The Ruth Rendell Mysteries On DVD!

The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, a treasure trove for mystery lovers, is out on DVD. This elegant box set of 17 tales based on stories and novels by the acclaimed mystery writer Ruth Rendell aims to please. Rendell was accomplished at police procedurals like her Detective Inspector Wexford series, but her short stories reflected more of a psychological nature than a who-done-it. These have been elegantly transformed into many dramas made for British TV. And what casts! Featuring the excellent George Baker as her irascible Inspector Wexford, not to mention stellar dramatic turns by Colin Firth (A Single Man), James D'Arcy (Mansfield Park), Susannah York (They Shoot Horses, Don't They?), and others. What's fascinating is the subtle twists and turns these stories take, not to mention the levels of emotional complexity. This is like a giant box of chocolates for me -- I have to pace myself not to watch them one after another. But fortunately you don't have to show such restraint with this marvelous set.