Interestingly Rebus and Malcolm Fox pair together investigating a murder 30 years ago with a group of detectives Rebus worked together with. He also iInterestingly Rebus and Malcolm Fox pair together investigating a murder 30 years ago with a group of detectives Rebus worked together with. He also investigates a minor car accident that leads to more violence. The dual investigations lead to conclusions with Fox and Rebus almost becoming friends!
I liked the procedural navigation of what happened 30 years ago where police were inclined to be judge and jury cutting corners. A good story with Rebus getting older and a bit wiser. ...more
**spoiler alert** This prequel set in 1972 in gritty Glasgow is a great story. The characters are wonderful from the dodgy lawyer found murdered in a **spoiler alert** This prequel set in 1972 in gritty Glasgow is a great story. The characters are wonderful from the dodgy lawyer found murdered in a back alley near a pub of an underground boss. Laidlaw is a mysterious philosophical copper who follows his intuition rather than the book. He reminds me of Rebus and you can see Rankin’s character in parts of Laidlaw.
The journey of the story takes you to a satisfying conclusion. The misdirection of the body, bloody knife and arson that was meant to lead to a gangland war between Conlan, Rhodes and Mason. However, the murderer of Bobby Carter was closer to home.
Another Rebus page turner. He is working the cold case unit with other semi retired police. Of course Rebus uncovers a serial killer. The A9 is where Another Rebus page turner. He is working the cold case unit with other semi retired police. Of course Rebus uncovers a serial killer. The A9 is where several woman over a decade have disappeared.
Siobhan is there too along with Big Ger. I liked the story and Rebus’s doggedness in uncovering the murderer. The way that he gets him to confess is a little far fetched. Overall though a quick enjoyable read with the action set for a change out of Edinburgh....more
**spoiler alert** Rebus at his cynical best. Murder during the Gleneagles Agreement negotiations. A possible suicide at Edinburgh Castle. A serial kil**spoiler alert** Rebus at his cynical best. Murder during the Gleneagles Agreement negotiations. A possible suicide at Edinburgh Castle. A serial killer murdering convicted and released rapists.
Big Ger trying to get rid of the troublesome Councillor Tench. Demonstrations, riot police, protestors including Siobhan’s parents. Her mother us assaulted but by who a policeman or demonstrator.
Nice links with Marie the journalist and Wylie once Siobhan’s rival.
Rebus is nearing retirement and happy to ruffle feather.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Ben Webster’s the victim that fell to his death from Edinburgh Castle sister Stacey is the serial killer. All smoking mirrors. She was after the man who murdered her mother and the others were window dressing. Tench is killed by a lover angry that he lied about leaving his wife. Rebus also gets revenge on the ringleader who locked him up overnight in police cells....more
**spoiler alert** This was Rankin’s first novel. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the story of Mary with her illegitimate son Sandy supposedly from an incestuo**spoiler alert** This was Rankin’s first novel. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the story of Mary with her illegitimate son Sandy supposedly from an incestuous relationship with her brother. The reality much darker. Sweet shop owner and drunken father who behaved abhorrently.
The story is about coming of age, hatred, teenager angst, fitting in as well as the judgement of ill informed people and how reality is what some people avoid.
Rian manipulating Sandy. Him trying to fit in. The one thing that baffled me was Andy impersonating Tom with letters to Mary. Anyone know why? I am also curious about Rian and how she is in a Rebus story. Hide and Seek. What role did she play? I cannot remember although I believe the plot revolved around rich people being nasty and using Harvey Weinstein as a role model.
I did like the abrupt ending and also the setting of Fife and Kirkcaldy. ...more
**spoiler alert** A cracking Rebus where everything is not what it seems. This is fourteenth Inspector Rebus novel. A shoot at a private school result**spoiler alert** A cracking Rebus where everything is not what it seems. This is fourteenth Inspector Rebus novel. A shoot at a private school results in two seventeen-year-olds apparently being killed by an ex-Army SAS loner who has snapped.
Rebus is asked by his friend and colleague Bobby Hogan to give insights into why the ex-army Lee killed two teenagers and wounded James Bell an MEP’s son. Rebus becomes fascinated by the killer, and finds he is not alone with two army investigators also investigating. There are lots of secrets and lies.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Rebus is also under investigation over the death of a lowlife who threatened Siobhan. Gladstone died in a chip fire and Rebus has scalded hands the day after. Rebus has more than his share of personal problems, too. He won’t say how he hurt his hands.
The story is excellent with James Bell the actual killer with a motive of jealousy over a girl. Drugs planted by Lee’s friend result in another death. Diamonds, drugs and guns and intrigue result in an enthralling story.
**spoiler alert** My first Rebus of the year. Great to read on these cold wintry evenings. Rebus once again is in trouble when he apparently deliberat**spoiler alert** My first Rebus of the year. Great to read on these cold wintry evenings. Rebus once again is in trouble when he apparently deliberately throws a cup of tea at his boss Gil Templar. For his sins he is sent for retraining with several other equally naughty cops. In reality he is undercover trying to get the dirty on three corrupt policemen Gray, Jazz and Ward.
SPOILERS AHEAD
There is also a murder inquiry into the murder of an art dealer caller Marber. She-Vawn or Siobhan his partner in crime is investigating this murder. Lots of coincidences and another murder. Big Ger and Weasel are in the mix as well.
A good read and I was wondering how Rebus was going to escape being led to his death by Gray, Jazz and Ward. A nice new acronym learnt for Friday with POETS or piss off early tomorrow’s Saturday. ...more
A great entertaining read. Rebus is investigating a mussing person and thinks he may have stumbled across a serial killer. He finds a link with small A great entertaining read. Rebus is investigating a mussing person and thinks he may have stumbled across a serial killer. He finds a link with small coffins left near locations people have disappeared and some found dead. Lots of Edinburgh locations with Arthurs Seat and the city.
In this story Siobhan is on the track of the Quizmaster. A mysterious person leaving clues which dovetail into the missing person investigation. She becomes obsessed with the clues and is also trying to decide what sort of police officer she wants to be.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Of course the missing person turns into a murder case with no shortage of suspects. Rebus also finds a new romantic interest. Jean is a historian who provides background and information on the small coffins.
Who is the murderer?The creepy retired pathologist Dr Devlin, the violent boyfriend of the victim David Costello, the best friend of the father of the victim who slept with Phillipa, her friend Claire the trainee pathologist or the weird artist Ms Dobbs living by the place the small coffin was found. In fact there are two murderers. ...more
**spoiler alert** An early Rebus when he was gentler and had more humour. Some good puns in this story. An MP Gregor Jack is caught in a police raid i**spoiler alert** An early Rebus when he was gentler and had more humour. Some good puns in this story. An MP Gregor Jack is caught in a police raid in a brothel. Then his wife Liz disappears. There is two groups of friends with lots of red herrings. Rankin shares his musical tastes with Rebus and Jack liking similar music.
Holmes is Rebus’s partner and their relationship is one with lots of humour.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Rebus thinks he has solved the case when he thinks Steele a bookshop owner who is having an affair with Liz. However, it turns out to be the husband with no clear explanation of why he did it as he jumps off a cliff into a fast flowing river and his body is never found. Still a good read and well plotted. ...more
**spoiler alert** A great thriller. Rebus is trying to find the murderer of an oil worker that was murdered. It leads him to Aberdeen. Where he uncove**spoiler alert** A great thriller. Rebus is trying to find the murderer of an oil worker that was murdered. It leads him to Aberdeen. Where he uncovers Bible John an actual real serial killer who murdered severs women in Glasgow with in the late 1960s. Another serial killer is imitating him and the real Bible John is not happy about the imitator.
Rebus discovers that a Glaswegian villain is supplying drugs to oil workers via a nightclub. More murders occur and Rebus is also under internal investigation about whether a murderer was a murderer. The story is fast paced with Rebus confronting his demons with alcohol and cigarettes.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The story is wrapped up nicely with Johnny Bible the other serial killer murdered by Bible John. The murderer of Alan was killed by a hard man Tony who was murdered by Stanley the son of the Glaswegian villain and not the sharpest card in the deck. The motive was bizarrely a cover up of incest between the daughter of Major Weir a wealthy oil tycoon. What I liked about the story was Bible John vanished again getting away. Rebus also is developing more as a character....more
One of Rankin’s early efforts and an espionage thriller. Hepton the hero uncovers a conspiracy of mad generals using a satellite to hide their nefarioOne of Rankin’s early efforts and an espionage thriller. Hepton the hero uncovers a conspiracy of mad generals using a satellite to hide their nefarious activities. There is Harry the assassin baddie. Who fails to kill Hepton. He then goes on to investigate Zephyr the UK satellite which he believes has been compromised with Jilly his ex girlfriend and a journalist.
The story was very readable and entertaining set in the 1980s with the cold war still going. There is lots of action but to me felt a bit cliché at times. ...more
A great story. Albeit a complicated plot. A body discovered after 20 years on the building site of the new Scottish Pa**spoiler alert** SPOILERS AHEAD
A great story. Albeit a complicated plot. A body discovered after 20 years on the building site of the new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Then the murder of a politician on the same site and then the suicide of a tramp who also has £400k in his bank account. Rebus begins to see a connection to all three deaths.
He is also contending with the early release of Big Ger Cafferty from prison. Once again Rebus is dealing with his demons. His protege Siobhan Clarke is also dealing with unwanted attention from another officer. Rebus also has to deal with the politicians family the Grieve’s who are eccentric and well connected.
The motive is key to the deaths and greed is behind them. The question of who is responsible comes together and there is a great twist in the climax to the story.
Is it bright to get in a car with Big Ger and then Rebus finds he is taken to an isolated spot and apparently given to the corrupt property developer Barry Hutton to be killed. Then Rebus wakes up battered and bruised and alive. Big Ger has taken care of Barry Hutton who foolishly was trying to take over his property empire.
All nicely tied up with Alsdair Grieve going back to the Caribbean after revealing him and the tramp killed an enforcer sent by Hutton in self defence. Hutton hiding the body and responsible for the murder of Roddy due to an overzealous enforcer. The motive is he wanted his corrupt councilman Arthur as the elected MP to get planning permission for his developments.
Once again Big Ger is on top and all the evidence of him not having cancer disappearing....more
**spoiler alert** A good thriller. Although having Rebus and Siobhan working on two separate murder cases and then linking them together was a bit too**spoiler alert** A good thriller. Although having Rebus and Siobhan working on two separate murder cases and then linking them together was a bit too ambitious. An immigrant is murdered in a housing estate with racist overtones. Elsewhere where a immigrant centre is located near a small village another murder occurs and a girl goes missing.
Rebus plays the role of white knight giving toys to immigrant children and being compassionate. He investigates the immigrant journalist death uncovering a trail that leads back to his nemesis Cafferty in a hot tub.
Around this is the discovery of two skeletons in an Edinburgh cellar in a pub. One turns out to be fake and the other one used by medical students.
The illegal immigrant scam of getting them to work and pay for accommodation through illegal letting of flats was good as a plot. Overcrowding, fear of being deported and then the criminal gang killing the immigrant journalist to avoid discovery. Cafferty is informing immigration about his rival’s activities so he could take over the scam. The immigrant centre manager is revealed to be the inside man and all is revealed.
The other plot was Siobhan trying to find a missing girl whose sister committed suicide after being raped. The bar owner where the two skeletons were found turns out to be her boyfriend. He then takes the blame for the rapists murder although it was likely to have been the missing girl.
Rankin ties it all together in atmospheric Edinburgh with a few surprises....more
**spoiler alert** Not a page turner and one of Rankin’s earliest novels. Unusual as it is a spy novel. Miles Flint is a jaded surveillance officer who**spoiler alert** Not a page turner and one of Rankin’s earliest novels. Unusual as it is a spy novel. Miles Flint is a jaded surveillance officer who bungles an op when he is distracted. He suspects a mole in His British Intelligence Organization. He also has a hobby of studying beetles as well as characterizing people as beetles. To me he seems to be going through a middle age crisis with problems with his marriage to Shelia.
He ends up in Ireland and finds he has been set up. He manages to escape with Collins an IRA man. The it gets a little farfetched with them working together and going to London to discover who is trying to kill him.
I liked the final confrontation with Partridge set in Edinburgh at Waverley train station and also the use of the Walter Scott monument. Not a bad read with some good scenes....more
**spoiler alert** I enjoyed the fifth in the Rebus series. Although perhaps there were to many subplots. The ending was also a bit farfetched. Big Ger**spoiler alert** I enjoyed the fifth in the Rebus series. Although perhaps there were to many subplots. The ending was also a bit farfetched. Big Ger attacking someone in a semi public place seems odd. In this story Patience the long suffering girlfriend takes a back seat. Michael his brother is back and of course gets mixed up in Rebus’s investigation and literally left hanging.
Siobhan is introduced. Rebus goes into pun overdrive with an Elvis themed restaurant. A murder and fire five years ago is the main plot at the old Central Hotel. Why did a brewery son change his ways or did he? The investigation involves looking into extortion, a policeman being hit over the head and Rebus obsession with locking up Big Ger.
The ending of the multi millionaire brewers son seems ridiculous. Rich people hire barristers who get them off. Yes the son might have being torn up by his conscience but his character did not in my view match that scenario. Still an enjoyable read with the landmarks of Edinburgh well incorporated into the story.
Another enjoyable read. Gallows humor, Big Ger Cafferty makes an appearance. The story is set during the Edinburgh Festival and is built around sectarAnother enjoyable read. Gallows humor, Big Ger Cafferty makes an appearance. The story is set during the Edinburgh Festival and is built around sectarian violence. Imported from Northern Ireland to Scotland. The Catholic versus the Protestant.
A young man is found brutally tortured and murdered beneath the High Street of Edinburgh in St Marys Close an underground complex of houses, shops and streets. Rebus investigation leads him to the Gar-B estate a slum area of Edinburgh.
The Special Branch becomes involved as guns may be being smuggled. More murders, a country and western bar, links to the past, a gangland boss after revenge and Rebus even had time to meet a Glen Close wannabe who causes him problems.
I think Rankin maybe could have left out the crazy admirer. The sectarian troubles was a good theme and the continuing complex relationship with Cafferty is a head scratcher.
Interesting that Mortal is a Scottish euphemism for drunkenness and better explains the title. ...more
**spoiler alert** Do not worry this is not the last Rebus novel. A great story. Rebus like his name is an enigmatic puzzle. The Russian poet Alexander**spoiler alert** Do not worry this is not the last Rebus novel. A great story. Rebus like his name is an enigmatic puzzle. The Russian poet Alexander Todorov is murdered in what looks like a mugging. The investigation links Russian businessmen, Rebus’s nemesis Big Ger Cafferty and Rebus is retiring in a week. Lets just say its a busy week with suspension, suspicion and some interesting music choices.
His partner Siobhan Clarke is taking over from him or hoping too. The investigation links politicians and once again we see Rankin’s low opinion of them. When Rebus is linked with a beating with Cafferty the twists keep coming. Although the Todd Goodyear link and of revenge is no surprise. The surprise is who murdered the poet with the motive bizarre and a bit farfetched. The second murder also seemed odd but more understandable in motivation which was greed.
The parking attendant was logical as a suspect when we knew the location of the murder.
I enjoyed the last days of Rebus as a policeman and the red herrings as well as the glimpse of Edinburgh’s underbelly. Curious to see what is next for Rebus....more
A suspenseful novel. A rare on to in that Rebus is sober and not chain smoking. A bit of flashback is used when his daughter Sammy is hit by a car andA suspenseful novel. A rare on to in that Rebus is sober and not chain smoking. A bit of flashback is used when his daughter Sammy is hit by a car and in a coma. The story revolves around a gangster called Telford trying to take over the criminal world of Edinburgh from Caffety another criminal Rebus put away but who still controls the criminal underworld of Edinburgh.
Rebus is also investigating a nazi who committed war crimes and trying to save an East European prostitute who looks like his daughter. The story hangs together well with Chechen mafia and Yakuza interwoven into the plot. The ending and finding out who the hit and run driver was a surprise. I kid you not.
Once again another atmospheric, gritty story set in Edinburgh. Well worth a read....more
I am currently comfort reading and Ian Rankin is accomplished in fulfilling that objective. This is the second Rebus novel. It follows the apparent acI am currently comfort reading and Ian Rankin is accomplished in fulfilling that objective. This is the second Rebus novel. It follows the apparent accidental overdose of Ronnie an addict in a squat with possible Satanic links. The play on word hide or is it Hyde was a nice touch. Set in the 1990s in a gritty Edinburgh where wealth and poverty are side by side in a city of contrasts.
Rebus finds himself rubbing shoulders with the wealthy of Edinburgh. He also investigates the motive behind the murder of Ronnie who was an amateur photographer. His girlfriend Tracy is a woman with anger management issues gives him the clues, a missing camera and Ronnie’s last words to her to hide.
Throw in a link to Satanism, a yearning to rekindle his relationship with Gill who is seeing a disc jockey and with a few red herrings and you have a good story. Rankin really has an issue with wealthy people, lawyers and politicians. Corruption, blackmail, illegal boxing, exploitation and those at the top getting away with crimes appears to be a common conclusion with Rebus stories....more
**spoiler alert** A great story. Rebus is once again drinking and smoking his way through a case. This one involves a psychopath recently returned fro**spoiler alert** A great story. Rebus is once again drinking and smoking his way through a case. This one involves a psychopath recently returned from America. Carey is a murderer who likes to play mind games. There is also the mysterious suicide of a policeman jumping from Salisbury Crags at Arthurs Seat.
Darren Rough a recently released pedophile is also on Rebus’s radar after a chase at Edinburgh Zoo. He is also reliving his past after an old girlfriend asks him to investigate her missing son Damon’s disappearance.
Lots of twists set in the atmospheric city of Edinburgh. I enjoyed the story and that it had one of the perpetrators get away scot free. The rich spoilt elite kids and their role in Damon’s disappearance and confession was a bit to simplistic. Rich people I think would lawyer up....more
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