I have read everything Rendell has written and A Judgement In Stone is her best novel in my view. The book is flawlessly constructed. The characters are mesmerizing and their voices, mannerisms, habits and dialogue are amazingly unique. I literally would stop while reading to contemplate how the author was able to jump so completely into a character that was entirely different from the one in the previous chapter. Many reputable authors are capable of bringing their characters to life but, but when you read Rendell you realize she surpasses them completely. She is like the Meryl Streep or Philip Seymour Hoffman of literature. She can get into anyone. She can be anyone. Her talent is absolutely staggering.