Author:Ian Rankin
John Rebus returns in this new novel, accompanied by the usual cast of characters – Siobhan Clarke, Malcolm Fox and of course Big Ger Cafferty. It looks like chickens have finally come home to roost as Rebus’s, shall we say, colourful past seems to have finally caught up with him in this story which unfolds for the most part in flashback. A corrupt cop threatens to reveal his secrets before disappearing. setting in motion a series of events culminating in Rebus standing in the dock facing serious charges – where do his long time friend and ally Clarke’s loyalties really lie when push comes to shove? This is one of those books that you try and eke out to avoid reaching the end – in fact I wish it had been a hundred pages longer. As always, Rankin delivers a cleverly constructed realistic plot that keeps the tension high throughout, and although the main players are familiar by now he always seems to be able to bring out new aspects of their personalities. Yet another excellent read in this superb long running series, from which there is surely still more to come. Top notch stuff and highly recommended for his many fans.
Length of Read:Medium
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
Previous books in this series, police-based thrillers.
One thing you’ve learned
Rankin again turns to the lyrics of Jackie Leven for the book’s title, this one being taken from his song Single Father
Been a huge Rankin/zRebus fan since the day i found a copy of Strip Jack in Manila of all places in 1998. Only three more days before this lands in my kindle library
I will be buying this but I’m two thirds the way through his Black & Blue currently, which despite the tiny print in the charity shop paperback, I’m enjoying very much.
Is B&B a re-read or your fist Rebus, N?
If it’s your first, it’s probably best to read what comes
after before diving into this
My go-to crime solving dynasty, I am only ever delighted by a new Rebus. This has just jumped to the top of my three-and-a-half-feet deep inbound pile.