British crime writer Ruth Rendell is in a critical but stable condition after suffering a stroke, her publisher says.

The author, who also has a seat in the House Of Lords as a Labour peer, is known for her series of novels featuring Chief Inspector Wexford among the dozens she has written.

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She had, what has been described as a “serious stroke”, last week and is being looked after in hospital.

A statement from her publisher, Hutchinson – Penguin Random House, says: “Ruth Rendell (Baroness Rendell of Babergh), the renowned crime writer and author of over 60 best-selling novels, suffered a serious stroke on Wednesday, 7 January.
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“She is in hospital under expert care in a critical but stable condition. 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.
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“Our thoughts are with Ruth and her family at this difficult time.”

Rendell had recently completed a new novel for the company and plans remain in place to publish it in the northern autumn.

The 84-year-old’s most recent publication was The Girl Next Door, which came out last year along with a 50th anniversary edition of her debut novel, From Doon With Death.

Her Wexford books were dramatised for TV for more than a decade as The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, with George Baker in the lead role.

She has also published a number of books under the pen name Barbara Vine, as well as many psychological crime thrillers.