THE CROCODILE BIRD

Ruth Rendell's latest psychological thriller presents a terrifying look into the relationship of a serial killer and her daughter. There is no "who done it" about this novel, you know right away who did it. As in many of Rendell's novels, the real question is why? Although the narration is very good and the characters voices distinguishable, too much is lost in the abridgment. The plot is clear, but little of the feeling and the mood remain. It is for these features that Rendell is often referred to as "the greatest mystery writer in the English-speaking world." Some texts cannot be cut, however expertly, without losing some essential core. E.F. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 94]