The Thief

By Ruth Rendell

Not a typical Ruth Rendell novel. It is extremely short, only 86 pages and large print. There is no mind blowing twist at the end. The suspense lies in how the main character, Polly, will solve her problem, a problem that takes her into a world of fear and deception and which eventually destroys her wonderful, new life with boyfriend Alex.

Polly has finally found happiness with her boyfriend Alex and no longer lies or steals, like she used to in the past when she had a need to take things from the people who hurt her, like her Aunt Pauline, a girl at school and a boyfriend who left. Alex, on the other hand, loves her and so he trusts her and believes her.

On the way to New York she is alone, and once confronted with an unpleasant situation, she reverts to her habit of stealing from those who have crossed her. She takes the luggage of Trevor Lant, a passenger on the same plane, who has been offensive and rude to her. Her first reaction is of relief and joy but she soon finds herself surrounded by fear and deception, and Trevor Lant’s revenge is only a stone throw away.