The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell
| The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell | |
|
| |
| Category: Crime | |
| |
Reviewer: Sue Magee
 | |
| Summary: A slower, more contemplative Wexford story but one which covers some sensitive subjects well. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 288/8h49m | Date: October 2009 |
| Publisher: Hutchinson | |
| ISBN: 978-0091931483 | |
|
Share on: | |
|
| |
When he was a young Detective Constable Reg Wexford was peripherally involved in the investigation into the murder of Elsie Carroll, who'd been strangled in her bedroom. He knew that the man responsible was Eric Targo, but he couldn't prove it. He suspected that he was responsible for other murders as well, but Targo had no connections with the cases. When Targo left the area Wexford was convinced that he'd never see him again, until he turned up - and seemed to be stalking Wexford. But why?
If you like a full-on police procedural with all the hurly burly of an investigation then this might not be the book for you: quite a bit of it goes back to Wexford's early days as a Detective Constable and the eventual courting of his wife Dora. It's a gentle, contemplative side to the series which we haven't seen before and whilst it did seem to drag a little in places, it was good to have some of the background to the character. It's a story which highlights Wexford's obsessive nature and the way in which he can be carried away by something he knows but can't prove. But is he right about Targo?
There's an elegant sub plot dealing with forced marriages and racial discrimination. Wexford and Burden don't think that there's anything with which they need concern themselves, but Burden's wife, Jenny, is sure that there's something wrong. She's prepared to push it, but the girl's family seem reasonably liberal, even progressive and are adamant that the girl is not being forced into marriage, that it's her choice that she's not continuing in education, but what's the truth?
Rather than read the book, I listened to an audio download, (which I bought myself) narrated by Nigel Anthony. I was impressed, not least by the fact that Reg Wexford's voice was seemingly that of George Baker, who played him in the television series: it brought back some wonderful memories and added a layer of verisimilitude which I hadn't been expecting. There's a good range of other voices and I was never in any doubt about who was speaking. I'd happily listen to a great deal more from Anthony.
There is a slight advantage to reading the books in chronological order: you'll find a list here.
Please share on: 
Facebook, 
Twitter and
Instagram
You can read more book reviews or buy The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You could get a free audio download of The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell with a 30-day Audible free trial at Amazon.co.uk.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell at Amazon.com.
Comments
Like to comment on this review?
Just send us an email and we'll put the best up on the site.
