Not in the Flesh Rendell, Ruth

A dog unearths a bone in an old animal burial ground. Routine, until forensics confirms it's human — and decades old. Chief Inspector Wexford is drawn into a case that unravels slowly, like peeling back layers of a town's hidden history. Who was buried here, and why? Rendell's late-career mystery is patient and atmospheric, more interested in the quiet psychology of secrets than shocking twists. The investigation meanders through class divides, immigration anxieties, and the kind of small cruelties that fester in tight-knit communities. Wexford, aging and contemplative, is as sharp as ever. This isn't a sprint to the reveal — it's a slow burn that rewards attention. Perfect for readers who want their mysteries thoughtful, character-driven, and laced with social commentary. If you loved P.D. James or Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie novels, this will sit nicely on your shelf.