Ruth Rendell Mysteries A Dark Blue Perfume
Introduction
Ruth Rendell was a British author who was well-known for her psychological crime novels. One of her most popular works is the "Inspector Wexford" series, which features Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford as the protagonist. "A Dark Blue Perfume" is one of the novels in this series, which was published in 1995. In this article, we will take a closer look at this book and what makes it so unique.
Plot
The novel starts with the discovery of a body in a graveyard. The victim is identified as a woman named Margaret Parsons, who was well-known in the town of Kingsmarkham. Chief Inspector Wexford is assigned to the case, along with his team. The investigation takes a complicated turn when they find out that Margaret was not actually the intended victim. The real target was her husband, who is a wealthy businessman.
As the investigation progresses, Wexford and his team uncover several secrets about the Parsons family. They find out that Margaret's husband had a mistress, and that their son was involved in a drug ring. They also discover that Margaret was a collector of rare perfumes, and that her collection might have something to do with her murder.
Characters
The characters in "A Dark Blue Perfume" are well-developed and complex. Chief Inspector Wexford is a dedicated police officer who is determined to solve the case, even if it means going against his superiors. He is also dealing with personal issues, such as his daughter's marriage and his wife's health problems.
The other characters in the novel are equally interesting. Margaret Parsons is portrayed as a woman who is obsessed with her perfume collection, and her husband is depicted as a ruthless businessman who will do anything to protect his interests. The son, Jason, is a troubled young man who is involved in criminal activities, and the mistress, Dora, is a cunning and manipulative woman who is not afraid to use her sexuality to get what she wants.
Themes
One of the major themes in "A Dark Blue Perfume" is obsession. Margaret's obsession with her perfume collection is a major factor in the plot, and it is also a metaphor for the other characters' obsessions. Jason is obsessed with drugs, Dora is obsessed with money and power, and Margaret's husband is obsessed with his business.
Another theme in the novel is the corrupting influence of money. The Parsons family is wealthy, and their wealth has contributed to their downfall. Margaret's husband's business dealings are shady, and his mistresses are a reflection of his greed. Jason's involvement in the drug trade is also motivated by his desire for money.
Conclusion
"A Dark Blue Perfume" is a gripping and thought-provoking crime novel that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Ruth Rendell's masterful storytelling and vivid characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a thrilling and engaging crime novel, then "A Dark Blue Perfume" is definitely worth checking out.
