Review of "The Water's Lovely" by Ruth Rendell

The Grand Dame of British mysteries is back with a chilling story of two murders a decade or more apart from each other. Ismay and Heather are two sisters who live together in an apartment that was once the main floor of their family home. The upstairs is occupied by Heather who is taking care of their emotionally troubled mother. It all stems from the earlier murder that took place in their home when their stepfather Guy was killed. Ismay remembers only the look on Heather's face that day, and the two of them have never spoken of it since. Now that Heather has finally gotten a boyfriend, Ismay's memories are flooding back.

It's a dark tale, to be sure, but deftly told by the Mistress of Mysteries, Ms. Rendell. You think you see the end coming, but you will find at least one unexpected turn of events. The book got mixed reviews, but I enjoyed this abridged version over several car trips.