A Novel
by Ruth Rendell
Ruth Rendell is widely considered to be crime fiction's reigning queen, with a remarkable career spanning more than forty years. Now, in Portobello, she delivers a captivating and intricate tale that weaves together the troubled lives of several people in the gentrified neighborhood of London's Notting Hill.
Walking to the shops one day, fifty-year-old Eugene Wren discovers an envelope on the street bulging with cash. A man plagued by a shameful addictionand his own good intentionsWren hatches a plan to find the moneys rightful owner. Instead of going to the police, or taking the cash for himself, he prints a notice and posts it around Portobello Road. This ill-conceived act creates a chain of events that links Wren to other Londonerspeople afflicted with their own obsessions and despairs. As these volatile characters come into Wrens lifeand the life of his trusting fiancéethe consequences will change them all.
Portobello is a wonderfully complex tour de force featuring a dazzling depiction of one of Londons most intriguing neighborhoodsand the dangers beneath its newly posh veneer.
"Starred Review. Her style has become ever more spare while retaining its subtle psychology and vivid sense of place." - Publishers Weekly
"The author's latest work is engrossing psychological suspense, which will keep readers engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended." - Library Journal
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Ruth Rendell was born February 17, 1930 in Essex, England. During her 50-year writing career she wrote over 60 novels, both under her own name and using her pseudonym, Barbara Vine.
Rendell was credited with bringing a social and psychological dimension to crime fiction, which led to considerable commercial and success and critical praise. Many of her books were were adapted for both movies and television, especially including the Inspector Wexford series.
Rendell was awarded three Edgars for best novel by the Mystery Writers of America, as well as the Grand Master Award. In England, the Crime Writers' Association honored her with two Gold Dagger awards for best novel, a Silver Dagger, and a Diamond Dagger for outstanding contribution to the genre. She lived in London.
Ruth ...
Name Pronunciation
Ruth Rendell: ren-DELL
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