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Inspector Wexford #7
Murder Being Once Done
A young girl is murdered in a cemetery. And Wexford's doctor has prescribed no alcohol, no rich food and, above all, no police work. When a young girl's body is found in a London cemetery and the local police, under the command of Wexford's nephew, are baffled, Wexford decides to brave his doctor's wrath and the condescension of the London police by doing a little investigating of his own. A compelling story of mysterious identity and untimely death, Murder Being Once Done is Rendell at her most sublime.
With her Inspector Wexford novels, Ruth Rendell, winner of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award, has added layers of depth, realism and unease to the classic English mystery. For the canny, tireless, and unflappable policeman is an unblinking observer of human nature, whose study has taught him that under certain circumstances the most unlikely people are capable of the most appalling crimes.
With her Inspector Wexford novels, Ruth Rendell, winner of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award, has added layers of depth, realism and unease to the classic English mystery. For the canny, tireless, and unflappable policeman is an unblinking observer of human nature, whose study has taught him that under certain circumstances the most unlikely people are capable of the most appalling crimes.
201 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
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About the author
Ruth Rendell
456 books1,626 followersA.K.A. Barbara Vine
Ruth Barbara Rendell, Baroness Rendell of Babergh, CBE, who also wrote under the pseudonym Barbara Vine, was an acclaimed English crime writer, known for her many psychological thrillers and murder mysteries and above all for Inspector Wexford.
Ruth Barbara Rendell, Baroness Rendell of Babergh, CBE, who also wrote under the pseudonym Barbara Vine, was an acclaimed English crime writer, known for her many psychological thrillers and murder mysteries and above all for Inspector Wexford.
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February 27, 2023
Wexford Down but Not Out
Review of the Arrow Books/Cornerstone Digital Kindle eBook edition (2010) of the original Hutchinson hardcover (1972)
This continues my 2023 binge read / re-read of Ruth Rendell's (aka Barbara Vine) novels and it is the 7th in the Inspector Wexford series. Rendell keeps the series fresh by having Wexford forced to take a vacation and to improve his health regimen under doctor's orders. He goes to London with wife Dora to visit his nephew who is a high ranking Inspector in the police there. Wexford bristles under the doctor's diet carried through by Dora and his nephew's wife Denise. Meanwhile his nephew has been ordered to keep police work away from Wexford's orbit. A high profile case sends Wexford off on his own private investigation which he tries to hide from his family.
Cover image for the original Hutchinson hardcover edition from 1972. Image sourced from Wikipedia.
It all comes out though, and Wexford is brought in as an unofficial consultant on the case. He stumbles badly though with his first proposed solution and is embarrassed in front of his nephew's police squad. Will he have to crawl back to Kingsmarkham in Sussex, having been shown up by the superior investigative forces in the city? Or will he solve the case despite all? You can guess the rest 😊.
Another favourite quote from the book:
Trivia and Links
Murder Being Once Done was adapted for television as part of the Ruth Rendell / Inspector Wexford Mysteries TV series (1987-2000) as Season 5 Episodes 4 to 6 in 1991 with actor George Baker as Inspector Wexford. You can watch the entire 3 episodes on YouTube here. To reduce the need for extra characters in the TV adaptation, Wexford visits Mike Burden, who has been temporarily assigned to London, instead of his nephew as in the book version.
Review of the Arrow Books/Cornerstone Digital Kindle eBook edition (2010) of the original Hutchinson hardcover (1972)
Wexford viewed it grimly: two circular biscuits apparently composed of sawdust and glue, a pat of unsaturated fat, half a sugarless grapefruit, black coffee and, crowning horror, a glass of wobbly pallid substance he took to be yoghurt. - Inspector Wexford is put on a diet by his doctor.
No one but a fool follows a regimen that debilitates him while moderate indulgence makes him feel good. - Wexford’s opinion about his diet.
This continues my 2023 binge read / re-read of Ruth Rendell's (aka Barbara Vine) novels and it is the 7th in the Inspector Wexford series. Rendell keeps the series fresh by having Wexford forced to take a vacation and to improve his health regimen under doctor's orders. He goes to London with wife Dora to visit his nephew who is a high ranking Inspector in the police there. Wexford bristles under the doctor's diet carried through by Dora and his nephew's wife Denise. Meanwhile his nephew has been ordered to keep police work away from Wexford's orbit. A high profile case sends Wexford off on his own private investigation which he tries to hide from his family.
Cover image for the original Hutchinson hardcover edition from 1972. Image sourced from Wikipedia.
It all comes out though, and Wexford is brought in as an unofficial consultant on the case. He stumbles badly though with his first proposed solution and is embarrassed in front of his nephew's police squad. Will he have to crawl back to Kingsmarkham in Sussex, having been shown up by the superior investigative forces in the city? Or will he solve the case despite all? You can guess the rest 😊.
Another favourite quote from the book:
’One doesn’t like to take a back seat, to live vicariously.’ Wexford sighed. ‘The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that one is young.’ - Wexford quotes Oscar Wilde.
Trivia and Links
Murder Being Once Done was adapted for television as part of the Ruth Rendell / Inspector Wexford Mysteries TV series (1987-2000) as Season 5 Episodes 4 to 6 in 1991 with actor George Baker as Inspector Wexford. You can watch the entire 3 episodes on YouTube here. To reduce the need for extra characters in the TV adaptation, Wexford visits Mike Burden, who has been temporarily assigned to London, instead of his nephew as in the book version.
November 4, 2020
This series consistently provides that distinct pleasure that comes from tying up the loose ends in a well crafted police procedural. The Wexford books don't have grand aspirations. They are entertainments, not overwritten, that manage to reflect human concerns as the cases unfold.
In this book Wexford is on a rest cure following a health scare, staying in London with his nephew Howard, who also happens to be with the police. As he struggles with self-doubt triggered by the perceptions of him by others as old, infirm, and unprepared to cope with the challenges of urban crime, Wexford nevertheless gives in to his curiosity and pursues the solution to a puzzling case in Howard's bailiwick. In her usual manner Rendell provides plenty of red herrings to distract us (and Wexford), but also plenty of clues for those (including Wexford) who pay attention.
Although there are uncountable numbers of books (I've given up on trying to control my TBR list) in many genres that it would give me pleasure to read, I continue to find my ongoing group re-read of this series to be a good use of my time. Sometimes you don't need to be challenged or enlightened. You just need to be distracted.
In this book Wexford is on a rest cure following a health scare, staying in London with his nephew Howard, who also happens to be with the police. As he struggles with self-doubt triggered by the perceptions of him by others as old, infirm, and unprepared to cope with the challenges of urban crime, Wexford nevertheless gives in to his curiosity and pursues the solution to a puzzling case in Howard's bailiwick. In her usual manner Rendell provides plenty of red herrings to distract us (and Wexford), but also plenty of clues for those (including Wexford) who pay attention.
Although there are uncountable numbers of books (I've given up on trying to control my TBR list) in many genres that it would give me pleasure to read, I continue to find my ongoing group re-read of this series to be a good use of my time. Sometimes you don't need to be challenged or enlightened. You just need to be distracted.
December 11, 2016
This is the 7th book in the Inspector Wexford series by author Ruth Rendell. I find Ruth Rendell books a little hit and miss and unfortunately for me this was a miss.
It was ok but I expect a lot more from the books I read and especially from authors of the pedigree of Ruth Rendell.
Chief Inspector Wexford is on leave in London while recovering from a medical problem and staying with his nephew who is a high ranking police officer. When a young woman is found murdered in a cemetery and the police are baffled, Wexford feels the urge to help solve the murder.
I found this a disappointing read and very nearly gave up on it.
It was ok but I expect a lot more from the books I read and especially from authors of the pedigree of Ruth Rendell.
Chief Inspector Wexford is on leave in London while recovering from a medical problem and staying with his nephew who is a high ranking police officer. When a young woman is found murdered in a cemetery and the police are baffled, Wexford feels the urge to help solve the murder.
I found this a disappointing read and very nearly gave up on it.
July 21, 2015
One of Rendell's better Inspector Wexford mysteries. Set in London, among the back streets, small vendors, dilapidated 'mansions' divided into smaller flats, and an old cemetery, AND a mausoleum, it doesn't get much better for a Wexford-mystery.
There is no Mike Burden here; however, Wexford has to deal with a different Mike, who is just as arrogant and self-sure as Burden, though at least Burden respects the man he works for.
The basic story is thus: Wexford, on 'vacation' in London due to health issues, is staying with a nephew who just so happens to be a police superintendent himself. At first no mention of police matters is allowed, according to Wexford's physician and family. (He's on a break!) But try telling a man like Reg Wexford to stay out of an investigation involving a young woman found dead in a mausoleum in an historic, but ruined cemetery. That's like putting the cows out to pasture and telling them not to chew their cud. You just cannae do it!
Any mystery reader worth their salt might figure this one out early; I did, mostly, because there are some 'tropes' here and obvious red herrings. However, this did nothing to spoil the actual reading of the story. I loved seeing Wexford in a new and almost alien environment - for him - and see him get bossed about and bullied a bit by the London officers on the case. There were surprises, too, as the murdered girl's odd life is slowly revealed.
I also enjoyed the 'older generation's' reaction to how young people were living such mixed-up and undisciplined lives. (The novel's first publication was 1972.) Those same young people, described so vividly by Rendell, are now my age and possibly older. (And complaining quite often about the young of today!) Some things never change.
One of my fav. Wexford novels. :)
There is no Mike Burden here; however, Wexford has to deal with a different Mike, who is just as arrogant and self-sure as Burden, though at least Burden respects the man he works for.
The basic story is thus: Wexford, on 'vacation' in London due to health issues, is staying with a nephew who just so happens to be a police superintendent himself. At first no mention of police matters is allowed, according to Wexford's physician and family. (He's on a break!) But try telling a man like Reg Wexford to stay out of an investigation involving a young woman found dead in a mausoleum in an historic, but ruined cemetery. That's like putting the cows out to pasture and telling them not to chew their cud. You just cannae do it!
Any mystery reader worth their salt might figure this one out early; I did, mostly, because there are some 'tropes' here and obvious red herrings. However, this did nothing to spoil the actual reading of the story. I loved seeing Wexford in a new and almost alien environment - for him - and see him get bossed about and bullied a bit by the London officers on the case. There were surprises, too, as the murdered girl's odd life is slowly revealed.
I also enjoyed the 'older generation's' reaction to how young people were living such mixed-up and undisciplined lives. (The novel's first publication was 1972.) Those same young people, described so vividly by Rendell, are now my age and possibly older. (And complaining quite often about the young of today!) Some things never change.
One of my fav. Wexford novels. :)
March 13, 2018
I listened to the audio of this while jogging. It was a fun way to spend the time. Clues and red herrings are abundant; I was kept guessing.
I got the impression that Inspector Wexford was a bit out of his usual element. He's ill, on an incredibly strict diet (no man would be able to manage....heck, I wouldn't be able to manage) and not in his home district. Despite these elements, this Inspector-on-sick-leave managed to make me want to increase my runs to keep listening.
Ruth Rendell writes a good story, both as Ruth Rendell and as Barbara Vine. The Rendell books are darker in nature.
I got the impression that Inspector Wexford was a bit out of his usual element. He's ill, on an incredibly strict diet (no man would be able to manage....heck, I wouldn't be able to manage) and not in his home district. Despite these elements, this Inspector-on-sick-leave managed to make me want to increase my runs to keep listening.
Ruth Rendell writes a good story, both as Ruth Rendell and as Barbara Vine. The Rendell books are darker in nature.
October 12, 2013
Read a paperback copy of this book I’ve had sitting around for 33 years. My copy was printed in 1973. Thought the book might be a bit too dated, but it’s not. Ruth Rendell is a very gifted writer. Her character development is exceptional, she knows how to tell a story and she uses words masterfully.
I’ll let her words do the talking:
"The enthusiasm of a crusader had taken hold of Dearborn and as he talked a light came into his eyes. This was Kenbourne as it had been in the time of the fourth George; here had stood the manor house which a royal duke had rented for his actual mistress; on the south side of Lammas Grove had stood a row of magnificent elms. Why not make all this waste stretch here into playing fields? There was no need for Wexford to ask about the cemetery. Before he could interrupt he was told its acreage, the history of every interesting person buried there, and informed that the state of the walls on the eastern side was so bad that soon vandals would be able to enter and plunder at will."
This passage gives the reader insight into the characters in a way in which I can really relate. We have all known someone like the person speaking. The passage is descriptive without over reliance on adjectives. Rather Rendell relies on nouns, verbs and verb forms.
Then Rendell sends it home for the reader. "He (Wexford) was experiencing a sensation he had often had before when lectured by someone with an obsession. It is all too much. It should be done in easy stages, but the obsessed cannot see this. Night and day he has lived with his passion and when he comes to enlighten the tyro, he is unable because he has not been trained in teaching, to sketch in a simple background, awaken interest and postpone the complex details until another occasion...." Who hasn't endured a classroom or a lecture like this?
Some suggest that the novels in her Wexford series are dated and they may not reflect current social mores. I could not disagree more. Her characters are timeless. I’m happy to have rediscovered Ruth Rendell.
I’ll let her words do the talking:
"The enthusiasm of a crusader had taken hold of Dearborn and as he talked a light came into his eyes. This was Kenbourne as it had been in the time of the fourth George; here had stood the manor house which a royal duke had rented for his actual mistress; on the south side of Lammas Grove had stood a row of magnificent elms. Why not make all this waste stretch here into playing fields? There was no need for Wexford to ask about the cemetery. Before he could interrupt he was told its acreage, the history of every interesting person buried there, and informed that the state of the walls on the eastern side was so bad that soon vandals would be able to enter and plunder at will."
This passage gives the reader insight into the characters in a way in which I can really relate. We have all known someone like the person speaking. The passage is descriptive without over reliance on adjectives. Rather Rendell relies on nouns, verbs and verb forms.
Then Rendell sends it home for the reader. "He (Wexford) was experiencing a sensation he had often had before when lectured by someone with an obsession. It is all too much. It should be done in easy stages, but the obsessed cannot see this. Night and day he has lived with his passion and when he comes to enlighten the tyro, he is unable because he has not been trained in teaching, to sketch in a simple background, awaken interest and postpone the complex details until another occasion...." Who hasn't endured a classroom or a lecture like this?
Some suggest that the novels in her Wexford series are dated and they may not reflect current social mores. I could not disagree more. Her characters are timeless. I’m happy to have rediscovered Ruth Rendell.
March 15, 2011
Ruth Rendell is one of the best writers in the English language. Period. She rises above the genres of police procedural and psychological thriller, and simply writes like a dream. I rarely remember inconsequential moments in books that I read, but years after reading certain scenes or comments, they still go through my mind.... A tense woman, playing with her pearl necklace until it breaks and pearls spill across the floor...a woman described as looking young in the way that older women without makeup look young....
But onto Murder Being Once Done! Originally published in 1972 (the beauty of reading the Wexford canon from the beginning in the early 1960s is enjoying the experience of his relative growth with the times) the book follows the good inspector who's on "holiday" (he's actually on a no-alcohol, no-bad-food, no-stress "diet" to recover his health) and stumbles across a murder investigation and a case of unknown identity. The chapters begin with quotes from Thomas More's Utopia, which plays a role in the story, lending a a decidedly literary air.
Reading Rendell is always more than a pleasure and, although I hesitate to use the word "joy" in connection with her stories, I sit down to read every one of her books with relish.
But onto Murder Being Once Done! Originally published in 1972 (the beauty of reading the Wexford canon from the beginning in the early 1960s is enjoying the experience of his relative growth with the times) the book follows the good inspector who's on "holiday" (he's actually on a no-alcohol, no-bad-food, no-stress "diet" to recover his health) and stumbles across a murder investigation and a case of unknown identity. The chapters begin with quotes from Thomas More's Utopia, which plays a role in the story, lending a a decidedly literary air.
Reading Rendell is always more than a pleasure and, although I hesitate to use the word "joy" in connection with her stories, I sit down to read every one of her books with relish.
October 14, 2019
A second reading and even more pleasurable this second time 'round. I own the paperback at my other residence and marked it as read 5+ years ago. Since I didn't make any review notes I will say now that one reason I enjoyed it was the advanced age of Wexford in this book and the challenges that aging brings. His eyesight has been affected and his doctor and wife are keeping him on some dietary restrictions, but what he needs more than rest and sightseeing on his trip to London is success in solving a murder case.
It is a very complex set of circumstances surrounding the discovery of a young woman strangled and left in a cemetery. He does a wee bit of bumbling and causing a small bit of resentment among competing detectives who work with his nephew, but comes up victorious in the end.
It is a very complex set of circumstances surrounding the discovery of a young woman strangled and left in a cemetery. He does a wee bit of bumbling and causing a small bit of resentment among competing detectives who work with his nephew, but comes up victorious in the end.
November 5, 2020
This is my favorite Inspector Wexford book so far. We are doing a buddy read at the English Mysteries Group and everyone is invited to join in. These can easily be read as a stand alones. This one has humor and lots of red herrings.
Rendell is a widely admired writer of mysteries. She was a winner of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award and called the master of the form by The Washington Post. Come join us.
Rendell is a widely admired writer of mysteries. She was a winner of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award and called the master of the form by The Washington Post. Come join us.
August 15, 2011
I like the Inspector Wexford series because of Rendell's incisive writing AND because the characters are not as dark and twisted as in her later novels. This one satisfies on both counts. After experiencing an embolism in his eye, Wexford has been placed on a draconian and unrealistic diet/exercise/rest program, enforced by his wife and his relatives in London. 1000 calories a day? Puh-lease, this is the only unbelievable part! Naturally he is depressed and weakening quickly until a misunderstanding with his nephew on the London police dissolves and he is able to nose about in a nearby murder case. The murder takes place in Kenbourne Vale Cemetery in London - the cemetery is in a depressed area currently undergoing some gentrification. Situation and characters are fascinating as usual, although the ways in which they connect are perhaps a bit farfetched. But hey, it's a mystery and we suspend some disbelief...
Comments on the psychology of males under stress are amusing and believable.
An excellent entertainment.
Plus a good quote from Oscar Wilde: "The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that one is young."
Comments on the psychology of males under stress are amusing and believable.
An excellent entertainment.
Plus a good quote from Oscar Wilde: "The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that one is young."
June 22, 2011
I think the Wexford series of mysteries are not Ruth Rendell's best work. They are set in the 1970s and I found this one very dated in terms of social attitudes...not historical enough to be a period piece, but not really socially relevant to today.
In this one, I felt the plot to be rather weak and the characters too stereotyped. The story wanders around and when the killer is revealed it seems totally unexpected as he has not appeared to be very much part of the story. Each chapter is headed by a quote from Thomas More's Utopia but I didn't really see the relevance to the story. Ruth Rendell has written many fine books, especially when writing as Barbara Vine, but this isn't one of them
In this one, I felt the plot to be rather weak and the characters too stereotyped. The story wanders around and when the killer is revealed it seems totally unexpected as he has not appeared to be very much part of the story. Each chapter is headed by a quote from Thomas More's Utopia but I didn't really see the relevance to the story. Ruth Rendell has written many fine books, especially when writing as Barbara Vine, but this isn't one of them
December 8, 2017
This was a re-reading of a book I had ripped through several years ago and while I recalled the outline and settings (settings are very important in some of Rendell's books, including this one) I had forgotten many of the details. This was a good time and place to re-read it. I was feeling a bit under the weather for a few days and read it an hour or so at a time concentrating, as I often do when not feeling well, on words and sentences instead of paragraphs and pages even though it was a bit of a page-turner. I enjoyed savoring many of the false starts and blind alleys that Rendell led Inspector Wexford into on his way to solving the murder.
September 20, 2016
An excellent well thought out mystery! I loved every minute reading it and was so glad to be reunited with my old friend inspector Wexford. It had me guessing who the murderer was until the very end. Cudos go to Ruth Rendell and Wexford.
March 19, 2017
From IMDb:
Wexford collapses from overwork so is put on a month's leave. Instead of resting though, he decides to go and visit Mike, who is seconded to London. Although he should be resting, Wexford's dreams have drawn him towards Mike's case of a young murdered girl left lying in a vault, and a strong connection to the baby adoption business.
4* Going Wrong
4* The Keys to the Street
3* The Fever Tree and Other Stories
4* A Judgement in Stone
3* Fall of the Coin
4* People Don't Do Such Things
3* The Girl Next Door
2* To Fear a Painted Devil
3* Dark Corners
3* Live Flesh
4* The St. Zita Society
Inspector Wexford series:
3* From Doon With Death (Inspector Wexford, #1)
3* A New Lease of Death (Inspector Wexford, #2)
3* Murder Being Once Done (Inspector Wexford, #7)
3* Some Lie and Some Die (Inspector Wexford, #8)
3* Shake Hands Forever (Inspector Wexford, #9)
3* A Sleeping Life (Inspector Wexford, #10)
3* The Veiled One (Inspector Wexford, #14)
4* Kissing the Gunner's Daughter (Inspector Wexford, #15)
3* Harm Done (Inspector Wexford, #18)
3* The Babes in the Wood (Inspector Wexford, #19)
3* End in Tears (Inspector Wexford, #20)
TR Wolf to the Slaughter (Inspector Wexford, #3)
TR The Best Man to Die (Inspector Wexford, #4)
TR A Guilty Thing Surprised (Inspector Wexford, #5)
TR No More Dying Then (Inspector Wexford, #6)
TR Death Notes (Inspector Wexford, #11)
TR Speaker of Mandarin (Inspector Wexford, #12)
TR An Unkindness of Ravens (Inspector Wexford, #13)
TR Simisola (Inspector Wexford, #16)
TR Road Rage (Inspector Wexford, #17)
TR Not in the Flesh (Inspector Wexford, #21)
TR The Monster in the Box (Inspector Wexford, #22)
TR The Vault (Inspector Wexford, #23)
TR No Man's Nightingale (Inspector Wexford #24)
Wexford collapses from overwork so is put on a month's leave. Instead of resting though, he decides to go and visit Mike, who is seconded to London. Although he should be resting, Wexford's dreams have drawn him towards Mike's case of a young murdered girl left lying in a vault, and a strong connection to the baby adoption business.
4* Going Wrong
4* The Keys to the Street
3* The Fever Tree and Other Stories
4* A Judgement in Stone
3* Fall of the Coin
4* People Don't Do Such Things
3* The Girl Next Door
2* To Fear a Painted Devil
3* Dark Corners
3* Live Flesh
4* The St. Zita Society
Inspector Wexford series:
3* From Doon With Death (Inspector Wexford, #1)
3* A New Lease of Death (Inspector Wexford, #2)
3* Murder Being Once Done (Inspector Wexford, #7)
3* Some Lie and Some Die (Inspector Wexford, #8)
3* Shake Hands Forever (Inspector Wexford, #9)
3* A Sleeping Life (Inspector Wexford, #10)
3* The Veiled One (Inspector Wexford, #14)
4* Kissing the Gunner's Daughter (Inspector Wexford, #15)
3* Harm Done (Inspector Wexford, #18)
3* The Babes in the Wood (Inspector Wexford, #19)
3* End in Tears (Inspector Wexford, #20)
TR Wolf to the Slaughter (Inspector Wexford, #3)
TR The Best Man to Die (Inspector Wexford, #4)
TR A Guilty Thing Surprised (Inspector Wexford, #5)
TR No More Dying Then (Inspector Wexford, #6)
TR Death Notes (Inspector Wexford, #11)
TR Speaker of Mandarin (Inspector Wexford, #12)
TR An Unkindness of Ravens (Inspector Wexford, #13)
TR Simisola (Inspector Wexford, #16)
TR Road Rage (Inspector Wexford, #17)
TR Not in the Flesh (Inspector Wexford, #21)
TR The Monster in the Box (Inspector Wexford, #22)
TR The Vault (Inspector Wexford, #23)
TR No Man's Nightingale (Inspector Wexford #24)
July 1, 2021
In Murder Being Once Done, we find Inspector Wexford attempting to recuperate from the mild stroke he had incurred from overwork and overindulgence, at least according to his physician. Wexford has been put on a 1,000 calorie-per-day diet and urged to put all thoughts of police work and stress out of his life for at least 30 days.
Wexford and his wife of thirty years have gone to stay with his nephew and his wife for his convalescence. The intrepid inspector puts up with the ministrations of his wife and niece with little quarrel -- at least initially -- but is flummoxed that his nephew who is a detective superintendent never speaks a word about any cases on which he's working or mentions his work at all to Wexford.
It all comes to a head a couple of weeks into the visit, coinciding with a new investigation his nephew is heading of the murder of a young unidentified woman.
To his wife's dismay, Wexford is invited by his nephew to provide advice on the investigation. Wexford quickly becomes embroiled in the investigation itself but is left doubting his abilities as all moves forward.
Wexford and his wife of thirty years have gone to stay with his nephew and his wife for his convalescence. The intrepid inspector puts up with the ministrations of his wife and niece with little quarrel -- at least initially -- but is flummoxed that his nephew who is a detective superintendent never speaks a word about any cases on which he's working or mentions his work at all to Wexford.
It all comes to a head a couple of weeks into the visit, coinciding with a new investigation his nephew is heading of the murder of a young unidentified woman.
To his wife's dismay, Wexford is invited by his nephew to provide advice on the investigation. Wexford quickly becomes embroiled in the investigation itself but is left doubting his abilities as all moves forward.
April 19, 2020
Ruth Rendell wrote all these books for me, because she knew I’d be quarantined some day. This is a terrific Wexford, going deep into his mind and emotions; you miss Kingsmarkham, but not as much as you fear. And you will be red herringed nicely.
June 29, 2021
Wexford books are the kind that require no real effort to read, so for me they provide a comfortable way to relax, with familiar characters and a straightforward writing style.
July 20, 2025
Chief Inspector Reg Wexford has been put on sick leave after a thrombosis in his eye. Dr. Crocker has put him on a regimented diet and ordered him off of alcohol, rich food....and police work. The doctor suggested a month at the seaside--but it's February and Wexford has no intention of freezing at the beach. So, he arranges to stay with his nephew and his wife in London. His nephew is a Detective Superintendent at the Yard. Wexford figures he'll at least get to be involved in crime vicariously. But Howard will discuss anything with his uncle--the weather, literature, London sightseeing--except his job. When a young woman is found strangled to death in a cemetery on Howard's patch, Wexford has to find out about it from the newspapers.
A brief blowup results in Wexford discovering that "that meddlesome Crocker" had sent a letter to the nephew telling him that there is "nothing [Wexford] wants more than to get completely away from everything connected with police work." As soon as Howard realizes that it wasn't Wexford's wish at all, he's relieved that he can consult his uncle's experience. But is Wexford out of his league in the Big Smoke? Howard's subordinate certainly thinks so. Wexford, still feeling that his insights may not be fully appreciated, strikes out on his own--making a few false starts, but coming up with the goods in the end. The plot is fairly straightforward--the girl is at first totally unknown and it is a search for her identity. Even after she's initially identified, they still have a puzzle on their hands because she doesn't seem to have any connections anywhere. Does she have a previous identity? And, if so, was the killer from her past or from her current life in London? Wexford helps his nephew and company find out.
So...once upon a time, I really enjoyed Ruth Rendell's mysteries. I read several of them from my hometown library in the early 80s and then more in the late 90s. I know I read this one (and gave it a middle-of--the-road score of three stars). It wasn't one of my favorites--probably because it takes Wexford off his home turf and leaves him without his right-hand-man Mike Burden. This time around, I'm even less taken with it. I don't like how Wexford is represented. I really dislike Howard's subordinate and his attitude towards the "country policeman." I don't care what he thinks of Wexford--Wexford outranks him and he ought to show at least that much respect for the man. I do appreciate that it shows Wexford as the fallible, fish out of water, trying to detect in London where he doesn't know the people and the ground like he does at home in Kingsmarkham. On top of the personality problems, the mystery itself isn't a very appealing one to me. The clues are not thick on the ground and I certainly didn't see much of them pointing at the particular suspect. Not Rendell's best. ★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
A brief blowup results in Wexford discovering that "that meddlesome Crocker" had sent a letter to the nephew telling him that there is "nothing [Wexford] wants more than to get completely away from everything connected with police work." As soon as Howard realizes that it wasn't Wexford's wish at all, he's relieved that he can consult his uncle's experience. But is Wexford out of his league in the Big Smoke? Howard's subordinate certainly thinks so. Wexford, still feeling that his insights may not be fully appreciated, strikes out on his own--making a few false starts, but coming up with the goods in the end. The plot is fairly straightforward--the girl is at first totally unknown and it is a search for her identity. Even after she's initially identified, they still have a puzzle on their hands because she doesn't seem to have any connections anywhere. Does she have a previous identity? And, if so, was the killer from her past or from her current life in London? Wexford helps his nephew and company find out.
So...once upon a time, I really enjoyed Ruth Rendell's mysteries. I read several of them from my hometown library in the early 80s and then more in the late 90s. I know I read this one (and gave it a middle-of--the-road score of three stars). It wasn't one of my favorites--probably because it takes Wexford off his home turf and leaves him without his right-hand-man Mike Burden. This time around, I'm even less taken with it. I don't like how Wexford is represented. I really dislike Howard's subordinate and his attitude towards the "country policeman." I don't care what he thinks of Wexford--Wexford outranks him and he ought to show at least that much respect for the man. I do appreciate that it shows Wexford as the fallible, fish out of water, trying to detect in London where he doesn't know the people and the ground like he does at home in Kingsmarkham. On top of the personality problems, the mystery itself isn't a very appealing one to me. The clues are not thick on the ground and I certainly didn't see much of them pointing at the particular suspect. Not Rendell's best. ★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
July 28, 2016
This my first Rendell book after passing her by all these years. Wish i hadn't, if this book is any indication.
This is a lightly written mystery with engaging characters. The mystery is well plugged into a setting that is nearly claustrophobic due to the closeness of all elements in the community adding to the questions that arise. Adding more is that the hero of the story is supposed to be taking a vacation and Rendell makes full use of this nifty device to add flavor to the story.
Rendell's character development is better done here than most writers. Even side characters are interesting. Setting is very well done as just about the entire story is set within a few blocks and the reader soon knows the layout of the land.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
This is a lightly written mystery with engaging characters. The mystery is well plugged into a setting that is nearly claustrophobic due to the closeness of all elements in the community adding to the questions that arise. Adding more is that the hero of the story is supposed to be taking a vacation and Rendell makes full use of this nifty device to add flavor to the story.
Rendell's character development is better done here than most writers. Even side characters are interesting. Setting is very well done as just about the entire story is set within a few blocks and the reader soon knows the layout of the land.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
August 19, 2019
My first Ruth Rendell novel. When I discovered one of her books was the source of Chabrol’s “La Ceremonie” I figured she had to be worth checking out. This title is part of a detective series, so I imagine not her edgiest material, but well written & very enjoyable.
Now to read Judgment In Stone, the source for Chabrol’s film.
Now to read Judgment In Stone, the source for Chabrol’s film.
September 2, 2022
Rendell’s mysteries aren’t as tight as Christie’s, but her descriptions of 70s Britain are literary without being pretentious and her characters are written with humor, compassion, and nuance. Even the gay ones! Surprising in genre fiction of this era. Not the most convincing solution, but an enjoyable and often darkly humorous read all the same.
May 9, 2025
Very difficult to read, probably because it was written in the 1970's. Had no idea what was happening and what I was actually reading, but kept going on as I wanted justice for Loveday.
December 8, 2019
I love this series. Twists and turns.
October 9, 2020
I love Inspector Wexford, but it would really suck to be his wife.
January 25, 2022
I love the way she writes.
September 9, 2025
I had high hopes for this well written mystery, but ultimately I found it it lacking je ne sais quoi. Maybe I wasn't drawn to the Wexford character?
Archer Mayor's detective, Joe Gunther, is such a mellow, likeable guy that even if the story is wanting, I go back for his cast of characters.
Archer Mayor's detective, Joe Gunther, is such a mellow, likeable guy that even if the story is wanting, I go back for his cast of characters.
May 1, 2015
Murder Being Once Done was one of my favourite TV adaptations of Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford murder mysteries, mainly because the usually so astute, self-confident policeman is confronted with his own mortality for once rather than just contemplating the lives of those involved in the crime he's investigating.
Recovering from a series illness, Wexford and his wife Dora go to London to stay with Wexford's nephew Howard Fortune and his wife Denise for a month. Wexford's nephew is a superintendent, who lives in a posh house, where nothing's ever out of place. On the advice of Dr. Crocker, Wexford's doctor, Howard is to keep all talk of police work safely away from Wexford in the interest of the latter's recovery.
Bored out of his scull by the health regime his wife, Dr Crocker and Denise have imposed on him, Wexford initially takes only a fleeting interest in the murder case his nephew is trying to solve. A murdered girl has been found in a crypt in Kenbourne cemetery. Nobody has come forward to claim the girl as a friend, neighbour or family member. The police aren't even sure that Loveday Morgan is her real name.
This is a most complex case and more than once Wexford is totally wrong and follows the wrong trail entirely. Called in to "advise", he is little more than a private detective, feeling his age, his unofficial capacity and his usual insight into a case slipping away.
Rendell has created a masterful and insightful look into what motivates people to care for children that are not their own, what it means to adopt a child for a childless couple. But this is also a thought-provoking and revealing study of Rendell's most famous fictional creation, for we get to see a totally new side to Inspector Wexford.
I also liked the way in which his way of policing is contrasted by the London police force, most notably by Inspector Baker, a singularly unpleasant und graceless man. As always, Rendell's novel is infused with a great sense of humour and humanity. A cracking read, as always!
Recovering from a series illness, Wexford and his wife Dora go to London to stay with Wexford's nephew Howard Fortune and his wife Denise for a month. Wexford's nephew is a superintendent, who lives in a posh house, where nothing's ever out of place. On the advice of Dr. Crocker, Wexford's doctor, Howard is to keep all talk of police work safely away from Wexford in the interest of the latter's recovery.
Bored out of his scull by the health regime his wife, Dr Crocker and Denise have imposed on him, Wexford initially takes only a fleeting interest in the murder case his nephew is trying to solve. A murdered girl has been found in a crypt in Kenbourne cemetery. Nobody has come forward to claim the girl as a friend, neighbour or family member. The police aren't even sure that Loveday Morgan is her real name.
This is a most complex case and more than once Wexford is totally wrong and follows the wrong trail entirely. Called in to "advise", he is little more than a private detective, feeling his age, his unofficial capacity and his usual insight into a case slipping away.
Rendell has created a masterful and insightful look into what motivates people to care for children that are not their own, what it means to adopt a child for a childless couple. But this is also a thought-provoking and revealing study of Rendell's most famous fictional creation, for we get to see a totally new side to Inspector Wexford.
I also liked the way in which his way of policing is contrasted by the London police force, most notably by Inspector Baker, a singularly unpleasant und graceless man. As always, Rendell's novel is infused with a great sense of humour and humanity. A cracking read, as always!
May 16, 2016
This was my introduction to Ruth Rendell, and what an introduction it was!
I really did enjoy this. I understand the crime genre too much to be surprised by where the plot goes, so even though I guessed everything that there was to guess in this book, I found it a satisfying intellectual trip. Rendell writes intelligently. Maybe there is room to make clues a bit more obscure, but then, not all readers cut there their teeth on crime fiction and can smell a clue from a mile away. Or am I being overly generous to my own talents with reading crime fiction? Would most readers pick up the clues? I don't know. I am not in the position to say.
There was one thing that irked me a bit about Wexford, and that was that I (and I hate to say this) think some of him feelings were a bit feminine. He picked up snobbery from his nephew, because his nephew, who was also a detective did not discuss work with him. I know I would think something like that, but I have been led to believe that men do not think in such ways. Maybe my sources could do with some modernising and realism, or perhaps they don't. I am not a man - I don't know.
Overall, a good old-fashioned mystery, based on the social dynamic and not the science one.
I really did enjoy this. I understand the crime genre too much to be surprised by where the plot goes, so even though I guessed everything that there was to guess in this book, I found it a satisfying intellectual trip. Rendell writes intelligently. Maybe there is room to make clues a bit more obscure, but then, not all readers cut there their teeth on crime fiction and can smell a clue from a mile away. Or am I being overly generous to my own talents with reading crime fiction? Would most readers pick up the clues? I don't know. I am not in the position to say.
There was one thing that irked me a bit about Wexford, and that was that I (and I hate to say this) think some of him feelings were a bit feminine. He picked up snobbery from his nephew, because his nephew, who was also a detective did not discuss work with him. I know I would think something like that, but I have been led to believe that men do not think in such ways. Maybe my sources could do with some modernising and realism, or perhaps they don't. I am not a man - I don't know.
Overall, a good old-fashioned mystery, based on the social dynamic and not the science one.
February 27, 2013
Wexford is out of his comfort zone and still feeling a little shook up by his recent medical issue. He's not as sure of himself here as he usually is, not as confident. And he's not treated with the same deference he is in his own town. It's a different look at the detective, but in the end after a misstep or two, his intuition and perseverance get them to the killer, even though it's a twisty road.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
September 15, 2016
La recensione completa su Filomena scrive...
Che dire di questo giallo, non mi aspettavo niente di diverso da ciò che ho letto: una storia piacevole, ben scritta e argomentata, personaggi ben caratterizzati, scorrevole ed esaustiva.
Non sono un'esperta di gialli, ma devo dire che questo racconto è scritto estremamente bene, in poche pagine i tanti personaggi trovano una giusta collocazione. Insomma tanta "roba" magistralmente mescolata a creare una storia che nella sua tragicità è verosimile e reale più di quanto mi sarei aspettata.
Che dire di questo giallo, non mi aspettavo niente di diverso da ciò che ho letto: una storia piacevole, ben scritta e argomentata, personaggi ben caratterizzati, scorrevole ed esaustiva.
Non sono un'esperta di gialli, ma devo dire che questo racconto è scritto estremamente bene, in poche pagine i tanti personaggi trovano una giusta collocazione. Insomma tanta "roba" magistralmente mescolata a creare una storia che nella sua tragicità è verosimile e reale più di quanto mi sarei aspettata.
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