Order of Ruth Rendell Books

Ruth Rendell (1930-2015) was an English author of crime fiction, psychological thrillers and mystery novels. She is credited alongside P.D. James for developing the whodunit subgenre into more of a whydunit. She is best known for her Inspector Wexford series. She also writes under the pen name Barbara Vine.

Ruth Rendell made her literary debut in From Doon With Death in 1964, which began her Inspector Wexford series. Below is a list of Ruth Rendell’s books in order of when they were originally released (and in chronological order):

Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books

Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Collections Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Notes: A New Lease of Death was also published as The Sins of the Fathers. Put on by Cunning was also published as Death Notes. Asta’s Book was also published as Anna’s Book.

A Dark Adapted Eye, A Fatal Inversion, The House of Stairs, Gallowglass, King Solomon’s Carpet, Asta’s Book, No Night is Too Long, The Brimstone Wedding, The Chimney Sweeper’s Boy, Grasshopper, The Blood Doctor, The Minotaur, The Birthday Present and The Child’s Child were published under the nom de plume of Barbara Vine.

If You Like Ruth Rendell Books, You’ll Love…

• Elizabeth George
• P.D. James
• Louise Penny

Ruth Rendell Synopses: To Fear a Painted Devil is a standalone novel by novelist Ruth Rendell. In the tranquil enclave of Linchester, the ordinary affairs of a small community are infused with intrigue: romantic entanglements, financial woes, and marriages that have lost their spark. However, the local gossip reaches an unprecedented fervor when Patrick Selby, a young man, tragically passes away on the evening of his wife’s lavish birthday celebration.

The entire neighborhood had assembled to mark the occasion, only to become witnesses to the harrowing incident where Patrick was mercilessly attacked by a swarm of wasps. Yet, as questions multiply, doubts arise about the true cause of Patrick’s demise. Dr. Greenleaf, a local physician, finds himself skeptical that the fatal outcome was solely due to a wasp sting; he suspects heart failure as a likelier cause.

Nevertheless, Greenleaf remains unsettled about the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s death. The fact that Patrick was universally disliked within Linchester raises suspicions further. Teaming up with a knowledgeable naturalist, Dr. Greenleaf embarks on a journey of investigation and begins to ponder the possibility of foul play, piecing together the puzzle of a potential murder.

Vanity Dies Hard by Ruth Rendell is a standalone novel. Alice Whittaker, now Alice Fielding after her marriage, is a woman of significant wealth, renowned for her philanthropy and benevolence. When her close friend Nesta goes missing, Alice’s determination to locate her and provide assistance knows no bounds. Money is no object if it aids her quest, a principle Alice staunchly upholds.

However, amidst her efforts, Alice’s well-being takes a disconcerting turn. A persistent illness begins to take hold, leaving her weakened and debilitated. Her attractive, younger husband, who bears a ten-year age difference, appears devoted to aiding her recovery, keeping her within the confines of their home. Yet, Alice finds herself questioning his intentions. Is he simply concerned for her health or does he harbor a hidden agenda to prevent her from uncovering Nesta’s whereabouts?

Despite her ailing condition, Alice’s curiosity thrives, compelling her to seek answers. With each revelation she unearths about Nesta’s disappearance, her conviction deepens that her own safety may be jeopardized. In the midst of her illness, Alice refuses to abandon her pursuit of truth, even as the shadows of danger lengthen around her.

In The Secret House of Death by Ruth Rendell, for his third visit to the somber residence on Orchard Drive, he followed his established routine. Parking his vehicle in a familiar spot, he carried a briefcase, his purpose clear. Waiting for him at the door, as in the previous times, was Louise North.

Amidst the intrigue unfolding next door, Susan Townsend remained an outlier, uninterested in the affairs of her neighbors or the local chitchat revolving around them. However, it would be Susan who stumbled upon the lifeless bodies of the lovers—corpses bound not by affection, but by the grip of death itself.

While the neighborhood’s fascination swirled around the tragic event, Susan remained detached from the spectacle. Yet, her own existence would be placed in jeopardy by an atrocious crime more horrifying than the most malicious rumors could conjure. As darkness veiled her surroundings, Susan would become entangled in a web of malevolence beyond the realm of common imagination.

4 Responses to “Order of Ruth Rendell Books”

1. Suz Nagel: 6 years ago

   Discovered Ruth Rendell by accident now she is my favorite author. A Sight for Sore Eyes was my first novel and it was so creepy i was blown away by the innocence of the characters. The Minotaur has me totally enthralled.

   Reply

2. Judy Harris: 7 years ago

   http://users.bestweb.net/~foosie/rendell.htm

   Reply

3. jennybloggs: 8 years ago

   I have just finished The Girl Next Door. In my opinion this work confirms her, if confirmation is needed, as a literary great and places her in that pantheon of people who are capable, simultaneously, of genius and immense popularity. In this novel she explores the lives of a group of elderly people who were children together in war time Britain. And something awful happened then but they were children and did not understand what was under their collective nose. Their lives, their relationships, their hopes, fears, losses, are all explored with unflinching acuity. As are the changes in the English language. She is herself but if I were asked who she might be a natural partner with then Graham Greene comes to mind. She charts suburbia as well as Greene knew Greeneland.

   Reply

4. Gill Redfearn: 9 years ago

   I have started to re-read them. The earlier ones, which were written when I was a teenager, seem to be set in a different world and Ruth Rendell certainly developed the characters and home lives of the detectives in her later books.

   Reply