Inspector Wexford

Ruth Rendell
Started in 1964
8 Books

About the Series

The Inspector Wexford series follows Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford, a thoughtful and methodical detective in a fictional English town. The series delves into various murder mysteries that challenge Wexford's intellect and moral compass, often reflecting on societal issues and human nature. Known for its keen insights and rich character development, the series is a staple in British crime fiction.

Series Details

  • Author:Ruth Rendell
  • Started:1964
  • Books:8
  • Status:Complete

Genres

MysteryCrimeThrillerDetective Fiction

Themes

JusticeMoralitySocietal IssuesHuman NatureFamily Dynamics

Books in Order

1

From Doon with Death

1964

In the first novel of the series, Inspector Wexford investigates the murder of a local woman, uncovering a web of secrets and lies in the seemingly quiet town. The case challenges Wexford's understanding of morality and the complexities of human relationships.

Series StartCore Series
2

A New Lease of Death

1967

Wexford is called to investigate a murder that appears to be linked to a long-standing family feud. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds that the motivations for crime can often be rooted in the past.

Core Series
3

Wolf to the Slaughter

1967

In this gripping tale, Wexford is faced with a complex murder case involving the disappearance of a young woman. The investigation leads him to question the reliability of witnesses and the nature of truth.

Core Series
4

The Best Man to Die

1968

A wedding turns into a murder scene when the best man is found dead. Wexford must navigate the intricate relationships of those involved to uncover the killer, making this one of his most challenging cases yet.

Core Series
5

Some Lie and Some Die

1969

Wexford investigates the mysterious deaths surrounding a local artist. The case reveals the darker sides of creativity and ambition, compelling Wexford to confront his own biases.

Core Series
6

The House of Stairs

1971

In a chilling narrative, Wexford finds himself investigating the death of a young girl found in a mansion filled with secrets. Each clue leads him deeper into a labyrinth of deception and lost innocence.

Core Series
7

An Unkindness of Ravens

1985

This novel finds Wexford tangled in a case that involves a series of seemingly unrelated deaths. As he pieces together the puzzle, he uncovers a disturbing pattern that shakes the community to its core.

Core Series
8

The Monster in the Box

2009

In the final installment, Wexford faces one of his most personal cases as he confronts a figure from his past. The narrative explores themes of redemption and the enduring impact of unresolved issues.

Series Finale

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Inspector Wexford series a standalone series or does it need to be read in order?

While each book in the Inspector Wexford series can be read as a standalone mystery, the character development and overarching themes are best appreciated when read in order.

How many books are there in the Inspector Wexford series?

There are a total of 24 novels in the Inspector Wexford series, with the first book published in 1964 and the last in 2009.

What makes Inspector Wexford a unique character in detective fiction?

Inspector Wexford is known for his intelligence, empathy, and moral integrity. Unlike many detectives, he often reflects on the societal implications of crime, making his investigations deeply engaging and thought-provoking.

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