British crime writer Ruth Rendell is in critical but stable condition after suffering a stroke. The 84 year old has been hospitalized while doctors choose treatment options. The author, who is also a member of Britain’s House of Lords, has written more than 60 novels. Her Inspector Wexford books were turned into a popular English TV series. She has also written many books under the pen name Barbara Vine. Rendell, a former newspaper journalist who has won many awards and a wide following, has a novel scheduled for publication later this year.