English mystery writer Ruth Rendell has written more than 70 books and insists she would stop if she felt she had lost her touch for the intricate workings of the human psyche.

When a mock kidnapping of his mistress goes awry, a rising Tory politician covers his involvement. So begins The Birthday Present, Barbara Vine's latest psychological thriller.

This dark literary thriller -- written under Ruth Rendell's pen name -- masterfully folds adultery, kidnapping and lies into a tale of psychological suspense.

The search is on to find out the identity of the British politician with whom Ruth Rendell (pictured), 78, had a secret affair.