🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Ruth Rendell
Throughout the beginning of this new millennium, Ruth has completed 23 more titles including, six more Wexford novels, seven more standalone novels, her second novella, five novels written under the pen name of Barbara Vine, three more short story collections, and one children’s fiction titled Archie and Archie; published in 2013. La Demoiselle d’honneur, based on Ruth’s novel, The Bridesmaid, was filmed in 2004 and another version of The Tree of Hands was filmed in 2001. In 2004, Ruth received the Mystery Ink Gumshoe Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2005, she received the CWA Dagger of Daggers for A Fatal Inversion. In 2007 she won both the Gumshoe Award for Best Crime Novel for The Minotaur, and Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award for End in Tears. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, Ruth Rendell has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Ruth Rendell
From Doon With Death
A gripping mystery unfolds in From Doon With Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Sins of the Fathers / A New Lease of Death
A gripping mystery unfolds in Sins of the Fathers / A New Lease of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Wolf to the Slaughter
Wolf to the Slaughter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Best Man to Die
The Best Man to Die is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
A Guilty Thing Surprised
A Guilty Thing Surprised continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
No More Dying Then
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with No More Dying Then, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Murder Being Once Done
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Being Once Done as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Some Lie and Some Die
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with Some Lie and Some Die, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Shake Hands Forever
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with Shake Hands Forever, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
A Sleeping Life
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with A Sleeping Life, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Death Notes / Put On By Cunning
A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Notes / Put On By Cunning as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Speaker of Mandarin
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with Speaker of Mandarin, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
An Unkindness of Ravens
An Unkindness of Ravens is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Veiled One
The Veiled One is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Kissing the Gunner's Daughter
Kissing the Gunner's Daughter explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series by Ruth Rendell.
Ginger and the Kingsmarkham
Ginger and the Kingsmarkham is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Simisola
Simisola is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Road Rage
Road Rage continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Harm Done
Harm Done continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Babes in the Wood
The Babes in the Wood continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
End in Tears
End in Tears continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Not in the Flesh
Not in the Flesh is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Monster in the Box
The Monster in the Box continues the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Vault
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with The Vault, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
No Man's Nightingale
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books with No Man's Nightingale, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Means of Evil
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Collections Books with Means of Evil, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
To Fear a Painted Devil
To Fear a Painted Devil continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Vanity Dies Hard
Vanity Dies Hard continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Secret House Of Death
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Secret House Of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
One Across, Two Down
One Across, Two Down is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Face of Trespass
The Face of Trespass continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Demon in My View
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Demon in My View, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
A Judgement in Stone
A Judgement in Stone continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Make Death Love Me
A gripping mystery unfolds in Make Death Love Me as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
The Lake of Darkness
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Lake of Darkness, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Master of the Moor
Master of the Moor continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Killing Doll
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killing Doll as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
The Tree of Hands
The Tree of Hands is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Live Flesh
Live Flesh continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Talking to Strange Men
Talking to Strange Men continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Bridesmaid
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Bridesmaid, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Going Wrong
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Going Wrong, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The Crocodile Bird
The Crocodile Bird continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Keys to the Street
The Keys to the Street is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Sight for Sore Eyes, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Adam and Eve and Pinch Me
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Adam and Eve and Pinch Me, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The Rottweiler
The Rottweiler continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
13 Steps Down
13 Steps Down continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Water's Lovely
The Water's Lovely explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Ruth Rendell.
Portobello
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Portobello, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Tigerlily's Orchids
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Tigerlily's Orchids, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The Saint Zita Society
The Saint Zita Society continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Girl Next Door
The Girl Next Door is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Dark Corners
Dark Corners is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Convolvulus Clock
The Convolvulus Clock continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Heartstones
Heartstones explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series by Ruth Rendell.
Long Live The Queen
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Long Live The Queen, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Thornapple
Thornapple is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Thief
The Thief is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Fallen Curtain
The Fallen Curtain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Fever Tree
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Fever Tree, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The New Girlfriend
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The New Girlfriend, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Collected Short Stories
Collected Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Copper Peacock and Other Stories
The Copper Peacock and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Blood Lines
A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Lines as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Piranha to Scurfy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Piranha to Scurfy, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Ruth Rendell: Short Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Ruth Rendell: Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Collected Stories Vol 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Collected Stories Vol 1, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
A Spot of Folly
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with A Spot of Folly, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
BBC Radio Drama Collection
BBC Radio Drama Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Archie and Archie
Archie and Archie is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Ruth Rendell's Suffolk
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Ruth Rendell's Suffolk, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The Reason Why
The Reason Why continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Simply The Best Mysteries, Edgar Award Winners And Front Runners
Conflict and courage define Simply The Best Mysteries, Edgar Award Winners And Front Runners, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Ruth Rendell that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The 23rd Pan Book of Horror Stories
The 23rd Pan Book of Horror Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
The Web She Weaves
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Web She Weaves, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Murder in the Dark
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in the Dark as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Ready or Not: Here Come Fourteen Frightening Stories!
Ready or Not: Here Come Fourteen Frightening Stories! continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
English Country House Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in English Country House Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
The Picador Book of the New Gothic
The Picador Book of the New Gothic is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Mystery Cats
Mystery Cats continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
1st Culprit
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 1st Culprit, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
The Man Who...
The Man Who... continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Women of Mystery
Women of Mystery continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1992
The investigation intensifies in The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1992, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ruth Rendell's creation.
Fifty Best Mysteries
Fifty Best Mysteries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
3rd Culprit
3rd Culprit continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Women of Mystery II
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Women of Mystery II, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: November 1994
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: November 1994 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993
The investigation intensifies in The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ruth Rendell's creation.
Murder Intercontinental
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Intercontinental as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Murder by the Book
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder by the Book as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Win, Lose or Die
Win, Lose or Die continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Women of Mystery III
Women of Mystery III continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Crime After Crime
The investigation intensifies in Crime After Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ruth Rendell's creation.
Crime Never Pays
The investigation intensifies in Crime Never Pays, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ruth Rendell's creation.
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3
The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ruth Rendell's creation.
Murder On The Railways
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder On The Railways as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Feline Felonies
Feline Felonies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ruth Rendell have come to expect.
Unforgettable Ghost Stories by Women Writers
Unforgettable Ghost Stories by Women Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ruth Rendell's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Great Modern Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Modern Stories, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Midsummer Nights
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Midsummer Nights, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection, another outstanding contribution from Ruth Rendell.
Murder in Midsummer: Classic Mysteries for the Holidays
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Midsummer: Classic Mysteries for the Holidays as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
Murder Takes a Holiday
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Takes a Holiday as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ruth Rendell's mastery of suspense.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruth Rendell?
Ruth Rendell is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 105 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books, Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Collections Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Ruth Rendell series to start with?
For readers new to Ruth Rendell's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 25 books. Begin with From Doon With Death to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Ruth Rendell written?
Ruth Rendell has written over 105 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Ruth Rendell books in order?
Yes, reading Ruth Rendell's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Ruth Rendell write in?
Ruth Rendell writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 105 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Ruth Rendell's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Ruth Rendell's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Ruth Rendell's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ruth Rendell's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Wexford Books series. The first book, From Doon With Death, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.