The Babes in the Wood

This article is about the Ruth Rendell novel. For other uses, see Babes in the Wood (disambiguation).

The Babes in the Wood

First edition cover (UK)
Author	Ruth Rendell
Language	English
Series	Inspector Wexford #19
Genre	Crime novel
Publisher	Hutchinson (UK) Crown (US)
Publication date	2002
Publication place	United Kingdom
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	323 pp
ISBN	0-09-179446-3
OCLC	50495599
Preceded by	Harm Done
Followed by	End in Tears

The Babes in the Wood is a 2002 novel by British crime-writer Ruth Rendell. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]} It is the 19th entry in the popular Inspector Wexford series, and is set, as usual, in Kingsmarkham. In 2003, it was selected by The New York Times as one of the top five crime novels of the year.^{[ citation needed ]}

Plot

During a rainy season that threatens to flood the town of Kingsmarkham two teenagers and their young adult sitter go missing. Inspector Wexford must attempt to solve the mystery of their disappearance, looking for information in clues like the crashed car of Joanna Troy, the sitter, and a strange religious sect. ^[6]

References

1. "The Babes in the Wood". Kirkus Reviews . 15 July 2003. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
2. "THE BABES IN THE WOOD: A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery by Ruth Rendell". Publishers Weekly . 29 September 2003. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
3. "The Babes in the Wood" . Booklist . 1 September 2003. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
4. "The Babes in the Wood". Booklist . 1 January 2004. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
5. Ravenscroft, Julia (2003). "The Babes in the Wood: A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery -- book review". Curled Up With a Good Book. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
6. "About The Babes in the Wood". Penguin Random House. Penguin Random House. Retrieved 9 March 2025.