The Monster In The Box

A Chilling Return to the Past for Inspector Wexford

The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell is a gripping psychological mystery that delves into the mind of a killer — and the long-standing suspicions of one of crime fiction’s most beloved detectives. Published in 2010 by Arrow Books, this installment in the Inspector Wexford series is as thoughtful as it is thrilling.

A Sinister Figure Resurfaces

For years, Chief Inspector Reg Wexford has harboured a private theory about the calculating and cold-eyed Eric Targo — a man he has long suspected of multiple murders. Now, with Targo suddenly reappearing in Kingsmarkham, Wexford is drawn back into a haunting obsession. As past and present intertwine, he must determine whether his suspicions are justified — or the product of an old detective’s fading instincts.

Elegant, Tense, and Introspective

Ruth Rendell masterfully combines suspense with psychological depth in this slow-burning mystery. The Monster in the Box is not only a compelling whodunit, but also an intimate exploration of Wexford’s inner world, making it essential reading for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A haunting meditation on memory, justice, and the monsters we never quite forget.