The Best Man To Die: an unmissable and unputdownable Wexford mystery from the award-winning Queen of Crime, Ruth Rendell (Wexford, 4) Paperback – 1 Oct. 2009

Excellent read

This was the first book written by Ruth Rendell that I have read, although I have seen a few of the tv episodes. This was interesting and absorbing, but I am undecided whether I will read others.The story was interesting and the style different from other crime stories.

'The Best Man To Die' was published in 1969 and is the fourth in the Wexford series. Wexford himself takes centre stage here for the first time and we get our first proper introductions to his (as yet nameless) wife and his daughter Sheila (already irritating). Rendell's portrayals of the working classes have been hitherto rather unsuccessful. In 'Wolf To The Slaughter' we had two charwomen and two lags, one of whom was even called 'Knobby'! Here she extends her range and although we are still in the realms of working men's clubs and avid socialists, her characters have more substance. Personally, I think she could have left out the rather embarrassing parallels between Jack & Charlie and Jonathan & David but otherwise, much better! As usual, the middle classes are better drawn and I especially like the gleefully malicious portrait of the unpleasant Mrs Fanshawe who really ought to be a character who has our sympathy given her circumstances!So far, so good but for me, the problem with 'Best Man' is the plot itself. This was one of the few times where I felt slightly cheated. Its not that the identity of the killer is difficult to work out - I think most readers stand a fair chance of guessing it from about half way through when the private hospital is introduced, but this is one of the few times in a Rendell novel where we hardly get the know the person in question. That always feels like cheating to me. Anyway, not one of her best!

This author never fails

How does being stuck in a lift help solve a murder? Sorry, I didn't believe a word of it. A pity because all the others are very good.

A novel that reminds you of the televised Wexford, always pictures from in your mind, a good storyline with characters that are set in a time gone by and are so well detailed to be truly believable.

I am a huge Inspector Wexford fan, and this was definitely her least well written book - in my opinion.

Excellent service, value for money and fast delivery!!!

This was my first Ruth Rendell. (Of course, I've seen her work translated to TV.) I enjoyed the plot progression, the atmosphere she created, her descriptions of the landscape and the authenticity with which she drew her diverse characters. I especially appreciate that she tied together all the loose ends at the end. I'll be reading many more.

A fast read, but not very memorable.

A book for leisure with some interesting characters and scenes. But compared to Crombie or French less stunning and gripping.

Wexford series are always well written, as is anything by this author. Interesting storyline and characters.

I enjoyed this book. It was puzzling. I could not figure it out. Dame Rendell's descriptive writing is outstanding, especially pertaining to nature. So far I've read 16 of her books (Wexford series and stand-alone novels) having just become aware of her two years ago. Some I love, some I like, one I hated. I always learn some new words and new facts.The attached photo is an oorery. I had never heard of them before. Another reviewer, Amazon Customer, July 2, 2021, said she wouldn't read another book by Rendell. Oh, you don't know what you're missing. If for some reason you reread the reviews and see this, I urge you to reconsider. Try Crocodile Bird, 1993. It's not a Wexford novel. The Best Man to Die was published in 1969, five years after her first book was published, so she was just getting started.