Ruth Rendell Mysteries

Whoever "Ruth Rendell" is, was an incompetent moron. The stories aren't compelling or mysterious or mysteries. They are trite, half developed, poorly acted ideas. George Baker and every other decent actor couldn't save the half-baked swill.

I'm amazed these ever got made. I genuinely am. They're garbage.

I love this series, if you're after heavy drama, action, blazing guns, forget it, this wouldn't be for you, but if you're a fan of clever, engaging, character driven mysteries, this series could well be for you.

It's a real shame that the vast majority of this series has never been made commercially available, but I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll get to see them. I believe there are contractual issues, some are available from Germany though.

Of course Wexford is the main focus, he appears in some truly wonderful episodes, among my favourites are A Sleeping Life and Achilles heel, both are excellent, unique mysteries. Sometimes they can be a little drawn out, but such is the style of the mystery. I'm not such a lover of the much later episodes.

Baker and Ravenscroft to a fine job, watch out for Peter Capaldi and Annette Crosbie.

I have always thought this series would be a great one to revive, they could add a real touch of magic to it.

Why no cast list for this very popular TV programme of the 90's. It should really have been called ' Wexford ' The star, Detective Chief Inspector Reg Wexford is played by George Baker a very experienced and accomplished UK actor. The programme is set in rural England, probably Hampshire. Wexford is a good old fashioned reliable solid British Policeman. We are not talking here about gruesome murders or car chases. We are talking about traditional detection methods and a Policemen who has integrity and the trust of the public. In truth Baker looks that he is old enough to retire for the whole of the series. He is assisted by a younger Inspector Burden ( Christopher Ravenscroft)and his attractive wife played by Diane Keen.

We read the reviews and thought it would be a great series. The first story was carried over 4 episodes. Could have been done in an hour and still not with it! After the first episode, we were stunned and underwhelmed. However, we continued to watch (and FF where possible) to get to the merciful conclusion of the storyline. The worst "police" we've seen in any series. No focus. No passion except when they overacted. We read that Ruth Rendell based Wexford on herself. Passionless (except when overacting), no real ability to reason or solve crimes - so how was she able to write if she's like her character??? We will not waste our time on the remaining 44 episodes.

Wow,I am amazed at how bad this series is I bought a dvd of this and was bored to death

This is supposed to be a murder series,but there is no urgency,no thrill, just old English people plodding along with their customs and traditions

I'm sure George baker is a decent actor, but he's miscast In this role, it would have suited someone tougher and smarter, not this old guy that was regularly seen taking naps and mumbling

The direction is terrible They show entire scenes that have nothing to do with the murder just to drag the time out

There was a long drawn out dinner party scene in which nothing remotely interesting happend, this went on for ages

I haven't never seen this on another TV series,it's shocking and an insult to viewers.