Help locating a book, a detective, and an author

I recall reading a British mystery several years ago--possibly by either Ruth Rendell or P.D. James--that honestly touched on the always sensitive topic of the detective's discomfort when he realizes that he much prefers the company of one of his daughters as compared to his other daughter. Any leads would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Sounds like a Wexford mystery by Ruth Rendell. Possibly End in Tears.

If you don't get a reply, be sure to post here about it:

http://www.librarything.com/groups/namethatbook

They're usually fairly good about find titles.