Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This anthology of Ruth Rendell's short stories show her at her best. Each story is a gem. "Each murderer has a method for killing as individual as a fingerprint, and a motive as universal as evil in the human heart." I was drawn into the stories until I finished each one and read the book in about 2 hours. I find all of Rendell's psychological suspense short stories and novels addictive and this book was no exception. In my opinion, no other psychological suspense writer holds a candle to Ruth Rendell's ability with characterization. Most contemporary, popular suspense writers' novels are driven by plot. Nothing wrong with that if all you want is a snack. Ruth Rendell's books are character driven; that is, you can see the crime and its effect on others through the unraveling of character(s). Think of the film "Fargo"; a truly exceptional film where crime occurs because of the driven nature of the characters' psychology.
