Another great thriller by the masterful Ruth Rendell, writing The Birthday Present as Barbara Vine. She tells you most of the facts in the first several chapters and then deliciously unfolds the story. Rendell has keen insight into the human psyche and a wealth of knowledge on British politics and society. She uses both to tell this contemporary tale of sexuality, paranoia, and life's twists and turns.
A good read all around!
I do not like novels set in current day England. I do not know why, but every time I pick one up it seems to bore me the minute it is in my hand, and this is no exception. I did not finish this book, to me the writing was unclear, I couldn't keep characters straight and just did care to reread parts to see who was who. I sat on the wish list for a long time here and then got it at the library, so I am not swapping it, but unless you really like this author (I also have never read any of her works) I wouldn't call it a thriller that you can't put down, because I certainly did and have no desire to pick it up again or anything from this author.
