Author:Ian Rankin
The first full length Rebus novel since 2013’s Saints Of The Shadow Bible continues Rankin’s return to form after initially bringing Rebus out of retirement the previous year in the somewhat patchy Standing In Another Man’s Grave.
All the usual suspects are on offer here in this intriguing story – I won’t give too much away other than to say it involves several intertwined stories beginning with the murder of a leading lawyer and an attempt on the life of Rebus’ nemesis, the redoubtable Big Ger Cafferty, followed by a potential turf war between the gangster families of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Rebus is asked to assist the official investigation…… This plot doesn’t disappoint and keeps up the pace throughout until the final denouement.
The one note of discord in the novel is the character of Malcolm Fox, first created by Rankin when he retired Rebus from the force after Exit Music. He now seems rather surplus to requirements and yet Rankin seems to feel obliged to continue to shoehorn him into each subsequent novel, even though his presence really doesn’t add that much to them.
This is an enjoyable read though for sure, and is certainly a worthy addition to the Rebus canon, indeed it’s maybe the best of the ‘post retirement’ novels – so far anyway!
A nice little namecheck too for The Associates in the book’s title, a long forgotten track from their debut album ‘The Affectionate Punch.’
Definitely one for the ever expanding Christmas list!
Length of Read:Medium
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
Other novels in the series, detective/police thrillers in general.
One thing you’ve learned
The five year hiatus between 2007 and 2012 certainly seems to have reawakened and revitalised Rankin’s love for his most famous creation.
Thanks Bargepole. Your review comes just in time for me to order a copy for Xmas.
Rankin is perfect comfort reading for me. I enjoyed Another Man’s Grave and this should hit the spot perfectly.
“… a long forgotten track from their debut album ‘The Affectionate Punch.”
Not forgotten by me – it’s a cracker!
Agreed Bargepole. Just finished yesterday and after a slow start it’s up to the usual standard. I think Malcolm Fox is possibly one of the most two-dimensional characters in crime fiction – even with the sub-plot here there’s very little depth to him. I also thought some of the dialogue was a little stilted – lots of people tapping their teeth with their mobile phones while they consider their next move. Still, ideal Christmas read.
Thanks @bargepole – I am currently reading the Rebus novels chronologically, although I have read all the later novels already. I think it will be making its way into our home very shortly!
Amusing trivia fact: the title of SIAMG is a Rankin mondegreen
Fascinating. Thanks Sithere.
I met the great man very briefly when he was doing a book signing after a talk here. When he signed a book he would do a little drawing on each of them. He clearly enjoys playing with words and letters.
Finished it today. Like you say a return to form. I think Malcolm Fox is there as a love interest and to give Rebus a “Friend”