I didn't think that mystery novels had anything new for me to discover. Man, was I wrong and I'm so pleased about it. For me, the choice of murder victim in this novel stood out. Why in the world would any one go to the bother of killing and dumping a boring, plain woman like Margaret (Godfrey) Parsons? All the men in the case take one look at her photo and pretty much dismiss the most common motive. She's a dowdy housewife and her demise can't be explained by regular motives. This is, of course, the first in the series, her debut novel written in 1964. In her afterword, written in 2013, she says that she wanted to write a detective novel just to see if she could do it, but then the popularity of it drove her to write another, then another, and realizing that if she was going to live with these characters, she was going to have to develop them going forward. It must have taken fifteen years to obtain the series volume I needed and get started. I want to enjoy a lauded authoress and have the jury out for Ruth Rendell / Barbara Vine. However, it is not the names that I grade. “ From Doon With Death”, 1964, was dry. I hear her solo stories and other Reginald Wexford / Mike Burden cases are better; a good thing, because I own nearly them all, courtesy of bargain bins! Higher marks for higher enjoyment will mean something. I got into the habit of binge reading or re-reading classic mystery authors during the pandemic and I now find it to be a continuing habit. I only ever read a few of Ruth Rendell's (aka Barbara Vine's) books at the time they were first published, but I remember the Inspector Wexford TV series fondly and thought that I'd start a Rendell binge for 2023. For the most part, I thought this mystery was rather ordinary. A man reports his wife missing, and the police don't take him very seriously because she's only been missing a few hours. The husband describes their banal marriage and life, full of routine and absent of extravagances, as proof that her being missing is a big concern.

This is the first book featuring Wexford, so I assume they will improve. I've enjoyed this one thoroughly so I very much look forward to the next investigation. Ruth Rendell was an exceptional crime writer, and will be remembered as a legend in her own lifetime. 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. For a series opener, it's a bit typical. What I mean is that having read other Inspector Wexford books, I know that the author takes time to more fully develop Wexford's character as the series progresses. Also, as a side note, don't forget that this book was written in 1964 and thus attitudes are a bit dated. Overall though, I love Ruth Rendell's work, and I'm very happy to have read this one.

This is not just a crime novel, it is a wonderfully written novel with crime in it.' -- ***** Reader review I initially gave three stars, for an aspect I don't recall. Two stars make sense. Reginald was an asshole! That compounded with how much I hate things allegedly stated “quietly”! If you are annoyed by a colleague or subordinate, like the uniquely likeable Mike: a human being raises their voice somewhat, or at least expresses themselves emphatically. This “quiet” or “calm” idea is crap: as robotic as it is irritating! That presents no memorable personality and in this case, I was glad Reginald was not in the story until later; that Mike is an equal protagonist. Reginald was rude to Mike. He was very harsh, merely at Mike's posing of a question, or making a suggestion! Of course, Wexford is no pushover. He simply doesn’t let on to Inspector Mike Burden or anyone else that he’s interested. The closer Wexford comes to catching his prey the more he becomes excited. With no useful clues and a victim known only for her mundane life, Chief Inspector Wexford is baffled until he discovers Margaret's dark secret - a collection of rare books, each inscribed from a secret lover and signed only as ' Doon'.

As one reads the novel it's important to realize that it was originally published in 1964 and reveals British law at the time of publication. The humanity of Wexford shows not only his impatience when his time is wasted but also his compassion while still following the letter of the law. In the 2007 edition of the novel published by Ballantine Books there is a "Dossier" by the author in which she shares, "I realized that I had put an enormous amount of me-and to some extent my father-into him."To be fair, it has a few things going for it. There is the open-minded attitude Inspector Wexford has towards people who are different from the majority. It is not a picture perfect little town, but is grimy and seedy. The people are not at all charming, and are often more than a little annoying. Also, there is no Hastings or Watson to romanticize the proceedings, and given how much I hate both characters, I'm adding a star just for that.

After reading the "Dossier" I knew I wanted to read more about Ruth Rendell and would encourage everyone to read more about her fascinating life and diverse accomplishments. Here is one of many articles of interest: Margaret Parsons, a fairly ordinary housewife who, with her water board official husband Ron, has recently moved to Kingsmarkham, is found murdered in a field. Mrs. Parsons led an extremely uneventful life, being a lay preacher, but Inspector Wexford is intrigued when he is looking through her belongings and fine a number of expensive antique books all inscribed 'From Doon to Minna'.Who is Doon? Who would kill someone with nothing to hide? Inspector Wexford, the formidable chief of police, feels baffled -- until he discovers Margaret's dark secret: a trove of rare books, each volume breathlessly inscribed by a passionate lover identified only as Doon. As Wexford delves deeper into both Mrs. Parsons’ past and the wary community circling round her memory like wolves, the case builds with relentless momentum to a surprise finale as clever as it is blindsiding. In one of these podcasts, Meredith had recommended the Inspector Wexford series to Louise Penny fans. Same type of deal; a small village and developing characters throughout the series. And, great mysteries to boot. returning to original review now, but I still recommend this novel - it's much better the second time through. --

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From long experience Burden knew that whatever may happen in detective fiction, coincidence is more common than conspiracy in real life. Readers of PD James, Ann Cleeves and Donna Leon will love this gripping crime thriller full of twists and turns from multi-million copy and SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author Ruth Rendell. This edition has an introduction from Ian Rankin and an afterword by the author. 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). 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. As the woman's past is investigated the husband is either oblivious or may be among the numerous suspects. If crime fiction is currently in rude good health, its practitioners striving to better the craft and keep it fresh, vibrant and relevant, this is in no small part thanks to Ruth Rendell.' -- IAN RANKIN The premise is wonderfully romantic and innocent. The darkness is there but it’s mostly gray in the fictional village of Kingsmarkham. One must pay close attention to clues. They are hidden well in a sparse yet rich narrative.