I really enjoyed this book because it was the appropriate amount of weird. The basic premise is that Peter (Pup) sells his soul to the devil and develops an interest in magic. As he grows in his knowledge of the occult, his sister Dolly's fascination with it grows. This is fueled by the fact that strange things begin to happen as a result of Pup's spells. Also, Dolly goes to seances and becomes convinced that she two people who have passed on follow her around. Dolly's interest grows deeper and deeper as Pup's wanes. In fact, the story begins to present Dolly as altogether unwell mentally. There story is also linked to that of a many who quiet clearly has two personalities and is terrified of pretty much everything. One of the siblings meets up with the man in a dark tunnel and though, the result is not explicitly stated, it is pretty clear. I really enjoyed this book, but I only gave it four stars for the reason that I was a bit unsatisfied with the ending. A couple of characters in the book are, in my opinion, pretty awful to another character, yet see no repercussions for their actions, while another character who is a victim of circumstances suffers immensely.
Interesting to find so much dislike for this novel here, and for the very reasons so many Ruth Rendell fans LOVE her books!!! I first read it in the late 1980s, during my early days as a Rendell reader, and have returned to it several times - my current 'read' is probably the fourth time around. Along with THE BRIDESMAID and MAKE DEATH LOVE ME, I find it to be one of her strongest and most compelling novels of psychological suspense, and like them, yes, it's one of her darkest. It's also one of her best depictions of a person's mind becoming unhinged and detached from reality, a Rendell specialty. This is classic Rendell, with characters and plot moving inexorably and inevitably to a disastrous collision with destiny.
What do You think about The Killing Doll (1985)?
It is rather hard to review this book, partly because I was so tired while reading it that I struggled to hold the book up, but also partly because some parts were amazing while others really… weren't.Even with six deaths I was left feeling that nothing had really happened (??!) and although many aspects of the plot were good, a lot of them were sadly predictable.Would I recommend this to other readers? Yes, if you’re not looking for a read that will have you trembling with exhilaration. This is because the middle was really very good, written with the fierce subtlety of Rendell’s talented narrative. There were also the few chilling moments which managed to haunt me when I switched of my light.
—Rose
