Customer Reviews

Monster in the Box

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Eric Targo is a creep, but is he a serial killer? That's the question for Inspector Reginald Wexford in THE MONSTER IN THE BOX. Many years ago, when he was a young cop on the beat, Wexford suspected the strange little man of committing several random murders in Kingsmarkham, Wexford's town in southern England. Wexford never had any evidence or proof, so he never mentioned his suspicions to anyone. Targo knew the young cop suspected him, and he took to taunting him in a weird way--following him around and staring at him. Then he disappeared. Over the years, Wexford's suspicions became a secret obsession.

Now, after many years, Mr. Targo is back in Kingsmarkham, and Wexford's old obsession has resurfaced. He's even begun to stalk Targo, just as he, himself, was once stalked. But is Targo really a monster? Was he ever? Or is it all in Wexford's imagination? Wexford finally breaks his long silence, telling his police partner, Mike Burden, everything he knows and suspects about the man. Mike doesn't believe him at first, but then there's a new murder very much like the old ones....

Ruth Rendell is my favorite mystery writer, and this new book is a real treat for fans. In telling Wexford's history with Eric Targo, Rendell gives us unusual glimpses into his past--including his bachelor days and how he met, courted, and married his wife, Dora, and the eventual births of their daughters, Sylvia and Sheila. These flashbacks arrive throughout the new story, providing a detailed portrait of the inspector. I've been reading his adventures for 30 years now, but I never learned as much about him as I did here. Another bonus for longtime readers is the mentioning of several earlier Wexford cases, including From Doon with Death: The First Inspector Wexford Novel (Mortalis), Murder Being Once Done, and Road Rage (A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery). A great new mystery plus a great trip down Memory Lane--what could be better than that? Highly recommended.

Longtime fans of this series seem to be particularly keen on this novel because it reveals so much of the inspector's personal past. I can't really speak to that as this is my first Inspector Wexford novel and, according to the review in today's Washington Post, Ruth Rendell has said this 22nd in the series will be her last, as she has "other interests now."

"Monster in the Box" is the story of two detectives' extreme obsessions: 1) Wexford's with a character out of his past who, without a grain of proof, he deeply believes has committed at least two murders and may also be a serial killer; and (2) his "politically correct" colleague Hannah's to save a 16-year old Pakistani girl, who's dropped out of school, from the threat of either a forced arranged marriage or an honor killing. Eventually the two storylines will merge and all will be revealed. A pretty good read with an exceedingly creepy prime suspect, but after all the buildup, I found the wrapup somewhat weak and flat.

*Update October 2011:
OOPS! Seems the author changed her mind and is revisiting yet another of Wexford's old cases:
Following is from the New York Times mystery review column of 10/16/11:
"The most disturbing moment in Ruth Rendell's latest Inspector Wexford mystery, THE VAULT (Scribner, $26), is when her retired London detective realizes that he isn't 'entitled' to enter the new police headquarters in Cricklewood. That sense of disorientation hovers over Wexford as he goes about his vaguely defined business as an "expert adviser" on a bizarre case in St. John's Wood.

"Three skeletons have turned up in the long-forgotten coal cellar of Orcadia Cottage, along with a fresher corpse that adds an extra frisson of horror to the fiendish plot, which picks up the threads of 'A Sight for Sore Eyes,' published more than a decade ago. Wexford hasn't lost his touch, but he must watch his step around the real cops, who find his methods rather 'eccentric.' One promising note: Although Wexford doesn't seem very keen on his new role of amateur detective, once the case is well behind him he finds that 'having not enough to do was beginning to make him fidgety.'"

In Ruth Rendell's "The Monster in the Box," Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford takes center stage. In his mind's eye, he relives his early days as a policeman and even recalls his youthful romances. Why this sudden attack of nostalgia? Wexford's obsession with the past results from a renewed sighting of his nemesis, Eric Targo, whom Wexford believes has killed before and may kill again. The problem is that Wexford does not have a scintilla of proof that Targo has committed murder, and for many years, Wexford "had kept silent because he knew no one would believe him." Targo has stalked, smirked at, and mocked Wexford, knowing that the chief inspector cannot touch him. Has Wexford's intense dislike of this man colored his thinking? Is it possible that Targo is guilty of nothing more than being an obnoxious bully? Finally, desperate to confide in someone, Reg reveals his suspicions to his long-time partner, Mike Burden.

Eric Targo, who is short and muscular, was born with a disfiguring purple-brown birthmark on his neck. Over the years, he has married repeatedly, embarked on a number of business ventures, and traveled from place to place. The first Mrs. Targo said of her husband, "He likes animals better than people. Well, he doesn't like people at all." After a decade of having no contact with Targo, the chief inspector still bitterly regrets his inability to bring this fiend to justice. Now that Targo is back in Kingsmarkham, Wexford has another chance to complete his mission. Another subplot involves Moslem parents named Mohammed and Yasmin Rahman, whose sixteen-year old daughter, Tamima, is an excellent student. However, Tamima is a bit too interested in boys and her family might want to arrange a "safe" marriage for her before she strays too far afield. Rendell demonstrates how the huge wave of immigration from Asia is changing the face of England and setting the stage for ugly religious and cultural conflicts.

"The Monster in the Box" is a well-constructed novel in which Rendell gives us a fascinating peek at the young Wexford as he tries to make his mark in his chosen profession. Reggie is a richly developed and appealing character whose compassion, good judgment, insight, love of learning, and willingness to admit his mistakes are thoroughly refreshing. Rendell's literate writing flows effortlessly, the dialogue is sharp and often amusingly sardonic, and her descriptive writing is vivid and concise. This book would be worthwhile solely for the back story of how Reggie met and married and his wife after a series of unproductive relationships.

The Targo plot is chilling. Wexford is convinced that this individual has ruthlessly killed a number of men and women whom he barely knew. However, what is his motive (if indeed he has one)? Furthermore, unless Targo strikes again and is caught in the act, there is nothing that Wexford can do. He recalls old murder cases that may have been Targo's handiwork and investigates a new one that hits much too close to home. Gradually, Wexford closes in on a brute who may be the epitome of evil or simply an unpleasant person who, for some reason, has become the focus of Reggie's intense dislike. Ruth Rendell plays with our minds and keeps us guessing in this multi-faceted and engrossing novel of psychological suspense.

There are no spoilers in this review:

I am a HUGE Ruth Rendell fan. I have read all of her books, including those she has written under her pseudonym of Barbara Vine. For those not familiar with her work, she writes magnificent psychological suspense and mystery novels under both the Rendell and Vine names, and a detective series with Inspector Wexford under the Rendell name.

This is a Wexford novel, and as much as I love her books, I admit I am the least enamored with this series, especially some of the latter ones. This is the case with this story.

Brief summary, no spoiler - Inspector Wexford sees a man crossing the street and immediately recognizes him as someone from his past. He is a man named Eric Targo, and Wexford has always believed him responsible for a murder that Wexford first helped investigate as a young policeman. It wasn't that there was evidence per se of Targo's involvement - but more instinct and the oddness of Targo's subsequent behavior that lead Wexford to conclude his guilt, and suspect him of being a sociopath serial killer. But what has been his motive?

Rendell weaves this narrative story with that of a coworkers personal interest and investigation of the possible forced marriage of a young Muslim girl. The two stories become intertwined and coalesce by the end.

Personally, I thought the second story line involving the young girl detracted from the book. It seemed too much like social commentary on Rendell's part, and I thought the parts of the book that dealt with her story seemed contrived and frankly, a slow-go for me.

The parts involving Targo were different, and for those of you who are Wexford fans, it's a lot of fun for us to go back and time and find out about Wexford's past - including his past girlfriends and relationships, and what he was like as a young policeman.

I have always said that a mediocre Rendell is still better than most of the mystery fiction out there, and I think that is the case here. She is just a wonderful writer. But if this is your first experience with this series, I would suggest going back and reading some of the earlier Wexford novels, and not this one.

2 and a half stars

"The Monster in the Box" is a nostalgic visit to Inspector Wexford's early years on the force coupled with the tale of his obsession with a mysterious man named Targo, a wanton murderer who, Wexford fears, may forever escape justice. Stirred into the plot is the involvement of a teacher (who happens to be the wife of his colleague Mike Burden) and one of his subordinates in the fate of a 16-year-old British Muslim girl. The mixture of all these ingredients do not make for a harmonious whole. The plot, such as it is, is cumbersome, and far too dependent on coincidence. The book is choppily written ( a sad falling off for such a mistress of prose), and poorly edited. (The archcriminal's name is given incorrectly in one spot.) The examination of feminism and racism is too didactic.

But the greatest problem is the psychological one: Who, if they have been reading the Wexford stories from the beginning, can believe in the sudden revelation of our old friend's apparently powerful obsession, based on the evidence of a cheeky stare, which emerges in this novel?

Better to go back and read, or re-read, some of the earlier novels in this series--especially the amazing "From Doon with Death" which in itself opens up a more telling picture of British life of the period than "The Monster in the Box."

I can certainly see why Ms. Rendell has decided not to write anymore Inspector Wexford books (always my favorites). This book was so draggy and boring I couldn't believe it. I kept waiting for something to happen and alas to the very end, it never did. The entire theme of the book was not believable--far from it. The plot made no sense and the ending was totally flat. For someone so well acclaimed, this was a real stinker!

I have read most of the books in Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford series and enjoyed them but lately the series seems to have lost its compass. The Monster in the Box has Inspector Wexford following his feelings about a man he has encountered several times over his career. Wexford believes Eric Targo is a serial murderer, but he has absolutely no evidence for his supposition. When Wexford's gardener is killed, he resolves to bring Targo to justice at last.

At the same time that Wexford is pursuing Targo, Sergeant Hannah Goldsmith is pursuing a Moslem family because she is convinced that they are trying to force their sixteen year old daughter into an arranged marriage. Goldsmith's actions amount to what in the US would be considered harassment, and she has even less evidence for her supposition than Wexford has for his.

While the exploration of the culture clash and the examination of the biases inherent in Goldsmith's perceptions of Moslem culture are some of the most effective parts of the book, it is hard to get beyond the fact that she is poking her nose into a family's personal business, and I spent much of the book wishing she would leave the poor family alone and go find a crime to solve.

Both Wexford and Goldsmith are pursuing their respective cases on little more than gut instinct with varying results. In the course of Wexford's investigation, Rendell takes us into his past as a young police officer, and these glimpses of his past are very interesting. The mysteries in this book are disappointing, and on the whole i felt the weaknesses outweighed its strengths. Not one of Rendell's better efforts.

There are those who will read "The Monster in the Box," Ruth Rendell's (reportedly) final Wexford mystery and say, "Wow, she's done it again." I might agree with them, but perhaps for different reasons. From my perspective, what Rendell has done is write another book as stultifying and misguided as her last, "Not in the Flesh." That was a mystery that any well-read fan of the genre could have figured out (and did) a third of the way in. For the first time we were all way ahead of Inspector Wexford, which made for a frustrating, ultimately flaccid read. Adding to my impatience with that book was a polemical, pointless sub-plot involving female circumcision in the local Somali community. (Rendell is to be commended for bringing the issue to people's attentions, but I wished she hadn't shoehorned it into her story in such a clumsy, inelegant manner.)

The cleverly titled "The Monster in the Box" takes us back to Wexford's roots, as he recalls the early days of his career, and his obsession with a serial killer who was never caught. This killer, Eric Targo, pops up suddenly as part of two new present-day investigations, one a murder, the other the disappearance of a Muslim girl whom Wexford suspects of being subjected to a forced marriage. The problem with the book is that the flashbacks to Wexford's past -- which include the story of how he and his wife, Dora, met -- aren't particularly interesting. Whole chapters are devoted to Wexford's crush on a young woman he sees in passing at a wedding, and his efforts to meet her; only the story never really goes anywhere. In the meantime we learn about the personal life of this serial killer, his failed marriages, his relationship with his beloved pets etc. Which means that the actual plot of "The Monster in the Box" doesn't get going until halfway through the book. I'm all for an author easing us into a story, but more than once I skimmed whole pages just wishing Rendell would get on with it.

And once again Rendell becomes social commentator by taking a stand on the Muslim practice of forcing young women into unwanted marriages. An important issue, perhaps. Personally, however, I felt a bit like Tamima, Rendell's Muslim heroine, forced to endure the uneasy marriage of mystery novel and political screed. At least the two plots are interwoven this time, but to little effect.

The Targo character and his pathology are fascinating from a psychological perspective, and the novel has some spine-tingling moments. Rendell, however, seems to lose interest in coherent storytelling towards the end, and the tale takes some bizarre turns. By the time the lion was running wild in Kingsmarkham - yes, you read that correctly - I felt the book had truly "jumped the shark." Ultimately, the book wheezes, sadly, to a creaking, stumbling halt, ending with a whimper, rather than a bang.

Rendell has said that she is stopping this series because she is "interested in other things." Clearly. And just as well, perhaps, if this is the kind of dull, subpar effort she is willing to put out. I for one think her devoted fans, and certainly Inspector Wexford, deserved better.

Would you believe I'm just now discovering Ruth Rendell having read this novel and her latest written as Barbara Vine? Needless to say, I'll be rectifying that lapse on my part although I won't promise to read all 70 of her previous books. Although this is the first Inspector Wexford mystery I've read, I didn't feel any lack from not being better acquainted with him because there's plenty of background here as the whole history of his contacts with Eric Targo, a possible serial killer, is revealed. Wexford is convinced that Targo is responsible for at least two of the murders he has investigated, and after a long absence, Targo reappears again stalking Wexford. A new murder bears all the earmarks of the earlier two and Wexford becomes the stalker determined to bring Targo to justice this time.Interwoven with this pursuit is Wexford's partner's wife Jenny's concern that a Pakistani girl is being forced into an arranged marriage rather than being allowed to follow her own heart.In time, of course, the two plots merge and we find ourselves in the capable hands of possibly the foremost crime writer of our time. Recommended without reservations.

I have never read a Ruth Rendell mystery before, though I have always intended to. This may not be the best introduction to her series about Inspector Wexford.

In Monster in the Box, Wexford returns to a murder case that he was unable to resolve many years before, and to a villain who has continued to kill periodically when opportunity presents itself. This novel is more about changes in British society and culture over the decades than it is a suspenseful whodunit. It presents reminiscences, both positive and negative, about suburban life, and it presents the changes that have resulted from immigration.

It's well written, but dragged a little in spots. I felt that readers were beaten over the head with small characterizations. For example, the main thing I remember from the book is that Inspector Wexford likes red wine and cashews and that he ought to exercise more.