The Monster in the Box cover art

The Monster in the Box

A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery, Book 22

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The Monster in the Box

By: Ruth Rendell
Narrated by: Nigel Anthony
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About this listen

 Wexford had almost made up his mind that he would never again set eyes on Eric Targo. And yet there he was, back in Kingsmarkham, still with that cocky, strutting walk.

Years earlier, when Wexford was a young police officer, a woman called Elsie Carroll had been found strangled in her bedroom. Although many still had their suspicions that her husband was guilty, no one was convicted. Another woman was strangled shortly afterwards, and every instinct told Wexford that the killer was still at large. And that it was Eric Targo; a psychopath who would kill again.

As the Chief Inspector investigates a new case, Ruth Rendell looks back to the beginning of Wexford's career, even to his courtship of the woman who would become his wife. The past is a haunted place, with clues and passions that leave an indelible imprint on the here and now.

©2009 Kingsmarkham Enterprises Ltd (P)2014 Audible, Inc Crime Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Marriage

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All stars
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Fairly good - not enough pace for me and not enough of a mystery, so although a good listen and it's good to know how it pans out in the end, I won't listen to it again. Not a 'classic'.

A normal Ruth Rendell

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A typical Ruth Rendell page turner, which is full of twists and turns, with perfect narration.

perfect narration

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make this story unbearably tedious. I am older than Wexford is supposed to be, but it doesn’t occur to me to constantly harp on the old days and what was so different about them. Stultifying.

Endless references to how it used to be

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Not as good as usual books very slow going not the usual standard of book

Not usual standard

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This was one of the best Inspector Wexford books I’ve listened to so far. The story had twists and turns and kept me interested all the way through.

Really enjoyed this book

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really good story very well narrated. kept me on edge . ending was unexpected.

good story keeps you in suspense.

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Intriguing storyline great narration not something I would usually read but throughly enjoyed. Would recommend.

Great narration and storyline

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This is the first Ruth Rendell book I have listened to … very enjoyable. I particularly liked the controversial thinking of individuals … we all tend to question what we say or think these days which we didn’t before … quite a challenge at times. The humour of the escaped lion was fun and a surprise. I will happily listen to more Ruth Rendell stories.

A good read all round

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"The Monster in the Box" is one of the weaker Rendell mysteries, but still fun and relaxing. As always, Wexford's private musings are priceless.

Light and relaxing.

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Another classic from Ruth Rendell, beautifully narrated.
This book tells us more than we have learnt before about Wexford’s early adult life. The main narrative is historical, combined with a modern theme, the two being cleverly combined in the denouement.
Slow in development, this book is still well worth reading.

Remarkable and somewhat different

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