A novel of Ruth Rendell [File Photo: douban]

British Crime and Mystery Novelist Ruth Rendell Dies Aged 85British crime writer Ruth Rendell, best known for the Inspector Wexford series of novels, died in hospital in London on Saturday at the age of 85.

The cause of death was not announced, but Rendell had suffered a serious stroke in January.

She created more than 60 best-selling novels, and brought psychological insight and social conscience to the classic British detective story.

Her Wexford books were made into a popular TV series, "The Ruth Rendell Mysteries."

In 1997, she was appointed to the House of Lords, becoming Baroness Rendell of Babergh.