SILVER SPRING, MD; August 22, 2007 —Acorn Media announces the October 23, 2007 DVD debut of The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Set 2, the popular television series based on the fiction of bestselling British crime-writer Ruth Rendell.

One of the most honored, prolific, and critically acclaimed modern crime writers, Rendell has been called this era’s “Queen of Crime.” In these six tales of suspense, Rendell examines the jealousies, betrayals, and resentments that lead to tragedy. A stellar cast brings each story off the page and onto the screen with all of the author’s delicious irony and intrigue intact. Featured actors in Set 2 include James D’Arcy (Master and Commander), Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War), and Alexis Denisof (TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The mysteries aired in syndication on public television in the 1990s.

THE MYSTERIES
Bribery & Corruption—Young Nicholas Hawthorne (James D’Arcy) has a crush on a married woman with whom his widowed father has begun a secret affair. Then she winds up murdered.

Front Seat—Cecily Branksome (Janet Suzman) opens old wounds by nosing into a long-resolved murder in her childhood hometown—to the growing annoyance of her husband Hugh (Edward Hardwicke).

A Case of Coincidence—When a surgeon’s wife turns up murdered, Inspector Masters (Keith Barron) and Chief Inspector Moore (Ronald Pickup) face increased pressure to bring a serial killer to justice.

A Dark Blue Perfume—Newly widowed Liz (Susannah York) rediscovers life and love with a troubled man who has a mysterious past. May & June—Since childhood, May Thrace (Phoebe Nicholls) has resented her sister June (Christine Kavanagh)—especially when they compete for the same man’s affections.

The Orchard Walls—Sent to the country to escape war-ravaged London, a young girl (Honeysuckle Weeks) discovers the adult world’s dark secrets. Co-starring Alexis Denisof.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., Acorn Media distributes distinctive home video releases to the North American market with a special focus on the best of British television. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn Media at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.