DDC/MDS
| 823/.9/14 |
Publication
London [etc.] : Hutchinson, 1976.
Original publication date
1976
Description
Another Wexford mystery read by George Baker Her white face, beautiful, unmarked by any flaw of skin or feature, stared blankly back at him. He fancied that she had cringed, her slim body pressing further into the wall behind her. He didn't speak. He had never known how to talk to women. There was only one thing he had ever been able to do to women, and, advancing now, smiling, he did it. Then, when it was all over, he straightened her against the wall so that she would be ready to die for him again. It was the best thing in his life, just knowing that she was there, waiting until the next time..... But one day, she wasn't waiting...wasn't there...
Status
Available
Call number
Collection
User reviews
LibraryThing member Ant.Harrison
A Demon in my View is a gripping psychological thriller from Ruth Rendell, first published in 1976. A tale of the twisted mind of loner Arthur Johnson living his solitary life in the top flat of a shared house in London. Johnson is presented almost as much as a victim as those who suffer at the
As ever, Rendell's descriptions and portrayal of the disordered mind of the believable psychopath is spot-on, to the point where he almost takes on the role of anti-hero. A disparate group of odd characters circle Johnson in the shared house - a set-up that would go on to serve Rendell so well in future years.
The plot's a tight affair, with the tension slowly building as the story progresses; an early example of how the author demonstrates a masterful control over both plot, pace, motivation and characterisation. In a way it's a product of its time, to the extent that she wouldn't have been able to construct such a believable narrative in the contemporary world; in the 1970s there were no mobile phones or CCTV, and people relied on writing letters and using communal public telephones to keep in touch.
A great book, where Rendell's trademark dominance of the psychological thriller is on early display.
© Koplowitz 2013
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hands of the local serial killer known as the Kenbourne Killer, who for 25 years has terrorized women in West London. As ever, Rendell's descriptions and portrayal of the disordered mind of the believable psychopath is spot-on, to the point where he almost takes on the role of anti-hero. A disparate group of odd characters circle Johnson in the shared house - a set-up that would go on to serve Rendell so well in future years.
The plot's a tight affair, with the tension slowly building as the story progresses; an early example of how the author demonstrates a masterful control over both plot, pace, motivation and characterisation. In a way it's a product of its time, to the extent that she wouldn't have been able to construct such a believable narrative in the contemporary world; in the 1970s there were no mobile phones or CCTV, and people relied on writing letters and using communal public telephones to keep in touch.
A great book, where Rendell's trademark dominance of the psychological thriller is on early display.
© Koplowitz 2013
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LibraryThing member lsh63
I enjoyed this great read about several tenants sharing a run down house,one of whom is a serial killer. The reader learns the reasons behind the serial killer's actions early on.
The main characters ,Arthur and Anthony Johnson invevitably get their mail mixed up, which in turn leads to a case of
This book features the usual psychological suspense and plot twists, but is never boring.
The main characters ,Arthur and Anthony Johnson invevitably get their mail mixed up, which in turn leads to a case of
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mistaken identity and an unexpected showdown.This book features the usual psychological suspense and plot twists, but is never boring.
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LibraryThing member Bookmarque
The characters throughout this novel are wonderful as usual. Arthur’s psychotic nature was fostered by his cruel and demanding Aunt. This is a common theme for Rendell to use to explain her twisted character’s behavior. Not always, but she uses it here. Another thing that fascinates me is the
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kind of life people who rent furnished flats lead. They all live in one house and it’s basically squalor, but all seem to be on their way to better things; except for Arthur. He’s been there 20 years and helps the landlord he despises collect the rents (for a reduction in his own of course). I’ve lived in similar circumstances, but never for very long. I can totally understand it and have even made those kinds of transitory friendships you do in such a building. Show Less
Awards
Physical description
184 p.; 23 cm
ISBN
0091261007 / 9780091261009