The ninth book in Ian Rankin's "Inspector Rebus" series, set in Edinburgh, Scotland (though most of the action in this one takes place in Aberdeen, Scottish Oil Country). This was a complex -- though thoroughly enjoyable -- read, involving an effort to solve no fewer than three murders, at least two of which are related, and one of which has been a "cold case" since the late 1960s. My only hesitation in recommending this novel to any mystery lover is a concern that the important subplot(s) may be difficult to follow for those who haven't read at least some of the earlier books in the series. Without revealing too much, Rebus' love interest from some of the earlier books, Gill Templer, makes a reappearance, as does his sidekick from Knots & Crosses, Jack Morton. "Big Ger" Cafferty and Jim Stevens make cameo appearances, as do Siobhan Clarke, Brian Holmes and his estranged wife Nell Stapleton. Development -- however minor -- of all these characters may be wasted on a first-time reader, as will the broader context for Rebus' soul-searching about his alcohol consumption. Ah well -- a familiar conundrum for mystery lovers (read the first one that falls into your hands, or hold out for the first one in the series?).

(In case anyone is interested, these are the books in Rankin's Rebus series from the beginning: Knots and Crosses, Hide & Seek, Tooth & Nail, Strip Jack, A Good Hanging, The Black Book, Mortal Causes, Let it Bleed, Black & Blue, The Hanging Garden, Dead Souls, Death is Not the End (a novella which is proving very hard to find!), Set in Darkness, The Falls, Resurrection Men and A Question of Blood.)

I'm mailing this book to DreissM in Houston, Texas, who has kindly accepted it as a trade for Michael Maren's The Road to Hell. Best wishes from New Westminster, British Columbia! (At left: the Fraser River, as seen from the top of my street.)

Thank you so much for the delightful package with Black and Blue and all of the goodies for Alexander. He really enjoyed the pencils [he wondered how you knew that he needed new pencils !!!], stickers and magnet and plans on taking the book with him to the hospital tomorrow. I have to tell you that he just broke his arm pretty badly yesterday afternoon and after 10 hours in the emergency room last night they still could not get it set properly. So we go tomorrow to the operating room and hopefully they can re-set his arm without having to insert a pin. And I enjoyed the package decorations as I am always delighted to see people who are proud of their country!!

27June2004
Really enjoyed Rankin's style of writing, sense of humor and especially the main character -Rebus. And since this book was not an American edition it was fun trying to figure out some of the British English!! Will definitely get some of the other Rebus stories.

Release planned for Monday, June 28, 2004 at dessa in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA.

Dear Dessa, Thought you might enjoy this one...the style of writing is a bit different and Rankin ties several different plots into one. Your friend in books, DreissM

What a nice surprise in the mail today--thank you DreissM! I've read one book in this series (a later one) and really liked the gritty Scottish setting, and I'm sure I'll enjoy this one as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this dark, edgy mystery; though some of its plot details were a bit far-fetched, I was entirely willing to go along with them. Wish I had seen some of the Rebus episodes on TV. Thanks for sending this!

On its way to gregn7157.

I can't believe I forgot to journal this wonderful find -- thanks to dessa and dreissM for sharing with me! Great read!

RELEASE NOTES:

Not able to read as I used to so don't want to keep this in limbo any longer.