BRITISH CRIME WRITER Ruth Rendell, who has published more than 60 books in a career spanning five decades, is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a serious stroke, her publisher said.

“She is in hospital under expert care in a critical but stable condition,” Hutchinson — Penguin Random House said in a statement.

The 84-year-old, who also sits in the House of Lords as a Labour peer, suffered the stroke last week.

“Our thoughts are with Ruth and her family at this difficult time,” the statement said.

“Her son, Simon Rendell, is with her and thanks everyone for their concern.

“The family request privacy while the doctors assess the best course of treatment.”

The author — who has also written under the pen name ‘Barbara Vine’ — is best known for the Inspector Wexford series, which was adapted for TV as ‘The Ruth Rendell Mysteries’.

Includes reporting from AFP.

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