Book Review: Murder Being Once Done

How wonderful it feels to be reading Ruth Rendell after a long time! From the acclaimed author of the Inspector Wexford series and some of the best dark psychological thrillers (published under the pseudonym Barbara Vine) comes a cozy, inviting whodunit conceived with an eye for detail and a strong sense of place. Murder Being Once Done (1972) opens with Reginald Wexford taking a holiday in London to recover from a bout of thrombosis. Tired of being fussed over by his wife Dora and following his doctor's strict orders to abide by an alcohol-free diet and, most importantly, no police work, all he can make do with for now is to read Thomas More's Utopia. To add salt to the injury, his Detective Superintendent nephew is investigating the murder of a 20-year-old girl, a Loveday Morgan, who was found dead in Kenbourne Cemetery. Just as Wexford is slowly drawn to the case, he sets off on a parallel investigation of his own to get to the bottom of it all. The writing, needless to say, remains Rendell's strong points (plus a quote from Oscar Wilde too: "The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young."). Delving into themes of adoption and religious intolerance, Rendell crafts an engrossing page-turner that reveals itself in increments. A vivid description, masterful sleight of hand, and a lightness of touch add up to a terrific read for aficionados and newcomers alike.