THE ROTTWEILER

Inez Ferry owns an antique shop in Paddington and rents flats to an assortment of working-class characters, each with something to hide. A serial murderer is loose in London, and the police suspect the killer is living in Inez's house. After mystery master Ruth Rendell reveals the murderer, however, the plot loses much of its dramatic tension. Nigel Anthony's performance reflects his understanding of human frailty and diversity. He is completely credible as the plodding cops, the murderer who wallows in introspection, the shop assistant who is deceiving several suitors, the childlike man with Fragile X syndrome, and the spinster who seeks solace in the bottle. Each individual's story is etched with inimitable finesse. While this is not her best, even middling Rendell will ensnare first-time listeners and fans alike. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]