Ruth Rendell A Dark Blue Perfume Summary
Introduction
Ruth Rendell was a prolific British author who wrote over 60 novels in her lifetime. One of her most famous works is A Dark Blue Perfume, which was published in 1996. This book is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a killer.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the murder of a young woman named Lizzie Cromwell. The police are baffled by the crime, as there seems to be no motive or suspects. However, the killer is revealed to be Lizzie's jealous and possessive ex-boyfriend, Tim. Tim is a disturbed individual who has a history of violence and mental illness.
The novel also follows the lives of several other characters, including Tim's sister, Rachel, and Lizzie's friend, Minty. Rachel is a successful businesswoman who is struggling to deal with her brother's illness. Minty is a young woman who becomes obsessed with the murder case and starts to investigate it on her own.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about the characters' pasts and their motivations. We also see the killer's descent into madness as he becomes more and more obsessed with Lizzie.
Themes
A Dark Blue Perfume explores several themes, including jealousy, obsession, and mental illness. The novel also touches on the idea of fate and how our actions can have unforeseen consequences.
Character Analysis
The characters in A Dark Blue Perfume are all complex and well-developed. Tim is a particularly interesting character, as we see him struggle with his mental illness and his obsession with Lizzie. Rachel is also a fascinating character, as we see her struggle with guilt over her brother's actions.
Writing Style
Ruth Rendell's writing style is often described as dark and atmospheric. She has a talent for creating a sense of unease and tension in her novels. A Dark Blue Perfume is no exception, as the story is filled with suspense and a sense of impending doom.
Critical Reception
A Dark Blue Perfume received generally positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised Rendell's ability to create a compelling story and well-developed characters. The novel was also praised for its exploration of complex themes such as mental illness and obsession.
Conclusion
A Dark Blue Perfume is a gripping and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Ruth Rendell's talent for creating complex characters and a dark and atmospheric setting is on full display in this book. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, then A Dark Blue Perfume is definitely worth a read.
