Rhonda, how did you like "From Doon with Death"?  I read it after I had
read some of the other, later Wexfords.  I thought that it had a really
neat plot twist, and the character of Wexford was interesting - very
different from the Wexford of the later books - much less sensitive.  I
also thought that in this first book Wexford and Burden were almost equally
the main character; we certainly get a lot of insights into Burden as the
novel goes on, though of course it's Wexford who figures the whole thing
out.
I know this list isn't set up to discuss individual books on a reading
schedule, but if anyone wants to chat about the Wexford novels, I'm
willing.
Pat

At 11:45 PM 8/21/99 -0000, you wrote:
From: miss_b@...

<<<I haven't read any Vine books yet. Could anyone
suggest a good title to start with?>>>

I've read A DARK ADAPTED EYE, A FATAL INVERSION, and GALLOWGLASS. I have
her most recent book, THE CHIMNEY SWEEPER'S BOY in my TBR pile.

I loved A DARK ADAPTED EYE, and I liked A FATAL INVERSION better than
GALLOWGLASS. I haven't read THE CHIMNEY SWEEPER'S BOY yet as I just
finished Ruth's FROM DOON WITH DEATH and have started TO FEAR A PAINTED DEVIL.



Rhonda

I haven't read any Vine books yet. Could anyone
suggest a good title to start with?

Bye,
Bea

I am glad to know others are reading her Barbara Vine books also.  I agree
House of Stairs was one of the best.  Another one that is really good is King
Solomon's Carpet.  Has anyone read it?  A very haunting tale!  Am looking
forward to reading Chimney Sweeper's Boy and discussing it as soon as I get
ahold of a copy.
Vickie

In a message dated 8/17/99 7:33:31 AM EST, ruthrendell@onelist.com writes:

<< I am anxious to read the Chimney
  Sweeper's Son-or Daughter.  It's her newest, under pseudonym Barbara Vine >>


Chimney Sweeper's Boy - be sure and go get it without delay.  I read it,
turned it over and read it again ( I find that re-reading Vines is a must).
Then I insisted that my husband read it, and he couldn't put it down.  It is
too wonderful for words - in fact, since I read it last July, I have been
spoiled ever since, and haven't read anything I enjoyed nearly as much since.
  But then, I adore Dame Ruth and everything she  writes.  She is the absolute
top.  I recently re-read House of Stairs, which was great to re-visit.   I am
trying without any success (yet) to find a copy of "Fatal Inversion".  I
can't seem to find mine anywhere.  It has that extra cachet - the title has
an integral part in the story, but you don't really understand it until the
end. (Also, "Speaker of Mandarin".
     I'll look forward to comments on "Chimney Sweeper's Boy" --
     later --
     Jan C.

Vickie,
I picked up Ruth's new book at my library and can't wait to sink my teeth
into it. Thanks for letting me know it was out there.


Now back to my TBR pile...

Rhonda

At 10:42 AM 8/16/99 -0700, you wrote:
From: "Vickie Britton" <vjb@...>

<<<I agree, it wasn't one of her best.  I am anxious to read the Chimney
Sweeper's Son-or Daughter.  It's her newest, under pseudonym Barbara Vine.
Haven't got ahold of a copy yet, but am looking forward to it.  Road Rage
just didn't have the edge of your seat impact most of her books do.>>>

Vickie,
Thanks for the tip! I didn't know she had a new one out. I'll go looking
for it this week.



Now back to my TBR pile...

Rhonda

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhonda L. Stucker <rstu@...>
To: RuthRendell@onelist.com <RuthRendell@onelist.com>
Date: Sunday, August 15, 1999 4:31 PM
Subject: [ruthrendell] Road Rage


>From: "Rhonda L. Stucker" <rstu@...>
>
>Well I finally finished the book. I'm glad I read it even though I wouldn't
>classify it as a mystery novel. It is a well-written piece of fiction, but
>as a mystery I found it very disappointing.
>Now back to my TBR pile...
>
>Rhonda
>
>I agree, it wasn't one of her best.  I am anxious to read the Chimney
Sweeper's Son-or Daughter.  It's her newest, under pseudonym Barbara Vine.
Haven't got ahold of a copy yet, but am looking forward to it.  Road Rage
just didn't have the edge of your seat impact most of her books do.
Vickie
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>GET WHAT YOU DESERVE! A NextCard Platinum VISA: DOUBLE Rewards points,
>       NO annual fee & rates as low as 9.9 percent FIXED APR.
>Apply online today!                http://www.onelist.com/ad/nextcard1
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

Well I finally finished the book. I'm glad I read it even though I wouldn't
classify it as a mystery novel. It is a well-written piece of fiction, but
as a mystery I found it very disappointing.
Now back to my TBR pile...

Rhonda

At 11:42 AM 8/14/99 -0700, you wrote:
From: "Vickie Britton" <vjb@...>


<<< Keep reading!  There's a murder in Road Rage somewhere.  It's been a
while since I've read it, and I remember it was very different from most of
her
books.  But don't despair--there's body somewhere.>>>

Vickie,
Thanks! I don't mean to sound grisley, but if someone throat isn't cut soon
I'll get really miffed. LOL!!!

Now back to my TBR pile...

Rhonda

Keep reading!  There's a murder in Road Rage somewhere.  It's been a while
since I've read it, and I remember it was very different from most of her
books.  But don't despair--there's body somewhere.

What is everyone reading these days? I'm nearly finished with ROAD RAGE and
I do like it. But I do have a question for someone who has already read it...

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

LAST WARNING! DON'T PEEK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!!!

I'm 3/4ths finished with this book and what I want to know is...

IS THERE EVEN A MURDER IN THIS BOOK???

Not that I'm not enjoying the story as it is well-written, but would it
have killed Ruth to throw a body in there somewhere?!!! LOL!


Now back to my TBR pile...

Rhonda

I haven't read 'Road Rage' yet, although I'm
planning to do so soon. The last full-length
Rendell novel I read was 'Talking to Strange
Men.' I thought it was brilliant, in fact one
of her best. I liked the way Rendell intertwined
the two storylines; even though John Creevey
and the schoolboys never meet, they have a
profound impact on each other. Here is something
I've noticed about Rendell's novels; she often
has as her main character an ordinary, even
dull person, and then places them in situations
that quickly spiral out of control. I also
read 'Heartstones' recently. It is a short novel
(or a long short story, depending on how you
look at it). It rather reminded me of Henry
James' 'The Turn of the Screw' It takes place
in a supposedly haunted house and is narrated by
a disturbed 16 year old girl whose veracity
cannot really be trusted. That's all from me now.

Bye,
Bea

Hi.  I am also new to the group.  I am part of a co-author team with my sister
Loretta Jackson.  We write mysteries and romantic suspense.  I have read almost
all of Ruth Rendell's books except some of the newer ones.  I think she is one
of the best mystery writers out there.  My favorites are A Dark Adapted Eye
(written under psuedonym Barbara Vine) and the Inspector Wexford mysteries.  I
also liked The Bridesmaid.  Road Rage was ok, but not one of her best.  I was
expecting it to be about real Road Rage, so guess my expectations were different
than the book.  I'd like to discuss just about any of her books.
Vickie

Bea,
Thanks for your welcome! Personally I prefer a general discussion group
rather than a formal reading group, but I'll certainly go along with
whatever the group wants. I'm halfway through ROAD RAGE and I'm thoroughly
enjoying it...as I do all of Ruth's books. Has anyone else read this book?

Rhonda


At 12:33 AM 8/9/99 -0000, you wrote:
>From: miss_b@...
>
>I just thought I'd say hi to all newcomers.
>Rhonda, in answer to your question, this is more
>of a general discussion list than a formal
>reading group, although if any members want to
>read any of Rendell's works as a group, that
>would be fine with me too. If not, feel free
>to throw whatever thoughts you have into the mix.
>
>Bye,
>your list moderator,
>Bea
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>Congrats to our GROW TO GIVE winners, ZENtertainment & ROTInews!
>http://www.onelist.com
>Check out ONElist's latest program, FRIENDS & FAMILY.  See homepage.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

I just thought I'd say hi to all newcomers.
Rhonda, in answer to your question, this is more
of a general discussion list than a formal
reading group, although if any members want to
read any of Rendell's works as a group, that
would be fine with me too. If not, feel free
to throw whatever thoughts you have into the mix.

Bye,
your list moderator,
Bea

Hi Everyone!
I'm new to the list so I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm married, 40, and
I love mystery novels. I'm a big fan of Ruth Rendell. I'm reading Road Rage
right now and loving every word. Do we read specific books on this list or
discuss Ruth's/Barbara's works in general?

I'm looking forward to meeting other Rendell/Vine fans!

Happy Reading!
Rhonda

I'm reading 'Talking to Strange Men' right now,
and I'm enjoying it immensely. I will send a
more detailed message when I've finished it.

Bye,
Bea

I read 'The Crocodile Bird' recently, so it is
fairly fresh in my mind.  I think it was wise of
Rendell to focus more on the daughter than on
the mother.  The girl was preternaturally bright
on one hand, yet as innocent as a child on the
other.  In answer to the question concerning what
attracts me to Rendell's work, I have to say it
is her ability to get inside the heads of her
characters, and show what they are thinking and
feeling.  I remember reading an interview where
a journalist asked how it was possible for a nice
lady like her to write about deviants and
sociopaths.  Rendell replied something to the
effect that maybe she isn't such a nice lady after
all.  That's all for now.

Bye,
Bea

Hello to all

I read the Crocodile Bird approximately two years ago. I was quite
intrigued with the main character, a young girl  who had been sheltered
from the modern conveniences and the technology of this day and age.
Inspite of this "deficiency" the educational instruction which she received
far surpassed that of her peers.  What is fascinating is how REndell takes
the reader into the mind of this young lady as she discovers the modern
world.  For example, when she finds the old tv she is completely enthralled
by this box in which she can see pictures and people moving around etc.  I
have often wondered how a person  from an earlier time period would react
to our modern conveniences and luxuries, tv, computers.  In a sense through
the character in this book one is able to observe such a reaction.

I do not recall the significance of the Crocodile bird, and would,
therefore enjoy rereading this book.  Perhaps we as a group could read this
book together and discuss it.  I am also curious to know what it is about
REndell's books which keeps each of you coming back for more.

Ann

Has anyone read 'The Crocodile Bird' yet? If so,
what did you think of it?

Bye,
Bea

Caitlyn, this list is designed for general
discussion of Ruth Rendell's works, although if
you think there is a specific book that the group
would like to read and discuss, feel free to
mention it.
Ann, 'A Judgement in Stone' was written in the
70's (I think).  I don't want to give away too
much of the plot, but the main character is
illiterate, and all the events in the book flow
from this fact.  You'd be amazed by how tightly
plotted it is, and by how sharp the
characterizations are. The bad news is I'm not
sure it's still in print, although you might find
it at Amazon.com.

Thanks, b, for the suggestion of amazon.com.  I have explored the site and
found a profusion of unabridged Rendell books.  My credit card will be
groaning in protest. :-)
By the way, because I'm curious, could you elaborate on your statements
regarding A Judgment in Stone Thanks again. ?
At 01:47 PM 7/2/99 -0000, you wrote:
>From: miss_b@...
>
>Hello again. Like you Ann, I prefer Rendell's
>suspense novels to her Wexford books.  The last
>Wexford I read was 'Simisola.' I think it was the
>best Wexford in ages. I agree that she handled
>the central issue with great subtlety, especially
>when dealing with the assumptions that even
>tolerant, fair-minded people make. The last
>suspense novel I read was 'The Keys to the
>Street.' It was very gripping, although I thought
>the main character was a bit naive. I think
>Rendell's best novel ever is 'A Judgement in
>Stone.' That book is a classic, not merely of
>the mystery genre, but of modern literature as a
>whole.  By the way, Ann, have you tried Amazon.com
>for audio books? I think they'd have a fairly
>extensive collection, although the price would
>probably be higher due to shipping.
>
>Bye for now,
>Bea
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>We must be crazy! We're practically giving our books away! Doubleday
>Book Club® offers the best sellers and more! Get 5 books for just $.99
>+ 1 free with membership! Go to http://www.onelist.com/ad/doubleday8
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

From: miss_b@...

<<<Caitlyn, we haven't really got any organized discussions
going yet, but feel free to start one if you wish.>>>

I found Ruth through her other pen name, Barbara Vining.
I loved "A dark-adapted eye" and sought out others by this
author--to my surprise I found out she was none other than
Ruth Rendell. I've read a few of Ruth's Inspector Wexford
novels but haven't gotten around to reading all her works
yet (should I live so long!).

Is this group going to read a book and discuss it or just
discuss Ruth/Barbara's works in general???
Caitlyn Rose

Len Deighton fans be sure to join my new list: Deighton@onelist.com

....................................
Get your own free email account from
http://www.popmail.com

Caitlyn, we haven't really got any organized
discussions going yet, but feel free to start
one if you wish.

Bye,
Bea

Hello again. Like you Ann, I prefer Rendell's
suspense novels to her Wexford books.  The last
Wexford I read was 'Simisola.' I think it was the
best Wexford in ages. I agree that she handled
the central issue with great subtlety, especially
when dealing with the assumptions that even
tolerant, fair-minded people make. The last
suspense novel I read was 'The Keys to the
Street.' It was very gripping, although I thought
the main character was a bit naive. I think
Rendell's best novel ever is 'A Judgement in
Stone.' That book is a classic, not merely of
the mystery genre, but of modern literature as a
whole.  By the way, Ann, have you tried Amazon.com
for audio books? I think they'd have a fairly
extensive collection, although the price would
probably be higher due to shipping.

Bye for now,
Bea

Hello to all


B I thoroughly aggree with your statement that it is Rendell's  emphasis on
character and motive rather than plot machinations which make her work so
interesting.   She is quite adept at taking one into her character's world,
mind etc. so that you find yourself feeling that individual's pain fear
and other emotions.  Long after reading one of her books a character
remains quite real and firmly  afixed in the mind.

I have read many of the Wexford books and enjoy them immensely, however I
prefer the  psychological suspense novels.  The last Rendell book which I
read was Simisola a difficult topic handled with delicacy and taste but
which drove the point home with clarity.  I read it twice.  My favorite
Rendell book to date is Talking to Strange Men.  I was particularly
interested in the development of the character, John a rather quiet
unassuming man.

I read via the medium of audio books as I am visually impaired, and not all
of the Rendell books are easily accessible.  I have found many Rendell
abridged titles  It is my belief that abridgement should be more aply
referred to as a synopsis.  One can not receive a full character scope when
condensing any of Rendell's books.  Fortunately, I have found titles such
as The keys to the Street and , Road Rage completely unabridged and am
looking forward to reading them next.



What are some of your favorite Rendell titles?  What was the last Rendell
book which you have read?

I'm new to the list, having just found it today. I've been a long time fan of
mystery novels written by Ruth, and her other pen name--Barbara Vining. I'm
looking forward to reading and discussing her work with people who admire her
talent as much as I do.

Rachel Stevens

To all newcomers on my list, welcome.  Like you,
Ann, I came across Ruth Rendell's work by
happenstance.  I came across a copy of 'A
Judgement in Stone' in a friend's apartment. I
usually stay away from genre fiction, so I wasn't
too excited.  However, within two minutes, I
couldn't put it down, and I've been a fan ever
since.  It's Rendell's emphasis on motive and
character, rather than simple plot machinations,
that make her work interesting.  In fact, I
think she is a better writer than many writers
of 'literary' fiction.  Here are some
introductory questions for you, just to get
things started:

Do you prefer her Wexford books or her novels
of suspense?

What do you think is her best book?

What is the last book you have read of hers, and
what did you think of it?

Hello,

My name is Annemarie and I have just joined the ruth REndell list.  I have
been reading her books for approximately two years.  Needless to say, I
have become an avid reader of her books.  I discovered them by a fluke
accident.  I was discussing with an acquaintance various authors as we
perused an audio book catalog.  I asked if she had read anything by Ruth
Rendell.  Her response was less than enthusiastic.  This piqued my
immediate interest.  It is my policy not to listen to critics.  When I hear
negative statements concerning an author, book etc. then my curiosity is
aroused to look into the matter myself in order to form an opinion.  My
first Ruth Rendell book was Talking to Strange men, and since then I have
been hooked.

I am, therefore, pleased to have found this list and to be a part of a
community who appreciate her work.  I look forward to many interesting
posts.

Annemarie