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viegreifen's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of what happened for Wexford to find the killer seemed random and completely by chance rather than by traditional detective work. There was also a side story that really didn't add to the overall novel and could have been omitted. It started off good, then it got boring.
ratgirlreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
emjay2021's review against another edition
4.0
I really like the Wexford mysteries--I've read a lot of them over the years, from the early ones to the more recent ones. In this one, Wexford is retired but comes on as a consultant for a case involving four bodies found in the blocked-up cellar of a house. I quite enjoyed it, though I found Wexford's occasional lack of sympathy for his daughter rather unforgivable. He (and the author, perhaps?) is rather judgmental and old-school. Still, a fast, engaging read that makes you want to get to the end so you can find out what happened.
***
Trying out my first ebook ever. So far, so good.
***
Trying out my first ebook ever. So far, so good.
marlynb's review against another edition
5.0
After all his years on the job, Reg Wexford has finally retired. He and Dora have turned the carriage house of actress-daughter Sheila's Hampstead home into a second home, keeping their house in Kingsmarkham. Wexford is enjoying retirement, especially walking around and exploring London, but he admits to himself that he misses police work.
Enter Tom Ede, whom Reg had met years earlier when Ede was new to the Force. Now a Detective Superintendent in London, Ede asks Wexford to "consult" on a puzzling case.
During an inspection prior to some home renovations, a couple living in an affluent part of the city found four bodies dumped in what used to be a coal storage hole.
The staircase leading to the house from the hole was bricked over, and the outside entrance, a manhole cover, was also sealed. There's no identification on any of the bodies, though one of the two males has some fine jewellery in his pocket.
As expected, Wexford becomes almost obsessed with the case, and keeps on digging after the police have essentially given up.
As always, there is a second plotline involving Wexford's family. This time, daughter Sylvia has some complications with a romantic relationship.
The Vault is the twenty-third book in the Chief Inspector Wexford series. The first book in the series, From Doon with Death, was published in 1964. That (if my English-major math is correct) is 47 years ago. As a result, many readers worldwide have have plenty of time to become familiar and comfortable with Reg Wexford, his family and colleagues.
However, familiarity does not breed discontent here. Rendell's writing continues to be exceptional, and more Wexford novels are eagerly awaited by this reviewer!
*Many thanks to the publisher for the e-galley!
Enter Tom Ede, whom Reg had met years earlier when Ede was new to the Force. Now a Detective Superintendent in London, Ede asks Wexford to "consult" on a puzzling case.
During an inspection prior to some home renovations, a couple living in an affluent part of the city found four bodies dumped in what used to be a coal storage hole.
The staircase leading to the house from the hole was bricked over, and the outside entrance, a manhole cover, was also sealed. There's no identification on any of the bodies, though one of the two males has some fine jewellery in his pocket.
As expected, Wexford becomes almost obsessed with the case, and keeps on digging after the police have essentially given up.
As always, there is a second plotline involving Wexford's family. This time, daughter Sylvia has some complications with a romantic relationship.
The Vault is the twenty-third book in the Chief Inspector Wexford series. The first book in the series, From Doon with Death, was published in 1964. That (if my English-major math is correct) is 47 years ago. As a result, many readers worldwide have have plenty of time to become familiar and comfortable with Reg Wexford, his family and colleagues.
However, familiarity does not breed discontent here. Rendell's writing continues to be exceptional, and more Wexford novels are eagerly awaited by this reviewer!
*Many thanks to the publisher for the e-galley!
januaryreads's review against another edition
3.0
This started out as a great book; very well-written, especially considering it's a crime novel. Towards the end, though, it lost its momentum, with the conclusion being dull and unimaginative. All throughout it was four stars for me, but this was very disappointing. In a sense, this is due to the fact that the story is realistic, without any crazy plot twists that leave gaping plot holes. Characters are worked out quite well, and it was particularly nice to have the protagonists children (or one of them) not be the wonderful little angels, or the horrid demons, they usually are, but a regular person. All in all, I enjoyed reading this book a lot, but felt let down by the ending.
margaret21's review against another edition
2.0
I've read several Ruth Rendell books, expecting each time to discover why they're so popular. I just don't get it. The plots depend on coincidence after coincidence and the prose is clunky. And Wexford, now retired, gets through every door as he assists in this investigation, even though he no longer has Police ID. Really? At best, a holiday read.
tonytomato's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
julie7's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 ⭐ = Quite Good.
Another in the Wexford series.
A decent storyline, but I felt the ending was a little too predictable.
Another in the Wexford series.
A decent storyline, but I felt the ending was a little too predictable.
willac's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It felt comfortable, like a conversation with an old friend. I've read all of the previous Wexford books, and liked some more than others, but I really liked this one. I didn't think it was convoluted at all. I enjoyed reading about Wexford in his semi-retirement, and enjoyed the story. I kind of resent other reviewers saying that those who rated the book highly must not have read it. People have different likes and dislikes and different ways of judging books. I rate books highly that I enjoy, that keep me interested and keep me engaged, and this one did. In my book, and on my terms, that rates as five stars.
judyward's review against another edition
2.0
I love Ruth Rendell's books and so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Especially when I realized that it was written as a sequel to the previously published A Sight for Sore Eyes which I really enjoyed. However, this book doesn't live up to the standards of the first book. Chief Inspector Wexford is finally retired in this 23rd book in the series and while he enjoys having time to read and travel, he welcomes the opportunity to aid the police as a consultant in a complex case. I found this a disappointing read from one of my favorite authors.