From Doon with death, by Ruth Rendell

After reading The babes in the wood, an Inspector Wexford novel, I decided to read all of them, starting with this first one. In From Doon with death, Margaret Parsons has been reported missing by her husband. While initially reluctant to accept that something is wrong, they nevertheless begin to investigate her disappearance and eventually her murder when her body is found. When they find a trove of valuable books gifted to Mrs. Parsons from someone nicknamed "Doon," they begin trying to identify the many former friends and acquaintances from Mrs. Parsons' school days. I enjoyed this book with its many eccentric characters and plot twists and turns before the murderer is ultimately found.