Harm Done

An Inspector Wexford Mystery

De: Ruth Rendell

Narrado por: Davina Porter

Acknowledged as one of today’s premier mystery writers, Ruth Rendell has won three Edgar Awards and four Gold Dagger Awards. She received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and was awarded the Commander of the British Empire. Among her most popular books are those in the Inspector Wexford series.

Harm Done presents the inspector with a most volatile challenge: the various guises of domestic abuse. The residents of a shabby housing complex in the London suburb of Kingsmarkham are furious. A convicted pedophile, released from prison, has returned to their community. At the same time, two young women disappear, each returning several days later with little memory of where she has been. As Wexford investigates, Kingsmarkham is rocked by violence and murder. To prevent further harm, the inspector must coax some surprising motives from the reluctant suspects.

©1999 Kingsmarkham Enterprises, Ltd. (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC

The Story

I liked the way the story was written. The subject matter needs to be explored more.

Dumb Copers

Ruth Rendell is such a good writer and has such unusual plots, she's hard to resist. The police procedure followed in this outing is the worst ,but none of the Wexford books make the cops seem that bright. As for Wexford himself ,he comes across as an opinionated old foggy, who makes instant judgment based on look and interior decorating. I think I'll stick with Rendells other books from now on.

Has Detective Wexford gone senile?

I usually like Ruth Rendall's Kingsmarkham mysteries, but I was struck this time by how often the lead detective misses very obvious clues and seems, in general, unusually obtuse. It's a decent "listen," but far from her best.

Lightly dampened blanket

Very long & drawn out story. Ending felt lackluster & obvious, but Davina Porter was brilliant and made the entire listen tolerable.

The author writes well, but the story was not able to keep my attention. I found my mind wandering often & then being brought back into focus by Davina’s amazing voice acting.

Each time the plot drew me back in, the scene would change and I’d be left wondering when the scene action would start up again.