Reviews

Well written and engaging but this story is one in a sequence. The ending leaves a cliff hanger for the next book and the continuity of character development and plots across the series makes this a less satisfying read as a one off

rollotreadway's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

ro_de_oh's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lizziebeth57's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I’ve read loads of Rebus novels but in this one he’s getting old and is sick so I found it a sad read.

hannagg's review against another edition

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5.0

I was an avid reader of Ian Rankin’s series with the Edinburgh detective John Rebus. Still, I somehow became distracted by the new and shiny mysteries that pop in the bookstores every week. Now I’m glad to see that Rebus is back and better than ever. It’s such a classic, noir fiction, with sharp dialogs and exciting characters, that I envy those who haven’t got a chance to read the series yet.

“A Heart Full of Headstones” begins with Rebus in court as the defendant, accused of a serious crime. The story is slowly revealed – it starts with Morris “Ger” Cafferty, an old crime boss and Rebus’ antagonist hiring John to look for a man who might be dead. As explained to Rebus, Cafferty’s intentions are good, and payment might come in handy as Rebus has retired. Well, retired or not, his brain is still sharp even if the body has weakened. Rebus’ informal investigation intertwines with his previous work partner, now DI, Siobhan Clarke’s work on a different case. Nobody seems completely innocent, especially the team at another police station that became a refuge for ruthless and misogynistic police officers. It looks like it’s in someone’s interest to have Rebus out of the picture forever.

The title of this book is taken from the lyrics of “Single Father,” a song by Rankin’s late friend, a Scottish musician Jackie Leven. Another Rankin’s book title, “Standing in Another Man’s Grave,” is also based on a piece by Jackie Leven. I’m proud to say that the collection of Rankin’s books stands next to my collection of Jackie Leven’s songs, and I think they belong together.

This is a great crime novel, and I highly recommend it. Just get this book and follow Rebus’s example. He “had walked Brillo, fed both dog and owner, and poured himself into the armchair in his living room alongside a second whisky. The hi-fi system was playing Jackie Leven at barely discernible volume.” This should be a mystery novel reader’s ideal evening.

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