Ian Rankin - Author
About the Author
Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. His first Rebus novel was published in 1987, and the Rebus books are now translated into thirty-six languages and are bestsellers worldwide. Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow, and is also a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award. He is the recipient of four Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005. In 2004, Ian won America's celebrated Edgar Award for Resurrection Men. He has also been shortlisted for the Anthony Award in the USA, won Denmark's Palle Rosenkrantz Prize, the French Grand Prix du Roman Noir and the Deutscher Krimipreis. Ian Rankin is also the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Abertay, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Hull and the Open University.A contributor to BBC2's Newsnight Review, he also presented his own TV series, Ian Rankin's Evil Thoughts. Rankin is a number one bestseller in the UK and has received the OBE for services to literature, opting to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his partner and two sons.
Author photo © Hamish Brown
Featured books by Ian Rankin
A Song for the Dark Times
'He's gone...' When his daughter Samantha calls in the dead of night, John Rebus knows it's not good news. Her husband has been missing for two days. Rebus fears the worst - and knows from his lifetime in the police that his daughter will be the prime suspect. He wasn't the best father - the job always came first - but now his daughter needs him more than ever. But is he going as a father or a detective? As he leaves at dawn to drive to the windswept coast - and a small town with big secrets - he wonders whether this might be the first time in his life where the truth is the one thing he doesn't want to find...
Westwind The classic lost thriller
It always starts with a small lie. That's how you stop noticing the bigger ones. After his friend suspects something strange going on at the satellite facility where they both work - and then goes missing - Martin Hepton doesn't believe the official line of long-term sick leave ... Refusing to stop asking questions, he leaves his old life behind, aware that someone is shadowing his every move. But why? The only hope he has is his ex-girlfriend Jill Watson - the only journalist who will believe his story. But neither of them can believe the puzzle they're piecing together - or just how shocking the secret is that everybody wants to stay hidden...
In a House of Lies
Private investigator Stuart Bloom was missing, presumed dead. Until now. His body is discovered in an abandoned car - in an area that had already been searched... Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke combs through the mistakes of the original investigation. After a decade without answers, it's time for the truth. But it seems everyone involved with the case is hiding something. None more so than Siobhan's own mentor: former detective John Rebus. The only man who knows where the trail may lead - and that it could be the end of him. EVERYONE HAS SECRETS NOBODY IS INNOCENT IN A HOUSE OF LIES
In a House of Lies The Brand New Rebus Thriller
The iconic Ian Rankin returns with a new Detective John Rebus novel - this year's essential must-read bestseller. * * * * * IN A HOUSE OF LIES...Everyone has something to hide A missing private investigator is found, locked in a car hidden deep in the woods. Worse still - both for his family and the police - is that his body was in an area that had already been searched. Everyone has secrets Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is part of a new inquiry, combing through the mistakes of the original case. There were always suspicions over how the investigation was handled and now - after a decade without answers - it's time for the truth. Nobody is innocent Every officer involved must be questioned, and it seems everyone on the case has something to hide, and everything to lose. But there is one man who knows where the trail may lead - and that it could be the end of him: John Rebus.
The Naming of the Dead
Winner of Crime Thriller of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007.A very different Rebus. The darkness and aggressive atmosphere of previous books is much lighter and Rebus himself is a softer, much more sympathetic person – except in his approach to ‘authority’ which has always appeared as much the enemy as the criminals. Siobhan Clarke partners him here and this time has an almost equal share of the book. I had difficulty putting this one down, it is absolutely gripping.
Rebus Anniversary Box Set
1: KNOTS AND CROSSES - the novel which first introduced John Rebus. Year 10: BLACK AND BLUE - the breakthrough novel, winner of the CWA Gold Dagger. Year 20: EXIT MUSIC - where Rebus retires...but will he ever be able to leave it all behind?
Rather be the Devil
A truly fabulous blast of crime fiction. John Rebus continues to ignore retirement, and an unsolved case haunts his thoughts as he shoulders his way into the middle of a current investigation. Ok, hands up, I confess… this is my first meeting with John Rebus! I will admit to being slightly wary of jumping into the deep end of such a successful and prevalent series, yet immediately felt at home and now can't wait to work my way through the others. John Rebus may wobble on the scales of law and order, but his core sense of integrity, tenacity, and grit, ensure he is someone you would most definitely want on your side. I found myself well and truly caught in the snare of Ian Rankin’s writing; this was so easy to read, yet the story coiled, twisted, and thrashed its way through feuds, murder, and some seriously crooked minds. ‘Rather Be the Devil’ is a compelling, gutsy, proper crime fix, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. ~ Liz Robinson June 2017 Book of the Month.
Rather Be the Devil
A truly fabulous blast of crime fiction. John Rebus continues to ignore retirement, and an unsolved case haunts his thoughts as he shoulders his way into the middle of a current investigation. Ok, hands up, I confess… this is my first meeting with John Rebus! I will admit to being slightly wary of jumping into the deep end of such a successful and prevalent series, yet immediately felt at home and now can't wait to work my way through the others. John Rebus may wobble on the scales of law and order, but his core sense of integrity, tenacity, and grit, ensure he is someone you would most definitely want on your side. I found myself well and truly caught in the snare of Ian Rankin’s writing; this was so easy to read, yet the story coiled, twisted, and thrashed its way through feuds, murder, and some seriously crooked minds. ‘Rather Be the Devil’ is a compelling, gutsy, proper crime fix, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. ~ Liz Robinson
Even Dogs in the Wild
If you were a concerned fan dubious how Rebus was going to fare in retirement, fear not for although in Standing in Another Man’s Grave, he and the familiar surrounding characters had to get their heads round their new positions and in Saints of the Shadow Bible they were still getting used to their new lives, now in this one they have definitely arrived. This is back up to full standard. Taking risks and going his own way as usual, Rebus still doesn’t mind how unpopular he might be with those in authority. In fact he treats his actions as confirmation that his way works, but he would, wouldn’t he? The story is woven around two old gangsters and an up and coming Edinburgh criminal. It is littered with red herrings and twists which are hugely enjoyable plus some more personal stuff especially about Clarke and Fox of the local CID which will delight fans. Excellent. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Even Dogs in the Wild The New John Rebus
Hands in his pockets, Rebus turned to face Cafferty. They were old men now, similar builds, similar backgrounds. Sat together in a pub, the casual onlooker might mistake them for pals who'd known one another since school. But their history told a different story. Retirement doesn't suit John Rebus. He wasn't made for hobbies, holidays or home improvements. Being a cop is in his blood. So when DI Siobhan Clarke asks for his help on a case, Rebus doesn't need long to consider his options. Clarke's been investigating the death of a senior lawyer whose body was found along with a threatening note. On the other side of Edinburgh, Big Ger Cafferty - Rebus's long-time nemesis - has received an identical note and a bullet through his window. Now it's up to Clarke and Rebus to connect the dots and stop a killer. Meanwhile, DI Malcolm Fox joins forces with a covert team from Glasgow who are tailing a notorious crime family. There's something they want, and they'll stop at nothing to get it.
The Beat Goes on: the Complete Rebus Stories
Over the years, Ian Rankin has amassed an incredible portfolio of short stories. Published in crime magazines, composed for events, broadcast on radio, they all share the best qualities of his phenomenally popular Rebus novels. Brought together for the first time, and including brand new material, this is the ultimate Rebus short-story collection and a must-have book for crime lovers and for Ian's millions of fans alike. No Rankin aficionado can go without it.
Saints of the Shadow Bible
Rebus is back on the force after his time in cold case investigations but he has been demoted to Detective Sergeant. He has also mellowed, lost his spark so do not look for the old Rebus, just enjoy Rankin’s involved, many-threaded plot. We do see the old Rebus resurface towards the end when he uses old methods to solve one of his old cases involving the death of a prisoner some 30 years ago. Before that we have an angry Rebus discovering too much, plus having a no vote for the referendum, which is interesting. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Standing in Another Man's Grave
Recently retired, Rebus is working in a small unit which looks into old, unsolved cases. Still famed for his unconventional methods and still heavily smoking and drinking, he remains in contact with old comrades and villains alike. Fans will know Siobhan Clarke and Big Ger Cafferty, to name a couple, newcomers will be happy just following along. The story involves several missing girls who may or may not be dead. After Rebus retired in Exit Music and Rankin delved into new areas he developed one Malcolm Fox (The Complaints) whom he now ingeniously introduces here into a minor role which we just know will be developed in future books. Interestingly the cold case being investigated is in the north so taking Rebus out of Edinburgh. ~ Sarah Broadhurst Ian Rankin says of the return of Rebus: “I felt there was unfinished business between the two of us. He had never really gone away but was working for Edinburgh's cold case unit. And I knew I had a story that was a perfect fit for him.” Longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2014. June 2013 Book of the Month.
Doors Open
Shortlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2010. CWA Hall of Fame Dagger 2009. This was Rankin's first book since we said a sad farewell to Rebus (before his welcome return) and was also Ian Rankin’s first stand alone novel for a decade. Don’t worry, you will not be disappointed as all of Rankin’s skill, imagination and clever plotting is set out in a brilliant story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Look out for the TV adaptation of Doors Open starring Stephen Fry which is due to be shown on ITV1 on 23 December 2012. And keep your eyes peeled for a possible cameo appearance by Ian Rankin himself in one of the auction scenes!
The Impossible Dead
June 2012 Book of the Month. Rankin is synonymous with crime and Edinburgh and having decided to end it with his long-time protagonist – Rebus – he has successfully created a new one in the form of Edinburgh copper, Malcolm Fox. He’s very different from Rebus in many ways and that’s a good thing and coupled with that, Rankin’s ability to portray Edinburgh remains undiminished and his cleverly wrought plots really get under your skin. The first featuring Fox was The Complaints – maximum stars from us – and now Fox who is part of the unpopular Complaints & Conduct department of the police force that roots out corruption in the force and investigates suspect officers is on to his next case in which he must fight for his professional and personal life. Shortlisted for the Galaxy Crime & Thriller of the Year Award 2011. Rebus is back!After an absence of five years Rebus will be returning in a new novel, Standing in Another Man's Grave, which will be published in November 2012.
The Complaints
August 2010 Book of the Month. The complaints of the title is the ‘Complaints and Conduct Department’, a section of the police force which investigates the behaviour of other police officers. Rankin’s new character, Malcolm Fox, works for them. He’s very different from Rebus, being a moral and clean-living man but he is equally fascinating.Rankin’s gritty Edinburgh is still central, and there is an evil, corrupt undercurrent to yet another brilliant police procedure thriller from a master of the genre. If you haven’t tried Rankin, this is an excellent place to start. Comparison: Colin Dexter, Peter James, Mark Billingham.
The Complaints: Unabridged Audiobook
This is an unabridged audiobook title. Rankin has moved on to a new protagonist in the form of Malcolm Fox and has set him up in a department which bodes well for what we are sure will be terrific, future plotlines, the Complaints and Conduct department - the police who police the police. If you were worried Rankin wouldn't maintain the standard of his Rebus novels then rest assured he hasn't let us down. Brilliant characters and plots continue, all set in his beloved Edinburgh. This is an Unabridged audiobook title, which includes every word that you would otherwise find in the printed edition. Don’t forget, if the story was meant to be shorter the author would have written less! Click here to take a peek at our selection of Unabridged audiobooks. You might be interested to know the abridged audiobook version runs to only 57% of the full length.
Fleshmarket Close
Winner of Crime Thriller of the Year at the British Book Awards 2005. Very much the thinking man’s mystery, this novel is dominated by racial issues, the thugs and the refugees just outside Edinburgh. It is peppered with a variety of nasty crimes, has Rebus desk-less, further proof of his superiors edging him out, and his side-kick Siobhan becoming that little bit more important to him … but when will they become lovers? This is not his best, but second-best is still great. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Knots & Crosses
Rankin is one of the masters of crime fiction and Knots and Crosses is where it all began. Here, we are introduced to John Rebus, SAS paratrooper turned Detective Sergeant. When young girls start disappearing around Edinburgh he is called in to investigate, but the case becomes far more personal than he could ever have imagined as he is sent clues in form of knoted string and matchsticks. Brilliantly plotted and the backdrop of Edinburgh plays as big a part in the novel as any of the characters. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommended. Book in The Rebus Series: 1. Knots & Crosses 2. Hide and Seek 3. Tooth and Nail 4. Strip Jack 5. The Black Book 6. Mortal Causes 7. Let it Bleed 8. Black and Blue 9. The Hanging Garden 10. Dead Souls 11. Set in Darkness 12. The Falls 13. Resurrection Men 14. A Question of Blood 15. Fleshmarket Close 16. The Naming of the Dead 17. Exit Music 18. Standing in Another Man's Grave 19. Saints of the Shadow Bible 20. Even Dogs in the Wild 21. Rather Be the Devil 22. In a House of Lies Serial Reader? Check out our 'Fall in Love With a Book Series' collection to find amazing book series to dive in to.
Black & Blue
Rebus has everything against him, an internal investigation, a possible miscarriage of justice and a pretty tough Glasgow gangster. Enough to try the patience of any cop, but when it’s the curmudgeon Rebus he really has to tread a fine line. Another excellent read. This book won a well-deserved Golden Dagger Award (Best Mystery as awarded by the Crime Writers Association of Britain).
Strip Jack
Gregor Jack MP is discovered in a brothel during a police raid and the tabloids have a field day. It seems he was framed … then his wife is murdered. This takes Rebus away from his gritty Edinburgh into Fife and the highlands as he investigates the world of a successful man. But human failings also happen outside a city, infidelity, jealousy, lust are all explored along with loyalty and respect as Gregor Jack’s chums stick up for him. So Rebus can do ‘upmarket’ too, which is interesting but not as enthralling as underbelly Edinburgh in my mind. This is not a place to start your Rebus trip.
The Naming of the Dead
Winner of Crime Thriller of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007.A very different Rebus. The darkness and aggressive atmosphere of previous books is much lighter and Rebus himself is a softer, much more sympathetic person – except in his approach to ‘authority’ which has always appeared as much the enemy as the criminals. Siobhan Clarke partners him here and this time has an almost equal share of the book. I had difficulty putting this one down, it is absolutely gripping.
Hide & Seek
The hunt for the killer of a junkie whose body is found in a deserted building in a very rough housing estate is the backdrop to the second Rebus mystery. He is now an Inspector and courted by Edinburgh’s elite. So Rankin gives us two sides of a great city, although it is the dark side that pushes through this chilling novel and its complex plot. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Tooth & Nail
Rankin, himself now in London, brings Rebus down “to suffer” but basically because he is supposedly an ‘expert’ in catching serial killers. This particular one leaves teeth marks on his victims and hence is nicknamed ‘Wolfman’ which was the original title of the novel. London does not suit Rebus and his relationship with the Met is interesting, lots of Scottish-English rivalry/prejudice and not nearly as much feeling for place that the Edinburgh novels have … But the plot is great, fast and twisted, well written and compulsive as ever with another bruising love affair but sadly to my mind a rather lame ending. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Let it Bleed
Undeterred by pressure from above to drop a sensitive case, Rebus unearths dirty dealings and conspiracy within many official departments. Along the way we find a tender side to our spiky cop in a novel that eventually brings him a little closer to his estranged daughter. Although his drinking problem is on the increase, this complicated, unhappy fellow, who is not doing too well, demands our sympathy, or at least mine. The blending of political corruption and the development of Scotland’s economy is fascinating. A really good one. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
The Hanging Garden
Full of plot, incidents, twists and turns. At its core is gang warfare, a Nazi war criminal and Rebus struggling with his demon drink and the memory of his daughter. Edinburgh, of course, is at the centre of it all. It is one of his best, complicated, clever and very satisfying.
The Black Book
The Black Book of the title belongs to a brutally attacked colleague and contains baffling coded secrets which Rebus must obviously solve. In a convoluted plot of Edinburgh’s low life we meet arch villain “Big Ger” for the first time and discover his protection racket. This is definitely Edinburgh’s dark side … brilliantly revealed. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Resurrection Men
Don’t start your Rebus experience here for this is too full of his despair and failings for you to fully appreciate the man. You need to know him better to get the most out of this. If you do know him then this is terrific. At last his patience has snapped and as a result he is sent for retraining. Now his colleagues are also all officers with attitude problems, some pretty bad, and this makes for an extraordinary tale of good cop/bad cop, but it is for the real fan, not for the casual crime reader. ~ Sarah Broadhurst Barry Forshaw on Ian Rankin and Bill James... Ian Rankin is one of the UK’s bestselling British crime writers. Aficionados admire the gritty, socially committed toughness of his books, along with their vividly realised sense of place. And these are exactly the qualities that may be found in the work of the veteran Bill James, whose astonishing consistency over many years is a continuing cause for admiration. And, like Rankin, James has few equals when it comes to memorable, highly individual dialogue. Fans of Rankin’s Rebus novels – including Resurrection Men – will relish Bill James’ Harpur and Iles novels: start with You'd Better Believe It.
Set in Darkness
Revolving around the new Parliament building and early dark secrets, this has seemingly unconnected cases building to a wonderful, convoluted tale of corruption and greed.
Knots & Crosses - Collectors' Edition
A simplistic plot, the conclusion easily guessed but you need to start here to better know Detective Sergeant John Rebus. A spate of murders, anonymous letters and a blanked-out past which his brother helps him ‘reliveâ, form the core to the first in what will become a riveting series. Actually you could start with The Black Book but if you do then I urge you to backtrack at some point to complete the canvas. Rankinâs publisher, Orion has decided to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rebus by republishing Knots and Crosses in a collectorsâ edition in hardcover at the original published price of £10.95. So for a bit of history, 20 years on why not take the plunge and spoil yourself with this beautiful gift hardback.
A Good Hanging
An audiobook edition of Eleven Inspector Rebus Mysteries. Read by James Macpherson. Audiobook details: Abridged, 5 CDs, 6 hrs.
The Flood
This is not a Rebus detective story, in fact it is Rankin’s first novel so fascinating for his fans to see how he has developed. It’s a strange book of relationships, local feuds, suspicion and the search for happiness, many themes he has developed over the years. He introduces it himself. This title is also available as an Audio book in CD or Audio Cassette format.Similar this month: None but try Natasha Cooper.Comparison: Denise Mina, Quintin Jardine, Sarah Rayne.
Rebus's Scotland
A highly atmospheric guide to the locations used for his crime novels and as such also an intriguing glimpse into the author’s life and mind. I found it fascinating. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
The Falls
Internet role playing lies at the heart of this stunning novel, one of his best. The Rosslyn Chapel makes a brief appearance, the falls being close by, and Rankin’s consummate plotting is used to its full. This is wonderful stuff, interestingly without the large development of Rebus’ personal problems that more of the other books include.
Rebus : Capital Crimes
This fourth Rebus omnibus comprises books ten, eleven and twelve in the Rebus series: Dead Souls, Set in Darkness and The Falls.
Rebus : The Lost Years
This third Rebus omnibus comprises books seven, eight and nine in the Rebus series: Let it Bleed, Black & Blue and The Hanging Garden.
Rebus - The St Leonard's Years Omnibus
The second Rebus omnibus comprising books four, five and six in the Rebus series - Strip Jack, The Black Book and Mortal Clauses.
Rebus : The Early Years
The first Rebus omnibus comprising books one, two and three in the Rebus series - Knots & Crosses, Hide & Seek and Tooth & Nail.
Watchman From the Iconic #1 Bestselling Writer of Channel 4's MURDER ISLAND
A classic Ian Rankin from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'No one in Britain writes better crime novels today' Evening Standard 'Ian Rankin is perhaps the best and most complex thriller writer in Britain today' Daily Telegraph Bombs are exploding in the streets of London, but life seems to have planted more subtle booby-traps for Miles Flint. Miles is a spy. His job is to watch and to listen, then to report back to his superiors, nothing more. The job, affording glimpses into the most private lives of his victims, appeals to Miles. He doesn't lust after promotion, and he doesn't want action. He wants, just for once, not to botch a case. Having lost one suspect - with horrific consequences - Miles becomes too involved with another, a young Irish woman. His marriage seems ready to crumble to dust. So does his home. But Miles is given one last chance for redemption - a trip to Belfast, which quickly becomes a flight of terror, murder and shocking discoveries. But can the voyeur survive in a world of violent action?
Dead Souls
A colleague's suicide. Pedophiles. A missing child. A serial killer. Driven by instinct and experience, John Rebus searches for connections, against official skepticism. Soldiering through dank, desperate slums and the tony flats of the Scottish elite, Inspector Rebus uncovers a chain of crime, deceit, and hidden sins--knowing it's really himself he's trying to save.
Mortal Causes
In Edinburgh you're never far from a peaceful spot, or from a hellish one either. Now, in the heart of summer, in the midst of a nationalist festival, Inspector John Rebus is on the murder case of a young man left hanging in a spot where his screams would never be heard. To find the victim's identityand his killerRebus searches from Edinburgh's most violent neighborhood to Belfast, Northern Irelandamongst petty thugs, gunrunners, and heavyweight criminals. But before Rebus can get to the truth, he's bloodied by the dream of society's madmenand staring into the glint of a killer's eyes.Once again, Ian Rankin has demonstrated his incredible crime writing skills in Mortal Causes.
A Question of Blood From the Iconic #1 Bestselling Writer of Channel 4's MURDER ISLAND
A CRIME TOO CLOSE TO HOME . . . A superb, highly suspenseful crime thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'You'll love every second of it' MIRROR 'Excellent' SUNDAY TIMES At a private school, two teenagers are killed by an ex-Army loner who then turned the gun on himself. Finding the truth will take Detective Inspector John Rebus into the heart of a shattered community. Ex-Army himself, Rebus becomes fascinated by the killer, and finds he is not alone. It seems the man had friends in high places and enemies to spare. And Rebus has secrets of his own. He's fresh out of hospital, with newly bandaged hands, and won't say what happened. But after the death of a criminal he visited, who had been stalking DS Siobhan Clarke, Rebus is the prime suspect...
Exit Music From the Iconic #1 Bestselling Writer of Channel 4's MURDER ISLAND
Sometimes murder is the easy way out... A brilliant Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES. 'Britain's No.1 crime writer' Daily Mirror 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child A mugging gone wrong ... or murder? A dissident Russian poet is found dead - at the same time a delegation of Russian businessmen arrives in town. For some, it is crucial that the case is closed quickly, clinically and with the minimum of attention. But DI Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke believe this is something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Then, a brutal and premeditated assault on a local gangster puts Rebus in the frame - and he may not survive long enough to solve anything...
Black and Blue
A murdered oil rig worker. A copycat serial killer dubbed Johnny Bible. And a reopened investigation that doesnt bode well for Detective John Rebus or his mentor, Inspector Lawson Geddes. Rebuss Scotland, along with his malt-soaked psyche, is riddled with trouble. Now hes got to tie up the loose ends if he wants to save his jobor live to see another dark Edinburgh day.Ian Rankins Scottish police procedurals are so gritty you have to pick the shards out of your teeth when you finish one, and Black and Blue is as flinty as they come. The New York Times Book ReviewReading [Ian Rankin] is like watching somebody juggle a dozen bottles of single malt without spilling a drop. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Other books by Ian Rankin
The Hanging Garden
The ninth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES. 'Masterly' SUNDAY TIMES 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child DI John Rebus is hard at work on multiple cases. Not only is he on the trail of a WWII war criminal - he's also become entangled in a dangerous battle between two rival gangs. But when his daughter is the victim of an all too professional hit-and-run, there's nothing Rebus won't do to bring down the prime suspect. Even if it means making a deal with the devil . . .
Death Sentences
'What treats you have in store!' IAN RANKIN. Who knew literature could be so lethal? Here are 20 specially commissioned stories about deadly books from the world's best crime writers. By turns hair-raising and playful, packed with twists and turns, literary references and bookish conundrums, this is a treasure chest of bloodthirsty bibliophilia. Death Sentences has stories to die for from: Ian Rankin, Jeffery Deaver, Denise Mina, C.J. Box, Anne Perry, Peter Robinson, Stephen Hunter, Ken Bruen, Laura Lippman, F. Paul Wilson, Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins, Joyce Carol Oates, Peter Lovesey, Megan Abbott, R. L. Stine, Andrew Taylor, Joe R. Lansdale, John Connolly, Christopher Fowler and Nelson DeMille.
In a House of Lies
The iconic Ian Rankin returns with a new Detective John Rebus novel - this year's essential must-read bestseller. * * * * * In a house of lies, who can ever know the truth?
Rebus: Long Shadows
From the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES The stage debut for the legendary detective John Rebus in this brand new, original story by Ian Rankin, written alongside the award-winning playwright Rona Munro. John Rebus is not as young as he was, but his detective instincts have never left him. And after the daughter of a murder victim turns up outside his flat, he's going to need them at their sharpest. Enlisting the help of his old friend DI Siobhan Clarke, Rebus is determined to solve this cold case once and for all. But Clarke has problems of her own, problems that will put her at odds with her long-time mentor and push him into seeking help from his age-old adversary: 'Big Ger' Cafferty. This haunting story takes Rebus to places he has never been before, sets him and his long-time foe on a collision course and takes us deeper into one of the most satisfying conflicts in modern fiction. Featuring an introduction from Rankin himself, a Q&A between writers Ian and Rona, an interview with the director, and behind-the-scenes production materials, this book is one Rebus fans will not want to miss out on.
The Deathwatch Journal
A gripping original story for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning crime writer Ian Rankin, written for the landmark Radio 4 Book at Bedtime slot Saughton Prison, Edinburgh. 1962. Prison guard Thomas Scott watches over a condemned man sentenced to hang for the murder of his wife. His prisoner is a guilty man, that's for sure. William Telfer has done enough bad things in his life. And Scott has been in his job long enough to know that guilty men often proclaimed their innocence right up until the moment the noose was placed around their necks. But as they wait out the days until his execution, Scott begins to suspect that Telfer is innocent of this murder. An innocent man could be hanged by the neck until dead. And his jailer doesn't know what to do about it... To find out the truth, Scott must explore Edinburgh's darkest corners. And he is running out of time. From the best-selling author of the Rebus novels, this original story asks what you would do in the face of doubt, and in the search for justice. (This release contains additional material not included in the radio broadcast, plus an extended postscript.) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes approx.
Deathwatch Journal
A gripping original story for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning crime writer Ian Rankin, written for the landmark Radio 4 Book at Bedtime slotSaughton Prison, Edinburgh. 1962. Prison guard Thomas Scott watches over a condemned man sentenced to hang for the murder of his wife. His prisoner is a guilty man, that's for sure. William Telfer has done enough bad things in his life. And Scott has been in his job long enough to know that guilty men often proclaimed their innocence right up until the moment the noose was placed around their necks. But as they wait out the days until his execution, Scott begins to suspect that Telfer is innocent of this murder.An innocent man could be hanged by the neck until dead. And his jailer doesn't know what to do about it...To find out the truth, Scott must explore Edinburgh's darkest corners. And he is running out of time.From the best-selling author of the Rebus novels, this original story asks what you would do in the face of doubt, and in the search for justice.(This release contains additional material not included in the radio broadcast, plus an extended postscript.)
Black And Blue
Special edition of the award-winning Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES - includes exclusive extra material. 'Britain's best crime novelist' DAILY EXPRESS 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child In the 1960s, the infamous Bible John terrorised Scotland when he murdered three women, taking three souvenirs. Thirty years later, a copycat is at work, dubbed Johnny Bible. DI John Rebus's unconventional methods have got him in trouble before - now he's taken away from the inquiry and sent to investigate the killing of an off-duty oilman. But when his case clashes head-on with the Johnny Bible killings, he finds himself in the glare of a fearful media, whilst under the scrutiny of an internal enquiry. Just one mistake is likely to mean losing his job - and quite possibly his life.
The Travelling Companion
For recent college graduate Ronald Hastie, a job at the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookshop offers the perfect occupation during a summer abroad in Paris. Working part-time in exchange for room and board leaves plenty of freedom to explore the city once visited by his literary hero, Robert Louis Stevenson, and things only get better when he meets a collector who claims to have the original manuscripts of both the first draft of Jekyll and Hyde and the never-published The Travelling Companion (both thought to have been destroyed). Then Ron meets the man's mysterious assistant, and a reckless obsession stirs inside him. As the life he knew back home in Scotland fades from memory, he desperately seeks the secret lying within Stevenson's long-lost pages...
Travelling Companion
For recent college graduate Ronald Hastie, a job at the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookshop offers the perfect occupation during a summer abroad in Paris. Working part-time in exchange for room and board leaves plenty of freedom to explore the city once visited by his literary hero, Robert Louis Stevenson, and things only get better when he meets a collector who claims to have the original manuscripts of both the first draft of Jekyll and Hyde and the never-published The Travelling Companion (both thought to have been destroyed). Then Ron meets the man's mysterious assistant, and a reckless obsession stirs inside him. As the life he knew back home in Scotland fades from memory, he desperately seeks the secret lying within Stevenson's long-lost pages...
Even Dogs in the Wild
A Boston Globe Best Mystery of the YearRebus comes out of retirement...to save his nemesis.Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is feeling the heat. She's investigating the death of a senior government prosecutor, David Minton, who has friends in high places. When one of their own is killed, the powers that be want answers fast. But Clarke is puzzled: if Minton died in a robbery as everyone thinks, why is nothing missing from his home? The answer may lie not in what was taken, but in what was left behind at the scene--an ominous note. Malcolm Fox is feeling useless. Shunned by his colleagues because of his past in the Complaints bureau, he's been reassigned to a grunt detail, helping a surveillance team--one that trusts him even less than his own boss does--track a notorious Glasgow crime family. Helping Clarke with the Minton case is the only thing that makes Fox feel like a real cop. Newly minted civilian John Rebus is feeling restless. Being a cop is in his blood and he's failing miserably at retirement. So when Clarke and Fox ask for his help, Rebus doesn't need long to consider his options. But before he can get his bearings, a call comes from Rebus's old nemesis--"e;Big Ger"e; Cafferty. Someone just fired a bullet through his front window--and sent him a note identical to Minton's. The normally unflappable old gangster is on edge, but for the life of him Cafferty can't figure out who he's wronged. And the only man he trusts with his life is Rebus. As the cases collide, it's up to Clarke, Fox, and Rebus to connect the dots and save their unlikely ally Cafferty, whose past harbors a shocking secret that implicates Minton's friends in an unspeakable crime. Even Dogs in the Wild reunites crime fiction legend Ian Rankin's greatest characters in an explosive story exploring the darkest corners of our desires.
Even Dogs in the Wild
Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is investigating the death of a senior lawyer during a robbery. But the case becomes more complex when a note is discovered, indicating that this may have been no random attack, and when local gangster Big Ger Cafferty receives an identical message, Clarke decides that the recently retired John Rebus may be able to help. He's the only man Cafferty will open up to, and together the two old adversaries might just stand a chance of saving Cafferty's skin. But a notorious family has arrived in Edinburgh, too, tailed by a team of undercover detectives. There's something they want, and they'll stop at nothing to get it. DI Malcolm Fox's job is to provide the undercover squad with local expertise, but he's soon drawn in too deep as the two cases look like colliding. And meantime, an anonymous killer stalks the night-time streets, focussed on revenge. It's a game of dog eat dog - in the city as in the wild. Even Dogs in the Wild brings back Ian Rankin's greatest characters in a story exploring the darkest corners of our instincts and desires. Read by James Macpherson
Beat Goes On
There is no detective like Ian Rankin's Detective Inspector John Rebus, a man The New Yorker calls "e;the ideal sleuth."e; Brilliant, irascible and frequently frustrating to both his friends and his long-suffering bosses, John Rebus has made the dark places of Edinburgh his home for over two decades. THE BEAT GOES ON collects all of Ian Rankin's Rebus short stories for the first time, including two never-before published tales written specifically for this collection. From his beginnings as a young Detective Constable in "e;Dead and Buried,"e; right up to his dramatic, but not quite final, retirement in "e;The Very Last Drop,"e; Rebus shines in these stories, confirming his status as one of crime fiction's most compelling, brilliant, and unforgettable characters. In these gripping, fast-paced tales, the legendary Scottish detective investigates the sinister cases that are his specialty, including a gruesome student death, the brutal murder of a woman at the crux of a love triangle, an audacious jewel heist, suspicious happenings at a nursing home, and an ominous email that brings a family's darkest secrets to light. THE BEAT GOES ON is the ultimate Ian Rankin treasure trove--a must-have book for crime fiction aficionados and a superb introduction for anyone looking to experience DI John Rebus, and the dark, twist-filled crimes he investigates.
The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories
There is no detective like DI Rebus - brilliant, irascible and endlessly frustrating both to his friends and his long-suffering bosses. For over two decades he has walked through the dark places of Edinburgh . . . Now Rebus's life is revealed through this complete collection of stories, from his early days as a young DC in 'Dead and Buried' right up to the dramatic, but not quite final, retirement in 'The Very Last Drop'. This is the ultimate Ian Rankin treasure trove - a must for aficionados as well as a superb introduction to anyone looking to experience DI John Rebus, and the dark and twist-filled crimes he has to investigate, for the very first time.
SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE
V poslednem romane Rehnkina iz znamenitoj serii detektivov pro inspektora Rebusa veteran shotlandskogo syska, uzhe otpravlennyj avtorom v otstavku, vnov' vozvrashchaetsya v stroj i daet master-klass molodomu pokoleniyu sledovatelej. U Rebusa, chetvert' veka otdavshego ugolovnomu rozysku, poyavlyaetsya shans dokazat', chto ego eshche rano spisyvat' so schetov. Na ego bedu, sluzhba general'nogo prokurora vozobnovlyaet rassledovanie dela ob ubijstve tridcatiletnej davnosti, kotoroe brosaet ten' na gruppu byvshih sotrudnikov ugrozyska. Legendarnaya v proshlom brigada syskarej predstavlyala soboj nechto vrode tajnogo bratstva so svoim ustavom i ritualami. Oni nazyvali sebya svyatymi i poslednim v ih ryady byl prinyat molodoj konstebl' Dzhon Rebus... Tak kto zhe oni, ehti svyatye v policejskoj forme: strazhi zakona ili prestupniki, greshniki ili pravedniki? I kto sam Rebus - togda i teper'?Vpervye na russkom yazyke.
Taghadh de Sgeulachdan Inspeactair Rebus
This selection in Scottish Gaelic from Ian Rankin's crime stories is taken from the collections A GOOD HANGING (1992) and BEGGARS BANQUET (2002). Playback, The Dean Curse, Seeing Things, Auld Lang Syne and The Gentlemen's Club - and Trip Trap, Facing the Music, Window of Opportunity, No Sanity Clause and Someone Got to Eddie. Nine stories feature investigations by Inspector John Rebus. The only story that does not feature Rebus is 'Someone Got to Eddie'. That story, according to Ian Rankin, is essentially a police procedural: It's got a killer, it's a got a murder victim and it's got a twist at the end.