Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell. Summary of the book.

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Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell

Judgment in Stone is a mystery novel written by British author Ruth Rendell. It was first published in 1977 and is the eighth installment in her Inspector Wexford series. The novel follows the story of a family that is brutally murdered in a small English village. It is up to Inspector Wexford to find out who is responsible for the crime and why they committed it.

The novel is set in the fictional village of Stone, which is a typical English village with a local pub, a church, a village green and shops. The story follows the lives of the Elliots, a family of four who live in the village. Although the Elliots seem to be a happy and contented family, there are secrets that lurk in their past. Inspector Wexford must investigate the murder and uncover the truth about the Elliot family and their past.

The novel is a classic whodunit, and readers must piece together the clues to solve the mystery. Rendell keeps the reader guessing until the very end, and the events of the novel will leave readers both shocked and satisfied. The novel also offers insight into the human condition, as Inspector Wexford must grapple with the notion of justice and culpability in a crime of passion.

Main Characters

The main characters in Judgment in Stone are:

  • Inspector Wexford – a veteran police inspector who is tasked with solving the murder.
  • The Elliots – a family of four who live in the village of Stone.
  • Sylvia Finch – a neighbor who has a secret that could help Inspector Wexford solve the case.
  • Mrs. Parchman – the housekeeper of the Elliots who has a mysterious past.
  • Molly – a local girl who knows more about the Elliots than she lets on.

Interesting Facts

  • Judgment in Stone was the first novel in the Inspector Wexford series to be adapted into a film.
  • Ruth Rendell was awarded the Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America in 1984 for her contributions to the mystery genre.
  • The novel was shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award in 1978.
  • Ruth Rendell was the first woman to win the prestigious Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence.

FAQs

Q. Who wrote Judgment in Stone?

A. Judgment in Stone was written by British author Ruth Rendell.

Q. When was Judgment in Stone first published?

A. Judgment in Stone was first published in 1977.

Q. What is the plot of Judgment in Stone?

A. Judgment in Stone follows the story of a family that is brutally murdered in a small English village. It is up to Inspector Wexford to find out who is responsible for the crime and why they committed it.

Q. Who are the main characters in Judgment in Stone?

A. The main characters in Judgment in Stone are Inspector Wexford, the Elliots, Sylvia Finch, Mrs. Parchman and Molly.

Q. What awards has Judgment in Stone been nominated for?

A. Judgment in Stone was shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award in 1978 and Ruth Rendell was awarded the Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America in 1984.

Ruth Rendell’s Judgment in Stone is a classic whodunit mystery novel with a twist. It offers readers insight into the human condition and the notion of justice and culpability in a crime of passion. With its gripping plot and unforgettable characters, it is sure to keep readers guessing until the very end.

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