of Hands

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a mother's love and desperation lead to a series of tragic events when she kidnaps a child to replace her own deceased son. As the story unfolds, the lives of two families become intricately intertwined, revealing hidden secrets and emotional turmoil. The narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the complex nature of human relationships, culminating in a suspenseful and thought-provoking exploration of the lengths one might go to for love and redemption.

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  34. 35. The Killing Doll

    In a chilling exploration of obsession and delusion, the story follows the lives of siblings, Dolly and Pup, who are ensnared in a web of dark fantasies and misguided beliefs. Dolly, consumed by her desire to become a witch, inadvertently draws her brother into her world of spells and rituals. As Pup becomes increasingly entangled in Dolly's sinister games, his grip on reality begins to slip, leading to a series of tragic events that unravel the fabric of their lives. The narrative delves into the psychological complexities of the characters, revealing the destructive power of unchecked imagination and the haunting consequences of living in a world of illusions.

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  35. 36. A Spot Of Folly

    Ten and a Quarter New Tales of Murder and Mayhem

    This posthumous collection assembles previously uncollected tales of crime and psychological suspense, in which ordinary people drift into danger through chance, obsession, and small acts of deceit. Jealous lovers, petty rivals, and secretive neighbors collide with fate in darkly ironic stories that culminate in chilling, twist endings. The result is a razor-sharp exploration of how everyday folly can spiral into mayhem.

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