Beth Fish Reads: Review: No Man's Nightingale by Ruth Rendell

26 November 2013

Review: No Man's Nightingale by Ruth Rendell

I guess I've come a long way in getting over my phobia about reading a series out of order. When I was given the chance to listen to Ruth Rendell's latest Reginald Wexford novel, I didn't hesitate to say yes.

I have heard only good things about the Wexford books, and my only regret at meeting the chief inspector in his twenty-fourth adventure, No Man's Nightingale, is that I now need to find the time to read the earlier installments. I'm sure Rendell's fans are cringing at all the character development and background I've missed, but I truly didn't notice any gaps.

This review includes no spoilers for No Man's Nightingale, but I don't know what I might be giving away from earlier novels in the series.

What's the mystery? When his housekeeper discovers the dead body of the local female vicar, Reginald Wexford is called out of retirement to act as a consultant. It appears that, for a number of reasons (she's a woman, she's modern, she's biracial, she's a single mom), the Reverend Sarah Hussain was not universally liked in her parish. As Wexford interviews suspects and digs into the vicar's life, he discovers a complicated mesh of petty crime, secret pasts, and hidden relationships.
The chief investigator: I liked Wexford's personality: He seems very grounded and has a kind streak, but at the same time, he's no pushover. He also seemed to be at peace with his retirement, but when asked to take a look at the crime scene, he was more than happy to oblige. Rendell did a great job conveying Wexford's struggle with remembering that he is now a civilian, with no real authority.
The other characters: I liked that we get a glimpse of Wexford's wife, daughter, and grandson because it allows us to see the man in his different roles. The witnesses, suspects, and red herrings are all convincingly developed, and I was unable to work out the murderer on my own.
The audiobook: The unabridged audiobook was produced by Simon & Schuster Audio (8 hr, 44 min). Although my full audiobook review will be published by AudioFile magazine, I'll give you a hint now: I loved narrator Nigel Anthony's characterizations. This is my first experience with Anthony, and I was impressed.

9 comments:

bermudaonion, 11/26/13, 8:06 AM: Yeah, I gave up on reading a series in order a long time ago. This sounds like a series I'd love!
rhapsodyinbooks, 11/26/13, 8:33 AM: Many people have recommended this author to me as well.
Beth Hoffman, 11/26/13, 8:53 AM: This is the first time I've heard about this book, and I suspect I'd like it a lot! Glad to know that it's not necessary to read the series in order. Yet another title I'm adding to my list!
Tea Topazshell, 11/26/13, 11:49 AM: I have heard so much about this author. Never read one of her books.
Barbara, 11/26/13, 7:30 PM: I used to read her books but for some reason (too many others to read) I stopped. Must keep her in mind since I'm cutting down on book tour commitments.
The Solitary Cook, 11/26/13, 7:45 PM: I love Ruth Rendell! Thank you; I didn't realize there was a new one out.
JoAnn, 11/26/13, 8:46 PM: It's been too long since I last read Ruth Rendell. If you can read a series out of order, then surely I can try , too ;-)
Nise' , 11/26/13, 9:27 PM: I am proud of you for reading a book out of the series order. I am doing it with Killer Ambition too.
Charlie (The Worm Hole), 11/27/13, 12:56 PM: I've a book so far through a series that I doubt I'll ever read it if I don't accept the fact I'd be spending at least half a year reading one series in order to read it at the 'right' time. 24 books is a lot to wait for, too.

I heard of this author the other day, and I like that you couldn't work out the mystery - those are the best.