The Vault An Inspector Wexford Novel

Ruth Rendell "is in top form" ( Booklist) in this sequel to A Sight for Sore Eyesone of Rendell's most beloved novelsfeaturing the retired Inspector Wexford. In the stunning climax to Rendell's classic A Sight for Sore Eyes, three bodiestwo dead, one livingare entombed in an underground chamber beneath a picturesque London house. Twelve years later, the house's new owner makes a grisly discovery. Only now, the number of bodies is four. How did somebody else end up in the chamber? And who knew of its existence? With their own detectives at an impasse, police call on former Chief Inspector Wexford, now retired and living with his wife in London, to advise them on the case. Wexford, missing the thrill of the hunt, jumps at the chance to sleuth again. His dogged detective skills take him to London neighborhoods, posh and poor, as he follows a complex criminal trail. But just as Wexford's case gets hot, a devastating family tragedy pulls Wexford to his childhood home, and for the first time in his life, Wexford finds himself transforming from investigator into victim.

Ruth Rendell has won numerous awards, including three Edgar Awards, the highest accolade from Mystery Writers of America, as well as four Gold Daggers and a Diamond Dagger for outstanding contribution to the genre from England’s prestigious Crime Writer’s Association. A member of the House of Lords, she lives in London.