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A review by batrock
The Black Book by Ian Rankin
5.0
I think this is the first Rebus in my reread that I've never read before. At any rate, I really liked this one even if Rebus operated almost entirely outside of the law and some of its attitudes towards are retrograde, even for 1993. This book introduces Siobhan, Rebus' truest offsider, it offers humour in Rebus' domestic situation and rehabilitates several characters in meaningful ways to allow for less of a "one man against the whole damn system", which can get exhausting.
It's one of those rare early Rebuses where there's some victory to the whole affair, even if the outcome seems slightly neat, and there's a fairly enlightened approach to homosexual characters in it - there are more than two! They have a variety of virtues and flaws!
Ultimately, The Black Book is the first Rebus book of the retread that I not only really enjoyed but also reaffirmed the feeling of love for this series that has long lingered in my system. A rare fiver.
It's one of those rare early Rebuses where there's some victory to the whole affair, even if the outcome seems slightly neat, and there's a fairly enlightened approach to homosexual characters in it - there are more than two! They have a variety of virtues and flaws!
Ultimately, The Black Book is the first Rebus book of the retread that I not only really enjoyed but also reaffirmed the feeling of love for this series that has long lingered in my system. A rare fiver.