This doesn’t happen very often… but when it does, it is something I think about… I am listening to the same author on my audio as I am (actually) reading. That, to me, shows me just how much I enjoy an author. I can probably count the times that has happened to an even dozen times, or even less!
The part that amazes me so much is that I am actually reading my first Inspector Wexford novel! I have read nine of Ruth Rendell’s (aka Barbara Vine’s) novels, but for some reason, not one of her Wexford books. So, over the weekend, when I had a real hankering for a classic cozy, I went through my MANY TBR (To Be Read) novels, and pulled out several authors: Agatha Christie, Heron Carvic, Ruth Rendell, Gladys Mitchell, P. D. James, Patricia Moyes, and even two romantic-classic cozy authors: Victoria Holt and Rae Foley. [I even pulled an E. V. Cunningham (aka Howard Fast) novel out… I haven’t read one of his books in a very long while!] I wasn’t quite sure which one I wanted to begin my "classic" cozy quest with, but, after looking at the information that each book’s cover/flap gave… I thought: What better time to start the Wexford novels!?!
And, I have NOT been disappointed!
What I really find interesting is how an author like Rendell has written books starting in the early 1960s all the way into the 2000s. I know that there are many authors who are able to span that many years, but, it always interests me when I find an author who can do it… and who does it so well that the books at both ends of the time span are equally good!
So, now that I know this, I won’t limit my Ruth Rendell reading enjoyment to just her latest books. Wow! I have a limitless number of Rendell’s work from which to choose!
Twila says
I know exactly what you mean!! I recently "found" Amelia Peabody! What a delight. I first listened to an audio book which to my mind is the best way to start this series. Ms. Rosenblat does a superb job reading them and now I have her voices in mind as I read the books. The only problem is I’m reading them much too fast. I’m glad to read your information re: Ruth Rendell. I read one of her books a few years ago but didn’t much care for it. I’m sure it wasn’t an Inspector Wexford though. I’ll have to give that series a read. Thanks for taking the time to provide this website, Danna. I sincerely appreciate it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Twila, Thanks for the "Thanks"! Don’t you just love Ms. Rosenblat’s voices!?! No wonder she gets contracted to do authors like Elizabeth Peters, Dorothy Gilman, Diane Mott Davidson etc. Something I have noticed with Ruth Rendell’s non-Wexford books… To me, they seem more like studies in psychology, not at all cozy. That could be why this Inspector Wexford book has been such a wonderful surprise find for me. I love Rendell’s non-series "psychological studies" but right now I just feel like a classic cozy…