Road Rage

Rating:
Summary: A Rendell Fan
Review: I read this book (or rather listened to it on audiobook) just because it was written by my newest favorite author. It wasn't exactly exciting, though. Inspector Wexford is caught in the middle of a kidnapping when his wife is one of the hostages. I was looking forward to an exciting search but was surprised when shortly into the book, his wife was released by her captors. This group was supposedly against the new bypass being built through the town, objecting to destroying trees and killing wildlife, so that's the direction Inspector Wexford takes as he tries to find the remaining 4 hostages. I'm not great at solving mysteries but even I had figured out part of the plot before the end. Rendell does tend to drag things out, making the story longer than she has to, but I can't help but like her style of writing so much that it doesn't bother me. I have read one other Inspector Wexford novel and liked it too, but have to say her suspense type novels grab my attention better. By the way, if you have a chance to listen to any of her books on Recorded Books audio, the narrator, Divina Porter, is great. She has that cool English accent and I could listen to her all day.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging mystery
Review: I'm not usually a reader of the "murder mystery" genre of fiction, but I picked this book up the other day when I was desperate for something to read on the train trip to work. Luckily, it was quite a good book, and engaged my attention to the point that I was almost sorry when my trip came to an end. The story was original and made me want to keep reading to find out how it would end.

Rating:
Summary: Rendell scores again
Review: This time Chief Inspector Wexford has a crisis on his hands which is more of a personal nature. A group of environmental extremists calling themselves "Sacred Earth" have kidnapped five people to protest the building of a major freeway. One of the hostages happens to be Wexford's wife Dora. As precious time ticks away, Wexford and his crime team attempt to locate the kidnappers with the clues they have at hand before it is too late. As always, Rendell's writing is superb. The characters are well rounded with deep psychological motivations. Wexford's private torment while trying to keep up his professional front is as always, very admirable. If the torment of his wife being kidnapped is not enough, he is also dealing with the birth of a grandchild.This latest Ruth Rendell novel is a good fast read and is very satisfying.

Rating:
Summary: A very Intriguing Inspector Wexford mystery
Review: ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
~ * ~ This wasn't my abspolute favorite Ruth Rendell, but it is still a very good Inspector Wexford mystery. It is not necessary to be familiar with Wexford and his assistant, Burden... this book may be a good introduction to the series for many.
~ * ~
This book is more interesting and suspenseful, because Wexford's own wife is kidnapped. Naturally his worries about her safety make it difficult to head up the investigation. Without giving away the plot, it's ok to say that he will need to rely on his wife as a witness, and her memory of small details becomes critical.
~ * ~ As always, the ending is surprising. Ruth Rendell is a master of plot twists and turns that keep us guessing.
~ * ~ My personal favorite of the Wexford and Burden series is " No More Dying Then", which focuses more on Mike Burden's problems after the death of his wife.
~ * ~
However "Road Rage" is definitely an enjoyable and suspenseful read, and a great sample of Inspector Wexford. I recommend it highly for mystery lovers.