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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 Crime Marriage
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Ruth Rendell always writes a good story and this narrator is spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Always

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I found this one a bit hard going and long winded. Loved hearing Reg and Dora's back story and there was a great twist i didn't see coming in that, but the actual story went on too long and i felt that the author was on a bit of a soap box about racism that overshadowed the real story of the murderer and made him more of a bit player than he should have been.

Not as good as others in the series

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Enjoyed the plot line - reader especially good.

Very much enjoy Reg and his pondering - as he navigates the case.

inspector Wexford - strikes again

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I've almost listened and read every Inspector Wexford story now, and this is one of my favourites, flashing back into some of Wexford's back story, while weaving in other crimes solved. the escaped lion is an hilarious touch.

one of my favourite Wexford stories

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really enjoyed this story. well performed and easy to listen to. A story that perhaps would not be written in the same way in today's times with hyper sensitivity to racial stereotypes. an honest account I think though

exceptional performance.

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More than a good mystery, this is a saga really. It covers a good deal of Wexford's career and nimble weaves two stories together. Fascinating and altogether interesting.

If you like a good story...

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Most crime novels are a slow burn but this is simply boring waffle. The reader would cure any cases of insomnia out there. This was undoubtedly the most boring of the hundreds of books I’ve listened to on Audible.

Simply boring

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I usually like Rendell stories, but this one was boring. even the narrator who is usually good sounded tired, did very poor female voice impressions. waste of time. glad it was free.

disappointing

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If you love crime and mystery you’ll get to the end of the book (if you don’t give up before that is) and wonder - that was it? Days of listening and that’s it? The book is very slow paced and it doesn’t pick up. There are really so many books out there, I wouldn’t recommend this one to anyone.

there are many better books out there

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.