From Doon With Death is a little dated, though that’s hardly surprising from an author who’s always been interested in the world as it is. Her characters--even the good-guy cops--. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. It is a great murder mystery. Plots that catch and hold like a noose. Beaton that it's not even a contest. Interesting Introduction of Characters I've grown to love, Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2017. The story was later made into a movie in 1988. Enjoyable. The first of the Inspector Wexford series with the faithful sidekick Burden. The story begins when Inspector Mike Burdon is alerted by a neighbour that his wife is missing. “You’re supposed to be a detective. The crux of the story is who is Doon? Quantity available: 1. Add him to my list of preferred readers, pleasantly British, expressive, with good variation between different characters. The BLATANTLY GAY lipstick salesman could probably tell you, and he could have solved the mystery in one hot minute. The prose and epigraphs were good, which is why I’m giving this book a second star. He claims it is totally out of character for his wife, Margaret, to disappear without word. For some reason I had never read the Wexford novels before and it is a good beginning to the series. I have become a fan. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. The thing is they both happened in my district.' I won't read other books by this author because of this thoroughly milktoast example. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. From Doon with Death was the debut novel of British writer Ruth Rendell, first published in 1964. This time through I've noticed much more than I did the first time -- back then I think I was looking much more for plot and storyline, where now I'm tending to focus more on people and what makes them do what they do. Ronald Parsons almost prides himself on his dull and respectable life. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. But then the missing woman's body is found, strangled and abandoned in a nearby wood. These are the hallmarks of crime legend Ruth Rendell. Seemingly a classic British murder mystery, much like Christie, whom Rendell apparently disliked and strived to get away from comparisons to, and yet in retrospect very different. When Marg. Please come join us for the discussion. It was obvious. FROM DOON WITH DEATH. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. This was my first Inspector Wexford. For a story published in 1964 it must have been quite shocking to readers. Unable to add item to List. June 26th 2007 Wexford solves the crime but he comes across as 'all work' with only two fleeting references to his wife. Convert currency. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! From Doon with Death (Wexford #1) by Ruth Rendell Audiobook. And so, for a non quaint, psychological mystery that relies on neither sex nor violence, this is a very good read. Back then, in the early 1990s, I was a novice mystery writer eager to learn from a master. All the men in the case take one look at her photo and pretty much dismiss the most common motive. I dislike detective series, I find it to be lazy writing more often than not and generally stay away from them. Rendell's England is less than quai. I found it extremely tedious and dull. Now, I've written quite a few mysteries myself and I know what to look for. These are the hallmarks of crime legend Ruth Rendell, the best mystery writer in the English-speaking world ( Time magazine). Although a fairly short novel, it is filled with intrigue as Wexford and Burden investigate the murder of a seemingly friendless, quiet wife named Margaret Parsons. This was no "surprise ending" to me as I knew what was going on half way through the book. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. There were various phrases and words that left me baffled, perhaps due to the time period which was the 1950s. Refresh and try again. Every now and then I had to re-read a few sentences to try and understand the British words. The feel you mention also occurs to me whenever I watch Briitish crime series on Masterpiece Theater. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. Rendell has said that Wexford was a kind of accident of this story, breathed into existence by the simple necessity for a detective in a mystery. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. At this somewhat late date in life, I thought it about time I explore Ms. Rendell's mysteries, and her psychological thrillers , which receive such rave reviews. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. I'd previously avoided Ruth Rendell mysteries (not being a fan of the TV series which I found off putting) and really shouldn't have. "From Doon With Death" is the 1st novel in a series featuring Chief Inspector Wexford and Detective Inspector Mike Burden in the imaginary market town of Kingsmarkham in the district of Sussex (UK). From Doon With Death is the first of these . There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. This time through I've noticed much more than I did the first time -- back then I think I was looking much more for plot and storyline, wh. Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020. With worldwide sales of approximately 20 million … First published in 1964, this is the first Chief Inspector Wexford mystery. Back then, in the early 1990s, I was a novice mystery writer eager to learn from a master. Burdon tends to agree and contacts the police station. This is clearly an early novel of the best-selling crime writer. I've been listening to the Currently Reading podcast quite a bit these days. The novel introduced her popular recurring character Inspector Wexford, who has since gone on … I found it extremely tedious and dull. She's a dowdy housewife and her demise can't be explained by regular motives. This book definitely meets my requirements. Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2019. From Doon With Death is the first of these . From 1964, when her country copper, Reg Wexford, first stepped before the reading public in From Doon With Death, she wrote more than 50 crime novels and seven books of short stories. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2011. LOL... not shocking at all. No_Favorite. Why? Please try your request again later. Shopping. From Doon With Death (Inspector Wexford, #1), Update, May 6, 2015: I am undertaking a Ruth Rendell "key" works project -- the books The Guardian recently noted as such the day of Ruth Rendell's death. There is a strong sociological commentary throughout, in this book in particular as far as class differences and sexual politics go and author's attitude is stunningly, notably progressive for the time. The story begins when Inspector Mike Burdon is alerted by a neighbour that his wife is missing. Not so. The characters in FDWD certainly weren’t immune to the effects of the conclusion. If you know me, you know that it's amazing I read a book in 4 days. She takes time building characters and the plot in her stories. The trampled grass led to the body of Margaret Parsons. I am a big fan of Ruth Rendell and have read and enjoyed many of her books, both stand alones and the Wexford series. Why in the world would any one go to the bother of killing and dumping a boring, plain woman like Margaret (Godfrey) Parsons? Chapter Analysis of From Doon with Death ; Click on a plot link to find similar books! This is the first book by Ruth Rendell I've read (I know, shame on me). I will definitely read more of the series. It is being reissued with an introduction by Ian Rankin, who describes her as “probably the greatest living crime writer in the world”. Ruth Rendell. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. The police knew about Margaret Parsons's life, and by the look of it, it was dull. Is it REN-dyl or Ren-DELL? Cover Her Face (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries, No. From what I can tell, this is not only the first book in Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford series, but also her first published novel. I was not able to discover the killer and the surprise ending left me totally unsatisfied. I have recently started re-reading all the Ruth Rendell Wexford novel and 'From Doon With Death' is the first. Ruth Rendell. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. I am pleased to have had access to another if ms. Ruth Rendell was an exceptional crime writer, and will be remembered as a legend in her own lifetime. I'm years behind,and have read other books by Ruth Rendell. Ronald Parsons almost prides himself on his dull and respectable life. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Her groundbreaking debut novel, From Doon With Death, was first published in 1964 and introduced the reader to her enduring and popular detective, Inspector Reginald Wexford, who went on to feature in twenty-four of her subsequent novels. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2014. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. However, no one would accuse a career as prolific as Rendell's as lazy and there is something very appealing about her work. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2020. I really enjoy 'Doon' (apart from the rather rubbish title itself) and would highly recommend it. I bought this book because it was on so many lists of "Authors to try if you love Agatha Christie." Ruth Rendell was an exceptional crime writer, and will be remembered as a legend in her own lifetime. A perfectly serviceable Wexford, this novel betrays itself as the first of this notable and prolific series. Dazzling psychological suspense. of violence and chases 20% Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives 30% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development 30% How society works & physical descript. A good solid mystery with a very satisfying conclusion. The novel introduced her popular recurring character Inspector Wexford, who went on to feature in 24 of her novels. It took me about 4 days to read. Both were first published in the 60s and seem a bit dated, especially the moral issue at the heart of this story, which probably seemed terribly shocking in 1964 but not so much fifty years later. Interestingly, Inspector Burden is the main detective here and Wexford is seen through his eyes and its a very different Wexford from the man who would later become such an avuncular, intelligent and - above all - well read, literary man! Please try again. There's an art to writing a police procedural that is also a village mystery, and Rendell is the consummate artist. One of my strongest memories growing up was my mother's stack of Ruth Rendell and Colin Dexter novels, one of which always seemed to… There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. More appropriate words would be 'not fully fleshed out'. When I learned that Ruth Rendell had passed away recently, I was reminded that I have been wanting to give her mysteries a try for some time and immediately requested this book, the first featuring Inspector Wexford, and her first stand-alone mystery, To Fear a Painted Devil, from the library. A very enjoyable cosy mystery - the first in the Inspector Wexford series. Her characters--even the good-guy cops--are conflicted, flawed, stubborn, and utterly human, and her genre fiction is the best of its kind. And when Mr. Parsons lets the police into his home, a startling discovery leads everyone to question just who Margaret Parsons really was . There was a problem loading your book clubs. Razor-sharp dialogue. Rendell's England is less than quaint (despite the amounts of tea put away), her world is distinctly darker and its denizens are distinctly more immoral. Ruth Rendell has been one of my favorite authors for 40 years, but I've never been sure (or, more likely, have forgotten over time...) how to pronounce her surname. Chief Inspector Wexford is the title character of the series, but the book opens with Detective Inspector Mike Burden being called upon by a man named Ronald Parsons. About From Doon with Death. I am now on her fourth book in the series. Welcome back. I surmised the murderer early but it was still satisfying to hear the story unfold. Does not have the atmospheric qualities of Agatha Christie books, and the detective is very bland. I think that, even now, the identity of the murderer will surprise most readers and, at the time, it must have all been shockingly original. Please try again. I've just reread this novel again after six years, and while I wouldn't change my rating, I will say that it was definitely a pleasure to have taken it up again. I am a fan of classis murder mysteries yet was not familiar with Ruth Rendell's writing (nor have I seen Inspector Wexford on television). I found this one a bit tedious. Pretty standard mystery fare, including the resolution, though apparently the resolution was Very Shocking at the time. Published in 1964, From Doon With Death is the first of 24 Inspector Wexford novels. Share. Used. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel -- and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. by Ballantine Books. DOWNLOAD NOW » Author: Ruth Rendell. From Doon with death Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. From: Simply Read Books (Boat Of Garten, United Kingdom) Seller Rating: Add to Basket US$ 13.37. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2017. In fact, I finished reading it about a week ago (it was a super quick read, done in two days), and I had to read the synopsis just to write this review - that's how quickly I've forgotten it! I have read other Wexford books and enjoyed them. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. From Doon with Death, now in a striking new paperback edition, is her classic debut novel—and the book that introduced one of the most popular sleuths of the twentieth century. This one wasn't marvelous but I could see a lot of potential for her to develop the inspector into a great character. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! This is a reread for me in preparation for our first Ruth Rendell buddy read in the English Mysteries book club starting May 1. Now, I've written quite a few mysteries myself and I know what to look for. Her groundbreaking debut novel, From Doon With Death, was first published in 1964 and introduced the reader to her enduring and popular detective, Inspector Reginald Wexford, who went on to feature in twenty-four of her subsequent novels. We’d love your help. From Doon With Death HIJIAO Silicone Protective Cover for Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD 500GB/1TB /2TB External Solid State Drives (Black) $ 8.81 Seriallink SLK-E900 Industrial 4g Cellular Router,4G LTE Modem Supported AT&T Carrier $ 169.01 Another classic Inspector Wexford staring George Baker and Christoper Ravenscroft. This early entry in the Inspector Wexford mystery series shows the author developing her characters and demonstrating the psychological insights into crime that she would later perfect. It seemed like it was time to get acquainted. I've just reread this novel again after six years, and while I wouldn't change my rating, I will say that it was definitely a pleasure to have taken it up again. See all 7 questions about From Doon With Death…, Meet the Authors of Spring's Biggest Mysteries. An extraordinary death. The first Inspector Wexford story, this story is a little dated as you'd expect as it's almost fifty years old. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. He claims it is totally out of character for his wife, Margaret, to disappear without word. There is nothing extraordinary about Margaret Parsons, a timid housewife in the quiet town of Kingsmarkham, a woman devoted to her garden, her kitchen, her husband. I picked this up at the Book Thing and it was very good. Actually I've read nearly all Wexford books already a while ago, but I read at random and now I'm curious to see him develop, book by book. The characters are interesting and I very much like the contrast between the three principal women; Mrs Parsons (dull, ordinary, respectable), Mrs Missal (flamboyant, self centred) and Mrs Quadrant (classy, sensitive). From Doon with Death is about a poor dull woman called Mrs. Parsons who gets murdered in a forest. Written by Ruth Rendell — May 2014 is the 50th anniversary of Ruth Rendell’s debut novel, From Doon with Death. I think this book was a terrific example of it. When Margaret is found murdered, it is up to Wexford and Burdon to unravel Margaret's past and discover what led to the death of a quiet, suburban housewife. FROM DOON WITH DEATH. Watch later. 'Those were the only two sensational things that ever happened to Margaret Parsons. 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