The Babes In The Wood (2003)

British mystery doyenne Rendell alternates between psychologically acute, unsettling thrillers and mysteries featuring her beloved Inspector Wexford; this, her 58th work of fiction, is one of the latter, and if the four-decade-old Wexford series isn't quite as scintillating as it used to be, Rendell's gift for intelligent, coolheaded storytelling remains undiminished. The elements this time: two teenagers who, along with their babysitter, have vanished; a local religious cult; a plethora of family secrets; and, as usual, nary a teacup or a cozy solution in sight.