The Rottweiler

By: Ruth Rendell

Narrated by: Nigel Anthony

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The first girl had a bite mark on her neck, but they traced the DNA to her boyfriend. But the tabloids got hold of the story and called the killer The Rottweiler and the name stuck. The latest murder takes place very near Inez Ferry's antique shop in Marylebone. When the Rottweiler’s trinkets start showing up in the shop, suddenly, everyone Inez knows is a suspect, and the killer feels all too close. Someone saw a shadowy figure running away past the station, but the only other clues are that the murderer usually strangles his victims and removes something personal - like a cigarette lighter or a necklace. Since her husband died, Inez has supplemented her income by taking in tenants. The murderous activities of the sinister 'Rottweiler' will exert a profound influence on the lives of this heterogeneous little community, especially when the suspicion emerges that one of them may be a homicidal maniac.

©2003 Kingsmarkham Enterprises Ltd (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Loved it! Especially Freddy Perfect.

What made the experience of listening to The Rottweiler the most enjoyable?

The narrator and the story. Both were absolutely wonderful. It's Ruth Rendell in her "crazy intertwined neighborhood" mode.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes! As Alexander Gibbons sorted things out, things definitely got more and more interesting. And the twist with the strong box and the perfume counter were genius.

Which character – as performed by Nigel Anthony – was your favorite?

Freddy Perfect and Suzanne/Zenab's mother. Freddy Perfect was absolutely amazing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"What do you know about your upstairs neighbor?"

Any additional comments?

I'm an unabashed Rendell fan, so I give this 5 stars all around.

Lots of atmosphere, and a Freudian mystery.

I have read a few other books by Ruth Rendell, but this is the best one so far. An expertly developed, fully dysfunctional slice of life in one apartment building, above the landlady's antique store. Widows, beautiful schemers, mentally challenged adults, upper crust gentlemen, and sketchy eastern European ladies - all present and accounted for. Oh, and a serial murderer. The characters are in turn plucky, horrifying, and bittersweet. The structure allows the reader to spend a lot of time in the murderer's mind - wonderfully unpleasant! And the title provides an ironic twist to the story.

Hugely entertaining

What did you love best about The Rottweiler?

The characters were comic/tragic with a twist of pure malice. I took an interest in the fiture of all of them.

Really great listen

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a really good job, and the story itself was great. I also enjoyed this because I was not left with that feeling of doom I can sometimes feel after reading a Ruth Rendell book.
I definitely recommend for listeners of mystery books.

Mystery and intrigue

Would you listen to The Rottweiler again? Why?

Yes I would I found this story engaging and really enjoyed the story the characters and also the narrater.

"Everyone Has A Story"

What did you love best about The Rottweiler?

As a friend's grandmother used to say, "Everyone has a story." Or, as Atticus Finch might say, you can't understand a person until you've walked in their shoes. Ruth Rendell understands this very well. (Full disclosure: She is my favorite author.) She's great at depicting the inner lives of people from all backgrounds and psychological make ups, and specializes in putting you in the mind of even "worst" person, making him or her, if not sympathetic, understandable.A suspense story and multiple character study all at the same time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rottweiler?

When, long before the book's climax, the killer is revealed. I wasn't so much shocked by the revelation, but admired the author's ability to make this just one more plot point in the story.

What about Nigel Anthony’s performance did you like?

Terrific variety of voices - all perfectly suited to the characters. He did a great job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yep. Usually save audiobooks for car, but had to bring this one inside because I couldn't wait to continue listening to it.

Any additional comments?

I especially enjoyed the relatively minor character of Becky. A very well drawn and sympathetic portrait of a young woman who feels trapped by circumstance and can't always do the "right thing" as she sees it.

Superb listen

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rottweiler?

There are some wonderful character studies in Freddy Perfect, Zainab and her gloriously pompous and lovelorn 'fiance' Morton Fibling, and Nigel Anthony's acting brings them all to life in a very entertaining way. Provides excellent comic relief to the backdrop of a more sinister and disturbing story.

Which character – as performed by Nigel Anthony – was your favorite?

Morton Fibling without doubt.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed every moment; highly recommended.

Best of Ruth Rendell

Great characters in a great story. Loved every minute.Enjoyable even when nothing much is happening. Not as dark as some of Rendells other books. Must read for her fans.

Creepy claustrophobia

Reading Ruth Rendell is like sliding down a greasy, foul-smelling tube. Her plots are crisp, but her stories have no air in them. This one is distinguished by her clumsy attempt at psychological insight. Why does a serial killer of women do what he does? She has the answer.

Really good potboiler!

Where does The Rottweiler rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would say one of the top ones. The characters were ones I could relate to, with their little quirks of personality.

What other book might you compare The Rottweiler to and why?

This was a good Ruth Rendell, typical of her. It included many moments that made me smile. I can't really compare it to anything else I've read.

What about Nigel Anthony’s performance did you like?

He was brilliant with his voices. They were all very distinctive.