''The Best Man to Die'' is a novel by British crime-writer

Ruth Rendell Ruth Barbara Rendell, Baroness Rendell of Babergh, (; 17 February 1930 – 2 May 2015) was an English author of thrillers and psychological murder mysteries. Rendell is best known for creating Chief Inspector Wexford.The Oxford Companion ...

. it was first published in 1969, and is the 4th entry in her popular

Inspector Wexford Chief Inspector Reginald "Reg" Wexford is a recurring character in a series of detective novels by English crime writer Ruth Rendell. He made his first appearance in the author's 1964 debut '' From Doon With Death'', and has since been the prot ...

series.

Reception

Shirley Graves of the ''

Daily Independent Journal The ''Marin Independent Journal'' is the main newspaper of Marin County, California. The paper is owned by California Newspapers Partnership, which is in turn mostly owned by MediaNews Group.

'' wrote: "Published for the Crime Club, this is enjoyable reading and presents a challenging puzzle. The characterization is exceptional." Alfred Apsler of the '' Oregan Daily Journal'' called the novel a "pleasant, readable job done with skill and insight", praising the characterisation and the "sensitive, at times near-poetic style of writing" while criticising the pacing. The ''

Irish Independent The ''Irish Independent'' is an Irish daily newspaper A newspaper is a Periodical literature, periodical publication containing written News, information about current events and is often typed in black ink with a white or gray backgrou ...

'' opined: "In a taut, baffling story, Mrs. Rendell again gives proof of her skill as an observer and as master of crisp dialogue and good characterisation.

References

1969 British novels Novels by Ruth Rendell Inspector Wexford series John Long Ltd books {{1960s-crime-novel-stub