A new Chief Inspector Wexford mystery from the author who Time magazine has called “the best mystery writer in the English-speaking world.” When the truffle-hunting dog starts to dig furiously, his master’s first reaction is delight at the size of the clump the dog has unearthed: at the going rate, this one truffle might be worth several hundred pounds. Then the dirt falls away to reveal not a precious mushroom but the bones and tendons of what is clearly a human hand. In Not in the Flesh, Chief Inspector Wexford tries to piece together events that took place eleven years earlier, a time when someone was secretly interred in a secluded patch of English countryside. Now Wexford and his team will need to interrogate everyone who lives nearby to see if they can turn up a match for the dead man among the eighty-five people in this part of England who have disappeared over the past decade. Then, when a second body is discovered nearby, Wexford experiences a feeling that’s become a rarity for the veteran policeman: surprise. As Wexford painstakingly moves to resolve these multiple mysteries, long-buried secrets are brought to daylight, and Ruth Rendell once again proves why she has been hailed as our greatest living mystery writer.
Download and start listening now!
"I like the way Rendell adds interesting bits of story other than the main mystery. There's always something else going on in Wexford's life. This mystery was really enjoyable after I got into it. Top-notch. Rendell's stories read so easy and the language is almost lyrical. I love these books."
— Temple (5 out of 5 stars)
" Truffle-hunting dog discovers a skeleton that was buried 11 years before. "
— Kitty, 1/30/2014" Another fine novel from one of the best writers of any genre in contemporary letters. "
— Chaika, 1/20/2014" Any Ruth Rendell is worth the wait! "
— Peg, 1/15/2014" im almost done w/ this book. It's just sorta boring, i mean i didnt really like the way it was written. I think it started out with a good story line, but it just sorta bored me more and more as I continued to read. "
— Jαℓчη, 12/30/2013" I have started this Dectictive Wexford book. I like any crime books that are set in England. I am almost on chapter 3 and I started this book on 1/24/12. More to come later. I was losing interest in this book. Anyhow I might try back later. "
— Emily, 12/29/2013" I really enjoyed this one, though it was a bit tamer than many other Wexford series books. I had pretty much figured out a lot of the plot, but still enjoyed the book. Rendell is such an amazing writer and thank goodness she writes a lot. "
— Barbara, 12/17/2013" I love a good mystery but this one didn't do it for me at all. I didn't find the story or characters very compelling. "
— Annie, 11/27/2013" nicely written...it reads really well...much better than the usual writing for this genre...the characters actually seem real as does their conversation...nothing seems contrived. "
— Natalia, 11/23/2013" I think I remember now why I don't read Rendell's books. What a yawner. Nothing really happens until the end and even the ending wasn't much of a surprise. "
— Amy, 11/15/2013" I found the first hundred pages of this book quite boring and the pace of the story very slow. I have put the book aside and am not sure that I will pick it up again. So glad it is a borrowed copy! "
— Chana, 10/2/2013" Did not enjoy this book. Did not finish it "
— Renee, 9/24/2013" I read this book so I could become familiar with this author and be able to recommend her to mystery fans at the library. It was pretty good, a bit slow at times, but worth the read. "
— Debbie, 9/23/2013" You really never know where these books are going to end up. Not predictable at all. "
— Joanne, 6/17/2013" The latest in the Insp. Wexford series. I like this series better than her other books. I do love the British mysteries. "
— Robin, 4/17/2013" Great Inspector Wexford mystery! "
— Kate, 11/29/2012" Wexford is a bit slow. Maybe it's his age showing. He must be getting on for 90! "
— Ennis, 11/24/2012" Very, very good. Not my favorite Wexford, but still an excellent addition to the series. "
— Olivia, 9/23/2012" Disappointing. Thin plot, reworked themes from earlier books, and missing the thematic connection between Wexford's life and the mystery he's working that makes these books so special. "
— Barbara, 6/1/2012" what better way to take your mind off the market apocalypse? a good british murder mystery! "
— Kieran, 3/16/2012" Any Inspector Wexford mystery from Ruth Rendell is going to be good, and this was no exception. Highly recommended. "
— Amy, 12/21/2011" This Rendell was okay, some wild characters. But I'd skip this and go right to THE ST. ZITA SOCIETY (just finished) or PORTOBELLO (reading now). "
— Jane, 11/24/2011" Not her best, but it's still Ruth Rendell, writing about Inspector Wexford... "
— Robin, 10/24/2011" I just discovered the Inspector Wexford series and I love them! "
— Michelle, 5/22/2011" Another Wexford mystery which was simple and somewhat easy to solve before the final clue is known but was well written and enjoyable to read. Really good characters. "
— Maura, 5/16/2011" How can you go wrong with Ruth Rendell??? "
— Jean, 4/15/2011" Entertaining. Reminds me of the Inspector Morse TV series. "
— Diana, 3/15/2011" Not her best, but it's still Ruth Rendell, writing about Inspector Wexford... "
— Robin, 3/5/2011" Really enjoyed this - Wexford reminds me of Barnaby in Caroline Graham's novels... I'll be sure to read more. "
— Kathleen, 2/16/2011" I read this book so I could become familiar with this author and be able to recommend her to mystery fans at the library. It was pretty good, a bit slow at times, but worth the read. "
— Debbie, 2/13/2011" Another great Inspector Wexford mystery in an English countryside - a great meander thru the maze of strange and unusal characters to find out who is--and isn't--tied to the discovery of two bodies long dead. "
— Brenda, 10/11/2010" Good English Mystery - I like all her books. "
— Kathleen, 9/6/2010" Any Ruth Rendell is worth the wait! "
— Peg, 8/8/2010" Ruth Rendell is so damn good. "
— Felisa, 6/8/2010Ruth Rendell (1930–2015) wrote more than sixty novels in a career spanning fifty years. She won numerous awards for her writing, including three Edgars—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. She was also the winner of the MWA Grand Master Award. A longtime member of the House of Lords, she lived in London.
Tim Curry has created a rich array of memorable characters for both the screen and stage, most notably the role of the scientist in the Broadway and film versions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He’s been nominated for Tony Awards for his roles in My Favorite Year and The Pirates of Penzance. His film credits include Muppet Treasure Island, The Shadow, Clue, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Three Musketeers, and many, many more.