Thirteen Steps Down Signed by Ruth Rendell First Edition Hutchinson 2004. No inscriptions. Appears unread and as new in like dust jacket. SIGNED by Ruth Rendell directly to title page.

In a decaying London house, Mix Cellini, a reclusive appliance repairman, obsesses over serial killer John Christie and supermodel Nerissa Nash. Ruth Rendell’s chilling psychological thriller delves into Mix’s unraveling psyche as he rents a flat from eccentric spinster Gwendolen Chawcer. His fixation on Nerissa spirals into stalking, while his fascination with Christie fuels violent impulses. As Mix’s delusions blur reality, dark secrets from Gwendolen’s past emerge, intertwining their fates in a claustrophobic Notting Hill setting. The novel’s unsettling tone probes obsession, isolation, and madness, weaving a taut tapestry of suspense, betrayal, and inevitable tragedy.

Rendell’s Thirteen Steps Down captivates collectors for its masterful contribution to psychological crime fiction, akin to Patricia Highsmith’s chilling character studies or Barbara Vine’s intricate mysteries. Readers are gripped by its intense exploration of warped minds and urban alienation, appealing to fans of Ian McEwan’s darker tales. Its cultural significance lies in its incisive portrayal of obsession in modern London, reflecting societal undercurrents of voyeurism and dysfunction. Both audiences value its richly drawn characters and creeping dread, making it a compelling treasure for enthusiasts of literary thrillers steeped in psychological depth and moral ambiguity.