Retired Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford returns in No Man's Nightingale, the 24th book in Ruth Rendell's mystery series. Wexford's former deputy Mike Burden, now a chief inspector himself, requests his help on a case involving the strangulation murder of Sarah Hussein, the vicar of Kingsmarkham.
Hussein--not only a female priest but a biracial, single mother--has no shortage of detractors, and a hate crime becomes the natural conclusion. As Wexford continues to investigate, however, Hussein's past and her daughter's paternity spark possible alternatives to the hate crime theory.
Meanwhile, a somewhat unrelated plot line causes Wexford angst. Much to his chagrin, his housekeeper, Maxine Sams, loves to talk, and while bragging about her son, she unknowingly imparts details of a crime to Wexford. He's left with no alternative but to report it.
While No Man's Nightingale is ostensibly about the mystery of Sarah Hussein's murder, the novel centers on Wexford's acclimation to his new stage in life. He's cognizant of the differences in his interactions with people connected to the investigation; he's aware of his relationships with his wife and family and how retirement affects those relationships. Rendell depicts Wexford's challenging transition with humanity and aplomb. Long-time Wexford fans and new readers alike will identify with his experiences.
The pace of No Man's Nightingale mimics Wexford's new life and the minor storylines cause the main plot to be looser, but those who appreciate multi-layered puzzles and complex characters are sure to enjoy themselves. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts