Thirteen Steps Down (novel)

Thirteen Steps Down is a psychological thriller novel written by Ruth Rendell under the pseudonym Barbara Vine, published in 2004. The story centers on Stuart Baxter, a man obsessed with serial killers, who lives in a London boarding house owned by Gwendolen Chawcer. Stuart's fascination with violence and Gwendolen's own hidden past intertwine to create a suspenseful and unsettling narrative. The novel explores themes of obsession, identity, the nature of evil, and the lingering impact of trauma. A central plot point revolves around a real-life 1950s murder case, influencing Stuart's perceptions and actions. The title references the staircase leading down to Stuart's basement flat, symbolizing his descent into darkness and the secrets hidden within the house.