About the book
He was young, arrogant, wealthy and in the bloom of health—or was he?
“Undoubtedly one of the best writers of English mysteries and chiller-killer plots.”—The Los Angeles Times
Like any small community, Linchester has its intrigues: love affairs, money problems, unhappy marriages. But the gossip is elevated to new heights when young Patrick Selby dies on the very night of his beautiful wife’s birthday party.
The whole neighborhood was there, witness to the horrible attack of wasp stings Patrick suffered at the end of the evening. But did Patrick die of a wasp sting? Dr. Greenleaf thinks not. Heart failure, more likely.
Still, Greenleaf isn’t at peace about his death. After all, everyone in Linchester hated Patrick. With the help of a certain naturalist, Dr. Greenleaf begins to think about murder. . . .
“Rendell is awfully good.”—The New York Times Book Review
Editions of To Fear a Painted Devil
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780345349514
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780345247988
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307829566
Read an Excerpt
He was young, arrogant, wealthy and in the bloom of health—or was he?
“Undoubtedly one of the best writers of English mysteries and chiller-killer plots.”—The Los Angeles Times
Like any small community, Linchester has its intrigues: love affairs, money problems, unhappy marriages. But the gossip is elevated to new heights when young Patrick Selby dies on the very night of his beautiful wife’s birthday party.
The whole neighborhood was there, witness to the horrible attack of wasp stings Patrick suffered at the end of the evening. But did Patrick die of a wasp sting? Dr. Greenleaf thinks not. Heart failure, more likely.
Still, Greenleaf isn’t at peace about his death. After all, everyone in Linchester hated Patrick. With the help of a certain naturalist, Dr. Greenleaf begins to think about murder. . . .
“Rendell is awfully good.”—The New York Times Book Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is To Fear a Painted Devil about?
He was young, arrogant, wealthy and in the bloom of health—or was he?
“Undoubtedly one of the best writers of English mysteries and chiller-killer plots.”—The Los Angeles Times
Like any small community, Linchester has its intrigues: love affairs, money problems, unhappy marriages. But the gossip is elevated to new heights when young Patrick Selby dies on the very night of his beautiful wife’s birthday party.
The whole neighborhood was there, witness to the horrible attack of wasp stings Patrick suffered at the end of the evening. But did Patrick die of a wasp sting? Dr. Greenleaf thinks not. Heart failure, more likely.
Still, Greenleaf isn’t at peace about his death. After all, everyone in Linchester hated Patrick. With the help of a certain naturalist, Dr. Greenleaf begins to think about murder. . . .
“Rendell is awfully good.”—The New York Times Book Review
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in To Fear a Painted Devil?
Fiction > Crime and / or mystery fiction
Where can I read a sample of To Fear a Painted Devil?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780345349514
Who is/are the Author/s of the book To Fear a Painted Devil?
Ruth Rendell
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
To Fear a Painted Devil is available as paperback(ISBN 9780345349514) and paperback(ISBN 9780345247988) and ebook(ISBN 9780307829566)
Where can I buy To Fear a Painted Devil online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy To Fear a Painted Devil from below
Where can I buy To Fear a Painted Devil?