This is the first Ruth Rendell I've read and I really enjoyed it. The plot is very clever and I really liked how the author managed to interweave two apparently separate stories. The characterization was also very well done. It's always great to find an author who combines suspense and mystery with compelling characterizations. There are many crime/mystery writers who are good at plotting and setting up puzzles, but are short on just about every other literary skill. Rendell is the whole package. I will definitely read some more of her works. ( )

The first time I read this book, I was "blown away"; on second reading, however, the tale lacked the impact. Why? I suspect that I willingly gave myself to the author, not judging prose or structure. The second time I read to learn, with a critical eye. That eye killed the novel. Alas. ( )