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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
***1/2
The highest rated volume (on Goodreads at least) of the Rebus-series. And it is one that contains all of Rankin's strengths (snappy dialogue, well-rounded characters, balanced pace, clever plot,...), but that also rarely surprises. Still, a good Rankin never disappoints.
The highest rated volume (on Goodreads at least) of the Rebus-series. And it is one that contains all of Rankin's strengths (snappy dialogue, well-rounded characters, balanced pace, clever plot,...), but that also rarely surprises. Still, a good Rankin never disappoints.
If Sherlock Holmes were actually a Rolling Stones loving Scottish man based in present day, you’d get John Rebus. Can’t wait to read more.
Another ripper read from Rankin. Rebus is as engaging a problem-solver as ever, even in 'retirement'. Some weaknesses creeping in, however, as the malt count appears to be decreasing and there's a new companion for his twilight years. Loved it!
Woo-hoo! A new Rankin/Rebus on the horizon. Please, please someone send me an ARC. I'm willing to offer $$$, house cleaning services, one of the kids....
Update Nov. 25th: review to follow
Update Nov. 25th: review to follow
I have been a fan of Mr Rankin and his detective Rebus for many a year. Rankin still knows how to write muscular prose, but when it comes to plotting: he's lost the plot. In this novel, he is so pre-occupied narrating Rebus' activities that he has wholly forgotten how to actually write a mystery/crime novel.
The author has slept through his own plot, only to wake up in the last few pages to discover that he has no villain. Rankin fabricates one out of thin air, just in time for his publisher's cheque to appear in the mail.
The writing is fine, the plotting is lazy and indolent, the sure sign of an author who is just going through the motions.
The author has slept through his own plot, only to wake up in the last few pages to discover that he has no villain. Rankin fabricates one out of thin air, just in time for his publisher's cheque to appear in the mail.
The writing is fine, the plotting is lazy and indolent, the sure sign of an author who is just going through the motions.
Rebus is back with an excellent story, interlocking themes of growing old, and of the unpeeling of events that were hushed up in the 70s, Edinburgh Society closing ranks and the damage done
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It's been a few years since I last read a John Rebus book - I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. It was like putting on a comfortable pair of old slippers, and slipping straight back where I had left off. No other crime writer comes close to Ian Rankin.