The Vault

By: Ruth Rendell

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

INCLUDES AN EXCERPT OF RENDELL’S FINAL NOVEL, DARK CORNERS

In the stunning climax to Rendell’s classic 1998 novel A Sight for Sore Eyes, three bodies—two dead, one living—are entombed in an underground chamber beneath a picturesque London house. Twelve years later, the house’s new owner pulls back a manhole cover, and discovers the vault—and its grisly contents. Only now, the number of bodies is four. How did somebody else end up in the chamber? And who knew of its existence?

With their own detectives at an impasse, London police call on former Kingsmarkham Chief Inspector Wexford, now retired and living with his wife in London, to advise them. Wexford, missing the thrill of a good case, jumps at the chance to sleuth once again. His dogged detective skills and knack for figuring out the criminal mind take him to London neighborhoods, posh and poor, as he follows a complex trail leading back to the original murders a decade ago.

But just as the case gets hot, a devastating family tragedy pulls Wexford back to Kingsmarkham, and he finds himself transforming from investigator into victim. Ingeniously plotted, The Vault is a “masterful” (The Seattle Times) sequel to A Sight for Sore Eyes that will satisfy both longtime Wexford fans and new Rendell readers alike.

Always enjoy Inspector Wexford

Would you consider the audio edition of The Vault to be better than the print version?

NA

Who was your favorite character and why?

Inspector Wexford, because he is so bright, but so human. Has doubts and foibles like anyone. Enjoy his habit of introspection on all things he thinks and sees.

What does Steven Crossley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

No refelection on Mr. Crosley but I listen to books being read because I am doing other things and it is convenient. I read books in both forms. One over the other is chosen because of location, primarily in my car or the kitchen.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not that I can think of.

Any additional comments?

Wexford is very analytical and has a great relationship with his wife of many years. He works with people, not in cross purposes. He is way too patient with his children, but that is part of him. Patience.

This said it is unabriged, but is it

As usual, a good story by Ruth Rendell...but I recognize it from a much longer story in which we see the murders, the sealing up of the door, the artists and his girlg\friend 30 years before, and much more which I shall not give away. So, I am not sure what is going on.
If you are a Ruth Rendell reader, I assure you - you have read this.

Not her most compelling

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

As a fan of Ruth Rendell I was quite excited to get and listen to The Vault. It didn't quite live up to the writing quality of her other books, but was engaging all the same. For fans of her detective series this is a must. It moves him into his next stage of life and how he deals with it. The mystery is intriguing, but unwinds a little slowly. The reader is very good with English accents and suggests class, age and gender well.

I always love inspector Wexford!

Even struggling with retirement, and that feeling of being sidelined hardly impedes Wexford getting to the bottom of the matter in this cold case story.

Very good performance of an excellent book.

I still miss the brilliant Davina Porter, who will always be the perfect Wexford for me, but Steven Crossley's reading is the very very good and the first "new Wexford" I've been able to enjoy. His characterizations, accents, etc are all very very good. To the plot: it's hard for me to gauge how this book would play for readers who haven't read the earlier (non-Wexford) Rendell book _A Sight For Sore Eyes_ that this plot is building off of/riffing on, and I have a feeling it might be much less fun without the added level of mystery/familiarity that knowing the earlier book adds. But for those of us who do know Sore Eyes, this is a delightfully twisty ride. No spoilers here, but the way Rendell incorporates and then expands on her earlier "bodies in the cellar" plotline is unexpected and extremely enjoyable. Recommended.