Sins of the Fathers (Chief Inspector Wexford Mysteries, No. 2)

This is less a mystery than a meditation, as Gamache must solve a murder while confronting his and his assistant’s doubts and failings.

Rendell's second Wexford novel may appear a bit dated but it is easy to see the great writer that she was becoming. This book (released as "A New Lease of Death" in the U.S.) is taut, excellently plotted, fully characterized and full of descriptive settings. Wexford lovers may be surprised to find that he really plays a minor part in this book. A pastor by the name of Henry Archery wants to clear the name of the guilty party in Wexford's first case. Archery's daughter is engaged to his son and heaven forbid, there can't be any bad blood being introduced into the family. Archery second-guesses Wexford's work on the case and attempts to find out what really happened. Thus the bulk of the book follows the arrogant Archery and his equally smarmy son as they attempt to clear the name of the fiancée. Inspector Burden also plays a significant part here, even more so than Wexford. Wexford is described as a bit gruff and uncouth in this novel, a few characterizations she toned down for him in subsequent books.

I have read many Ruth Rendell books, and thought this one a little different from the rest. It felt as if Inspector Wexford was taking a back seat to the character who is searching for the truth in an old murder. This reason for investigation is quickly explained-his son is to marry the murderer's daughter, and he must either come to grips with that fact or, preferably, find that the convicted man was wrongly found guilty. Told from another's perspective, Inspector Wexford was a somewhat lesser character in the story line. Not sure if I enjoyed it as much, but I loved, as usual, the many different characters she describes, and their roles in the story line. She is able to provide great descriptions, so I am able to envision each person, how they look, their mannerisms, their quirky traits.I enjoyed this book, and there was a sufficient twist in the end to make it a true Ruth Rendell.

It was there, and I didn't see it coming.

Pretty good book with an ending that surprised me and I don't say that often. But it's not a book I would put on my shelf to read again later and I did not want to order the other books in the series. A good read, far above most of the "cozy" crap being published now. Just not a great book.

Leisure reading

Love her mysteries. The book was readonable in price.

Rendell is totally wonderful. Aiming to read them all - my only regret is that at some point I will have done that. Hope my memory is bad enough then so I can start over!

The book arrived in the time frame given and was in excellent condition.

I love all Rendell's books and this one in particular, but there is a problem about titles; the same book is edited as : "A new lease of death" or "Sins of the fathers". It is very curious.Enfin l'auteur réussit à me tenir en haleine jusqu'au bout même si l'histoire est un peu vieille. J'ai tout de même un faible pour les enquêtes à l'ancienne.

In not so many words: I read maybe 30 books (or more) written by Rendell/Vine, this one is present and can be called in memory instantly. It has an impressing and hard to forget atmosphere, it has charm; it is packing and it is romantic. It has its own history; past and present entwine in a story full of deceit, violence, lies, surprises and love, shared love, hopeless love. simply five stars!

Considering this book was second hand and had come from USA Housten Texas) I think the quality and service were exceptional