The Monster in the Box

An Inspector Wexford Novel

By: Ruth Rendell

Narrated by: Nicolas Coster

The Monster In The Box is the latest addition to Ruth Rendell's classic and beguiling Inspector Wexford series. In this enthralling new audiobook, Rendell, "the best mystery writer in the English-speaking world" (Time), takes Inspector Wexford back to his days as a young policeman, and to the man he has long suspected of murder—serial murder.

Outside the house where Wexford investigated his first murder case—a woman found strangled in her bedroom—he noticed a short, muscular man wearing a scarf and walking a dog. He gave Wexford an unnerving stare. Without any solid evidence, Wexford began to suspect that this man—Eric Targo—was the killer.

Over the years there are more unsolved, apparently motiveless murders in the town of Kingsmarkham, and Wexford continues to quietly suspect that the increasingly prosperous Targo—van driver, property developer, kennel owner, and animal lover—is behind them.

Now, half a lifetime later, Wexford spots Targo back in Kingsmarkham after a long absence. Wexford tells his longtime partner, Mike Burden, about his suspicions, but Burden dismisses them as fantasy. Meanwhile, Burden's wife, Jenny has suspicions of her own. She believes that the Rahmans, a highly respectable family from Pakistan, may be forcing their daughter, Tamima, into an arranged marriage—or worse.

Investigate more cases with Inspector Wexford.©2009 Ruth Rendell (P)2009 Phoenix Books

Critic reviews

"Rendell easily outdistances most mystery writers with her complex characters and her poetic yet astringent style." (Publishers Weekly)

Wrong narrator

I love the Wexford series, but this narrator was awful. Every woman had a simpering voice, Wexford sounded like an overbred public school boy, and the pace was deadly. For this book, I recommend reading the real thing.

Unexpected last words. Wondering and wanting more

Struggled to start pulled into the story by Randell, as she always does and keeps us with her through thick and thin. Going to start it again. Don't want to miss a bit.

Not Good!

It has taken me six months to finish this book, I had to stop listening then go back, the narrator was awful, the story line was interesting but not reverting...

Sloooow reader

Not one of Rendell's best. I found the reader hard to tolerate. Much prefer Simon Vance.

Narrator

Narrator's voice irritated me. Unable to finish book due to this.

Disappointing

Not up to Rendell's usual excellence. But the main complaint is the reader....never want to listen to him again. Blurred voice and sounded so old - made all the characters sound like they had one foot in the grave.

Disappointed

I am along time fan of Ruth Rendell and all of her "Inspector Wexford" novels and eagerly looked forward to listening to this one. The very poor reader spoiled it for me and I could not finish listening to it. I will borrow it from the library.

boring

The narrator is english and monotone. The content is boring

Ruth Rendell does not like or respect women.

Her female characters are neurotic, supercilious, vacuous creatures Sheila, Sylvia, Jenny, Hannah and Lynn are mind numbingly stupefying. Did she really think she was showing women in a positive light? This last one trashes Moslem females. I have read many author's from years ago, but these are a first. Dora is the only interesting or intelligent lady in the lot. It made one wonder about Ruth's demons. I am done, I cannot stomach the last two in this series.

Hard listen

I've been a Ruth Rendell fan for a long time, but this reader makes it a hard listen for me. Not a good choice for this type of novel.