The Monster In The Box

I started this blog to help me remember what I've read. Over the past month I've read rather a lot but put off writing about it because I've been in Spain and without internet much of the time but I've procrastinated long enough. I started off with Monster In The Box. When I can't decide what to read I pull an unread Ruth Rendell off the shelf because I know that, although it might not blow me away, I will not be disappointed. I'd just heard that George Baker, the quintessential Wexford, had died and this news had me thinking fondly of that gentlemanly detective.

The story begins long ago when Wexford was a young police officer and in the course of assisting in a murder investigation encountered a man named Eric Targo. Although he had no proof, Wexford was certain that Targo had something to do with the murder. When there is a second murder with no leads Wexford maintains that Targo is to blame. His supervisors discouraged him from pursuing this line of investigation and he was forced to put his obsession with Targo away.

Some years later Targo reappears in the area, yet another murder occurs and Wexford is convinced that he is dealing with a serial killer. However his associate, Mike Burden, is skeptical.
Over several chapters Wexford relates the history of his suspicions to Burden. We also get an unusual glimpse of Wexford's early life including the beginning of his relationship with his future wife, Dora.

Another parallel plot is the story of an Asian girl who disappears mysteriously. Jenny Burden, who is a teacher, and Wexford's colleague, Hannah Goldsmith have concerns that the girl was being forced into an arranged marriage by her family.

In the end all the strands are woven together; Wexford's instincts are proven right and he can finally put the monster, Targo, in a box for good. There are the usual Rendell twists and turns thrown in to make this a worthwhile read.

Wexford seems much older and his health is less than robust. This coupled with the look back at his life and career make one wonder if this might be the last of the Wexford series. If so it would be a pity.