Crime writer Ruth Rendell dies at 85 in Britain

BEST-SELLING British crime writer Ruth Rendell, who wrote over 60 books in a career spanning five decades, has at the age of 85.

FILE - This September 1995 file photo shows Ruth Rendell, in London. Prolific crime writer Ruth Rendell is in critical but stable condition after suffering a stroke. The author and political Labour Party peer has written more than 60 novels. Best-selling crime writer Ruth Rendell has died aged 85, according to an announcement released by her publishers Penguin Random House, who state she passed away in London early Saturday. (AP Photo/Max Nash, File)

BEST-SELLING British crime writer Ruth Rendell, who wrote over 60 books in a career spanning five decades, has at the age of 85, her publisher said.

Rendell suffered a stroke in January and had been in a critical condition in hospital.

In a statement, Penguin Random House said: “We are devastated by the loss of one of our best-loved authors.” “We will miss her enormously,” it said.

Prolific ... The Saint Sita Society by Ruth Rendell. Picture: Supplied.

Wexford mysteries ... The Monster In The Box by Ruth Rendell. Picture: Supplied

Gail Rebuck, chair of Penguin Random House UK, said: “Ruth was much admired by the whole publishing industry for her brilliant body of work.

“An insightful and elegant observer of society, many of her award-winning thrillers and psychological murder mysteries highlighted the causes she cared so deeply about,” she said.

Gone but not forgotten ... Best-Selling British Author Ruth Rendell has died. Picture: Getty

Rendell was best known for psychological thrillers delving into the criminal mind as well as the successful television adaptation The Ruth Rendell Mysteries.

Her fictional creation, the sensitive Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford, featured in her first novel From Doon to Death (1964) and throughout her career.

Originally published as Crime writer Ruth Rendell dies at 85 in Britain