The Keys to the Street    by Ruth Rendell Order:  USA  Can Dell, 1997 (1996) Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, CD Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Ruth Rendell is a revered name in the hearts of mystery and suspense lovers. In The Keys to the Street, she has brought another gem to her legion of fans. Mary Jago has performed a generous act by donating bone marrow to a dying leukemia patient whom she has never met. At the same time, she has come to the conclusion that her romantic life is really nothing but abuse – so she severs ties with Alastair. House and dog sitting brings her to the edge of London's Regent Park, where homeless men (dossers to Anglophiles) are being murdered. Now things get dicey. Mary meets the recipient of her bone marrow and her life takes a distinct turn. For the worse? Ruth Rendell writes with conviction about the worlds she creates. The settings become as familiar as her characters. Her plots are like a giant stew where ingredients are carefully ladled out – murder, illness, the homeless, suspense, horror, drugs, grief, wealth and poverty, with a smidgen of romance to sweeten the pot. In equal proportions, these produce a captivating and tasty tale. Rendell's characters could be people that you or I know. They are lifelike although only existing in the printed word. Though any book of Rendell's is worth reading, I especially recommend The Keys to the Street to you. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews