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Inspector Rebus #5
THE BLACK BOOK BY (RANKIN, IAN) PAPERBACK
When a close colleague is brutally attacked, DI John Rebus is drawn into a case involving an unidentified body and murder. Pursued by dangerous ghosts and tormented by the coded secrets of his colleague's notebook, Rebus must piece together a jigsaw no one wants completed.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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About the author
Ian Rankin
423 books6,530 followersAKA Jack Harvey.
Born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982 and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. His first Rebus novel was published in 1987; the Rebus books are now translated into 22 languages and are bestsellers on several continents.
Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow. He is also a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award, and he received two Dagger Awards for the year's best short story and the Gold Dagger for Fiction. Ian Rankin is also the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Abertay, St Andrews, and Edinburgh.
A contributor to BBC2's Newsnight Review, he also presented his own TV series, Ian Rankin's Evil Thoughts, on Channel 4 in 2002. He recently received the OBE for services to literature, and opted to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his partner and two sons.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ianrankin
Born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982 and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. His first Rebus novel was published in 1987; the Rebus books are now translated into 22 languages and are bestsellers on several continents.
Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow. He is also a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award, and he received two Dagger Awards for the year's best short story and the Gold Dagger for Fiction. Ian Rankin is also the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Abertay, St Andrews, and Edinburgh.
A contributor to BBC2's Newsnight Review, he also presented his own TV series, Ian Rankin's Evil Thoughts, on Channel 4 in 2002. He recently received the OBE for services to literature, and opted to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his partner and two sons.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ianrankin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews
October 10, 2023
Inspector Rebus mystery No. 5: When one of Rebus' colleagues is savagely assaulted, he finds himself drawn into this case of an unidentified corpse, a hotel fire and secrets. A puzzle centred around 2 black books could be the key to the case, but does Rebus really want to know? 5 out of 12, as there's a dip in the quality of plotting from the previous books in this series. A Two Star read.
2010 read
2010 read
November 5, 2022
Inspector John Rebus is distracted. His brother, Michael, has turned up, fresh from a spell ‘at Her Majesty’s pleasure’, courtesy of a drug dealing charge Rebus himself helped to nail down. Michael’s looking for a place to kip down for a spell and he’s hoping his brother can help him out. But there’s more. Michael is soon found hanging by his feet from the Forth Bridge and a friend and colleague of Rebus is badly beaten, reason and perpetrator unknown. All this distraction means that Rebus is less attentive than ever to the girlfriend who has taken him in and soon his luggage is on the wrong side of the front door.
His investigations into the incidents lead him to a restaurant owned by an Elvis fanatic and potential links to an old case: a fire at a city hotel in which a body was found, in the ruins. If this weren’t enough, he’s been asked to assist in a surveillance task and is forced to share the task with fellow police inspector by the name of Flower (‘little weed’ as Rebus refers to him). The two detest each other – this is bound to end in tears.
Then Morris ‘Big Ger’ Cafferty makes an appearance. Now, aficionados of this series will know that the relationship between Rebus and Cafferty is a complex one. On one hand it’s it’s the typical cop versus head honcho gangster thing, but delve a little deeper and you start to sense that there’s some empathy here too; perhaps the two have more in common than either would like to think. As the series progresses this relationship deepens and becomes ever more complex (I know this because of the random order I’ve happened to read these books), and any time these two share the same page the quality of the dialogue goes up a further notch – in my opinion it’s the high point of Rankin’s writing.
The narrative does ramble a bit and there are probably too may threads and too many characters. For that reason, I’d say it’s not one of the best books in this series. However, there’s really no such thing as a bad Rebus book and I’d take any instalment above ninety percent of the crime fiction novels out there. As usual, I smiled most of the way through this one. The only bad news is that I’ve got very few of this series left to read. Maybe I ought to ration myself – I’m not looking forward to closing the book on Rebus for the final time.
His investigations into the incidents lead him to a restaurant owned by an Elvis fanatic and potential links to an old case: a fire at a city hotel in which a body was found, in the ruins. If this weren’t enough, he’s been asked to assist in a surveillance task and is forced to share the task with fellow police inspector by the name of Flower (‘little weed’ as Rebus refers to him). The two detest each other – this is bound to end in tears.
Then Morris ‘Big Ger’ Cafferty makes an appearance. Now, aficionados of this series will know that the relationship between Rebus and Cafferty is a complex one. On one hand it’s it’s the typical cop versus head honcho gangster thing, but delve a little deeper and you start to sense that there’s some empathy here too; perhaps the two have more in common than either would like to think. As the series progresses this relationship deepens and becomes ever more complex (I know this because of the random order I’ve happened to read these books), and any time these two share the same page the quality of the dialogue goes up a further notch – in my opinion it’s the high point of Rankin’s writing.
The narrative does ramble a bit and there are probably too may threads and too many characters. For that reason, I’d say it’s not one of the best books in this series. However, there’s really no such thing as a bad Rebus book and I’d take any instalment above ninety percent of the crime fiction novels out there. As usual, I smiled most of the way through this one. The only bad news is that I’ve got very few of this series left to read. Maybe I ought to ration myself – I’m not looking forward to closing the book on Rebus for the final time.
March 7, 2025
Solid mystery as Rankin’s favorite detective, John Rebus, finds himself in hot water every which way he turns.
New station location brings tension with new colleagues, brother and ex-con Michael shows up needing a place to stay while John finds himself on the residential skids amidst relationship woes.
One cold case mystery intersects with a seemingly unrelated stakeout operation. Thanks to Rebus’ stubborn nature and keen observation skills, pieces begin falling together but not before victims start piling up.
Not unsurprisingly, the series gets stronger with every new installment. This book came with an interesting foreword from the author who talks about how his American author residence inspired names and places in this book.
Looking forward to the next one… hopefully I won’t wait a year or two this time!!
(Reviewed 12/24/22)
New station location brings tension with new colleagues, brother and ex-con Michael shows up needing a place to stay while John finds himself on the residential skids amidst relationship woes.
One cold case mystery intersects with a seemingly unrelated stakeout operation. Thanks to Rebus’ stubborn nature and keen observation skills, pieces begin falling together but not before victims start piling up.
Not unsurprisingly, the series gets stronger with every new installment. This book came with an interesting foreword from the author who talks about how his American author residence inspired names and places in this book.
Looking forward to the next one… hopefully I won’t wait a year or two this time!!
(Reviewed 12/24/22)
February 19, 2017
I was rooting around a sale bin in a second hand bookstore & looky looky what I found. I've been following this series for years but somehow missed this one. Made my day.
This is an old one & there's only about a kabillion reviews already so I won't bother, I'm sure it's all been said. But it reminded me of one of the things I love about reading.....when you come across a series that for whatever reason, you become attached to & read just for the pure pleasure of spending time with that character. Here's hoping Rebus continues to stroll the streets of Edinburgh for years to come.
This is an old one & there's only about a kabillion reviews already so I won't bother, I'm sure it's all been said. But it reminded me of one of the things I love about reading.....when you come across a series that for whatever reason, you become attached to & read just for the pure pleasure of spending time with that character. Here's hoping Rebus continues to stroll the streets of Edinburgh for years to come.
August 29, 2020
So pleased I bought a number of ebooks when these new editions were released “with exclusive new material”. Ian Rankin the author writes his own introduction to The Black Book published in 1993 in April 2005. Rebus had at that time, become an established detective and the author was building on his considerable success. It is worth it for these words alone, but the extras include further notes at the end which should not be missed.
I’ve been wanting to re-visit these Rebus novels for some time and chose book 5 as my starting point to begin the series. My choice was almost immediately confirmed by Rankin’s own comments and the sense that from this book his writing and stories truly blossom and his characters take on enduring worth.
Edinburgh has always held some fascination for me and my thoughts returned to it this week as my daughter travelled there on a City Break. Perhaps that was the spark I needed to fall in love again with John Rebus. In these books the city takes on a character in its own right and the locations work well wonderfully with the dark side of these novels.
Interestingly Big Ger the gangster here is said to be have become hard from a young age ,having grown up on the Craigmillar estate. This is no exaggeration in my mind having visited it in the mid 1970’s from rural Suffolk as a naïve teenager. My friend and I stayed with a Baptist minister and we quickly learned the police always came in fours to knock on doors. I think we were saved by our association with this respected leader of the youth mission and our cheap trainers.
The Black Book is a classic novel as current and relevant now as when it was first issued. It tells of the terror in business ventures around protection money, the fear and enforcement of a gangland thug no-one would testify against and a cold case it seems even the senior police officers do not want re-opening.
But this corruption and culture of silence stimulates a determined Rebus who loves nothing more than a puzzle, especially if the solution could promise to expose the nefarious activities of crime boss Morris Gerald Cafferty - Big Ger.
The novel also introduces DC Siobhan Clarke who grows into Rebus’ trusty sidekick. A Lewis to his Morse but a able copper in her own right. From this point the books grow in strength with plots worthy of this genre.
This was a great place to start over with Rankin’s Rebus. Having read the 4 preceding titles already and no wish to return there. I feel energised to read them now in series order. Mortal Causes is next (number 6) and we’ve reached 23 and counting plus the short stories along the way. So much to look forward to in the coming days.
I’m so pleased with my decision, I only wonder why I left it so long. I hope new readers and old fans like me will find similar enthusiasm in the pages of a Rebus novel.
I’ve been wanting to re-visit these Rebus novels for some time and chose book 5 as my starting point to begin the series. My choice was almost immediately confirmed by Rankin’s own comments and the sense that from this book his writing and stories truly blossom and his characters take on enduring worth.
Edinburgh has always held some fascination for me and my thoughts returned to it this week as my daughter travelled there on a City Break. Perhaps that was the spark I needed to fall in love again with John Rebus. In these books the city takes on a character in its own right and the locations work well wonderfully with the dark side of these novels.
Interestingly Big Ger the gangster here is said to be have become hard from a young age ,having grown up on the Craigmillar estate. This is no exaggeration in my mind having visited it in the mid 1970’s from rural Suffolk as a naïve teenager. My friend and I stayed with a Baptist minister and we quickly learned the police always came in fours to knock on doors. I think we were saved by our association with this respected leader of the youth mission and our cheap trainers.
The Black Book is a classic novel as current and relevant now as when it was first issued. It tells of the terror in business ventures around protection money, the fear and enforcement of a gangland thug no-one would testify against and a cold case it seems even the senior police officers do not want re-opening.
But this corruption and culture of silence stimulates a determined Rebus who loves nothing more than a puzzle, especially if the solution could promise to expose the nefarious activities of crime boss Morris Gerald Cafferty - Big Ger.
The novel also introduces DC Siobhan Clarke who grows into Rebus’ trusty sidekick. A Lewis to his Morse but a able copper in her own right. From this point the books grow in strength with plots worthy of this genre.
This was a great place to start over with Rankin’s Rebus. Having read the 4 preceding titles already and no wish to return there. I feel energised to read them now in series order. Mortal Causes is next (number 6) and we’ve reached 23 and counting plus the short stories along the way. So much to look forward to in the coming days.
I’m so pleased with my decision, I only wonder why I left it so long. I hope new readers and old fans like me will find similar enthusiasm in the pages of a Rebus novel.
December 4, 2016
This is the fifth novel in the Inspector John Rebus series and after the somewhat dry subject matter dealt with in Strip Jack, this is a return to form in terms of providing both more action and plenty of the trademark Rebus wit. Significantly, it is at this juncture in the series that Ian Rankin first began to visualise his Rebus novels as a series, transition location-wise from a 'fictional' Edinburgh to the city authentic and introduced the perfect foil for Rebus in DC Siobhan Clarke. The Black Book features Rebus centre stage and without the complications of a girlfriend, meaning that it offers one of the sharpest portrayals of his early years. Whilst this fifth outing isn't as tightly plotted as it could be, feeling more like an amalgam of different threads that have been cobbled together somewhat, Rankin does manage to pull it into coherent shape along the way. Relatively directionless when it sets out with a joint surveillance operation with Trading Standards into one of the 'lieutenants' of the Big Ger empire on the go, Rebus does seem to go looking for other irons in the fire, perhaps reflecting his lack of interest in cutting down one of the lesser figures in the Cafferty empire. I have commented before on the lack of specific focus assigned to Rebus, and whilst I accept some dramatic licence, it seems unrealistic that even at the level of Inspector he can almost pick and choose his investigative pursuits. Maybe this was prior to the strict justification of resources and increased bureaucracy of the force, but it all adds to the "loose canon" persona of Rebus that Rankin hones.
The fictional police station of Great London Road was razed to the ground in the fourth novel and The Black Book is the first to mark the move to St Leonard's Square. Although Rebus should be resident with girlfriend, Dr Patience Aitken at Oxford Terrace, booted out thanks to one disagreement too many, he is kipping on the sofa of the flat he rents to students in Arden Street, Marchmont. As he contemplates the "black comedy" of his life, it swiftly worsens with the arrival of his brother, Michael, back from London after a three years sojourn at Her Majesty's Pleasure and the news that his dependable DS, Brian Holmes, has received a blunt instrument to the back of the head.. Found in the car park of his regular nightly haunt, The Heartbreak Cafe, ex-girlfriend Nell suspects that the "black book" of cryptic notes, a mix of rumour and hearsay that Holmes kept on his person could provide the answer to the mystery of his unprovoked assault. Nell suspects he had worries on his mind and as Rebus waits with bated breath for the recovery of an unconscious Holmes, he focuses on the fire which destroyed the Central Hotel five years previously that is extensively covered in Holmes "black book" and something more significant than the surveillance operation; that of placing Big Ger at the scene.
Added to this Rebus also handles a stabbing in a butchers with the victim unwilling to corroborate any details and the arrival of a convicted sex offender in the locality. Keeping a close eye on the surveillance operation results, albeit without putting in too much legwork, Rebus stokes these ongoing enquiries all with an eye on the bigger prize of Big Ger. With Holmes in hospital, the officer who works alongside Rebus is female DC Clarke. As a graduate with a flat bought for her by wealthy parents, DC Siobhan Clarke respects Rebus but is exasperated by his reluctance to adhere to the rules and confident enough to hold her own against her boss. Notoriously secretive and narrow-minded when he fixated on a case, Clarke is smart enough to put up with Rebus's sometimes frustrating methodology and occasionally humour him, knowing that working alongside him could teach her a few tricks about the low-life in the city. Notably Clarke and Rebus seem to strike up a relaxed rapport as they bang heads cross-referencing the case notes on Big Ger and the Central Hotel blaze and critically Rebus treats his underlings like equals, valuing their input.
Morris Gerald Cafferty - Big Ger - is Edinburgh's premier gangster with a reputation that rules the city with a foreboding threat of terror. In the same respects that Rebus is a 'dinosaur' in the changing landscape of policing, Big Ger represents the old guard of gangster, with a marked respect for each other and has more in common with Rebus than either will admit to. Both men seem to enjoy jousting against each other whenever they meet, and the result is often a barrage of wit. Big Ger has a magnetic aura that adds to his towering reputation that not even John Rebus is immune to, with the reflected glory that being worthy of his company implying that you are someone to be reckoned with. Despite his desire to see Big Ger go down for a decent stretch, Rebus is as flawed as the next man on the street, and occasionally fooled by the many faces of Cafferty.
Written in the wake of Rankin's spell in the US of A the puns are worse than ever with Rebus having particular amusement at the expense of the menu at The Heartbreak Cafe (King Shrimp Creole, Love Me Tenderloin, Blue Suede Choux, In The Gateaux), but as usual the nicknames of his colleagues and wrong 'uns across Edinburgh more than make up for it, from Chief Superintendent 'Farmer' Watson, Chief Inspector 'Fart' Lauderdale and, best of all, adversary DI 'Little Weed' Flower! Although in The Black Book, Rankin has delivered an assemblage of plots requiring a few too many bit part players, he once again seems to rouse Rebus into the close in order to pull this into coherent order. The result relies strongly on a few too many convenient coincidences but leaves Rebus once again coming through by the skin of his teeth and sets up his enduring adversary with the "clever scum" that is Cafferty.
The fictional police station of Great London Road was razed to the ground in the fourth novel and The Black Book is the first to mark the move to St Leonard's Square. Although Rebus should be resident with girlfriend, Dr Patience Aitken at Oxford Terrace, booted out thanks to one disagreement too many, he is kipping on the sofa of the flat he rents to students in Arden Street, Marchmont. As he contemplates the "black comedy" of his life, it swiftly worsens with the arrival of his brother, Michael, back from London after a three years sojourn at Her Majesty's Pleasure and the news that his dependable DS, Brian Holmes, has received a blunt instrument to the back of the head.. Found in the car park of his regular nightly haunt, The Heartbreak Cafe, ex-girlfriend Nell suspects that the "black book" of cryptic notes, a mix of rumour and hearsay that Holmes kept on his person could provide the answer to the mystery of his unprovoked assault. Nell suspects he had worries on his mind and as Rebus waits with bated breath for the recovery of an unconscious Holmes, he focuses on the fire which destroyed the Central Hotel five years previously that is extensively covered in Holmes "black book" and something more significant than the surveillance operation; that of placing Big Ger at the scene.
Added to this Rebus also handles a stabbing in a butchers with the victim unwilling to corroborate any details and the arrival of a convicted sex offender in the locality. Keeping a close eye on the surveillance operation results, albeit without putting in too much legwork, Rebus stokes these ongoing enquiries all with an eye on the bigger prize of Big Ger. With Holmes in hospital, the officer who works alongside Rebus is female DC Clarke. As a graduate with a flat bought for her by wealthy parents, DC Siobhan Clarke respects Rebus but is exasperated by his reluctance to adhere to the rules and confident enough to hold her own against her boss. Notoriously secretive and narrow-minded when he fixated on a case, Clarke is smart enough to put up with Rebus's sometimes frustrating methodology and occasionally humour him, knowing that working alongside him could teach her a few tricks about the low-life in the city. Notably Clarke and Rebus seem to strike up a relaxed rapport as they bang heads cross-referencing the case notes on Big Ger and the Central Hotel blaze and critically Rebus treats his underlings like equals, valuing their input.
Morris Gerald Cafferty - Big Ger - is Edinburgh's premier gangster with a reputation that rules the city with a foreboding threat of terror. In the same respects that Rebus is a 'dinosaur' in the changing landscape of policing, Big Ger represents the old guard of gangster, with a marked respect for each other and has more in common with Rebus than either will admit to. Both men seem to enjoy jousting against each other whenever they meet, and the result is often a barrage of wit. Big Ger has a magnetic aura that adds to his towering reputation that not even John Rebus is immune to, with the reflected glory that being worthy of his company implying that you are someone to be reckoned with. Despite his desire to see Big Ger go down for a decent stretch, Rebus is as flawed as the next man on the street, and occasionally fooled by the many faces of Cafferty.
Written in the wake of Rankin's spell in the US of A the puns are worse than ever with Rebus having particular amusement at the expense of the menu at The Heartbreak Cafe (King Shrimp Creole, Love Me Tenderloin, Blue Suede Choux, In The Gateaux), but as usual the nicknames of his colleagues and wrong 'uns across Edinburgh more than make up for it, from Chief Superintendent 'Farmer' Watson, Chief Inspector 'Fart' Lauderdale and, best of all, adversary DI 'Little Weed' Flower! Although in The Black Book, Rankin has delivered an assemblage of plots requiring a few too many bit part players, he once again seems to rouse Rebus into the close in order to pull this into coherent order. The result relies strongly on a few too many convenient coincidences but leaves Rebus once again coming through by the skin of his teeth and sets up his enduring adversary with the "clever scum" that is Cafferty.
March 4, 2018
The Black Book by Ian Rankin.
The main theme or focus for Rebus is the burning down of the Central Hotel 5 years ago. A body, or what was left of a body, was found in the smoldering ashes. That body also had a bullet lodged in it's head. Rebus is bound and determined to find answers to this unsolved murder. That's when his problems begin. No one wants him to find any answers to that murder including the police. Well that's ok since nobody stops Rebus for long.
The key to solving this mystery is a black book that was in the possession of Brian Holmes. Brian Holmes was Rebus's other right hand man after Siophan Clarke. Holmes had met with an "accident" after leaving Rebus's company at the Heart Break Cafe. His head was bashed with something hard that left him concussed and hospitalized. Just who was waiting for Holmes outside and why ...Rebus had his suspicions. While visiting Brian in the hospital Nell (Brian's former steady) told him about the black Book and where Brian kept it.
Rebus had no doubt that big Ger Cafferty was behind most if not all of this down to the burning of the Central Hotel and the murder of the body found there. Was Cafferty trying to make a statement to stay away from this investigation by attacking Brian and if so who was next?
The list of characters is off the charts and each personality added to this story.
The author's love of Scotland especially Aberdeen comes through in Rebus's life and his haunts.
The main theme or focus for Rebus is the burning down of the Central Hotel 5 years ago. A body, or what was left of a body, was found in the smoldering ashes. That body also had a bullet lodged in it's head. Rebus is bound and determined to find answers to this unsolved murder. That's when his problems begin. No one wants him to find any answers to that murder including the police. Well that's ok since nobody stops Rebus for long.
The key to solving this mystery is a black book that was in the possession of Brian Holmes. Brian Holmes was Rebus's other right hand man after Siophan Clarke. Holmes had met with an "accident" after leaving Rebus's company at the Heart Break Cafe. His head was bashed with something hard that left him concussed and hospitalized. Just who was waiting for Holmes outside and why ...Rebus had his suspicions. While visiting Brian in the hospital Nell (Brian's former steady) told him about the black Book and where Brian kept it.
Rebus had no doubt that big Ger Cafferty was behind most if not all of this down to the burning of the Central Hotel and the murder of the body found there. Was Cafferty trying to make a statement to stay away from this investigation by attacking Brian and if so who was next?
The list of characters is off the charts and each personality added to this story.
The author's love of Scotland especially Aberdeen comes through in Rebus's life and his haunts.
November 3, 2017
I've read a number of Rebus books over the years and always enjoyed them. Rebus is a great character and Rankin is a great writer. These days I'm picking up odd ones from charity shops from the early days and I've not read a bad one yet. This features Ger Cafferty as a character for the first time properly as well as one or two others who get to stick around for quite some time. It's a decent crime read. I guess I was surprised to find just how well this early one stacked up against both Rankin's later books and work from other current authors. For me this one stood the test of time far better than many books I've read from other authors written in the intervening period.
April 10, 2018
Not sure what happened, this started out well. But then either I lost the plot, or storyline went off on a strange tangent. I usually enjoy Rebus books, but not this one. Let's hope the next one is back up to standard.
October 9, 2014
I have read several of the Rebus series now and plan to work my way progressively through all of them. This one was particularly good in that Rebus seems to be mostly in control of things, his boss is supporting him and his love life is at a standstill. So much more time is spent on actual police work and solving crimes, always a good thing I think in a crime novel. I found this particular book a great way to spend time on a long plane flight and I look forward to reading the next one soon.
May 1, 2020
Başlar dağınıktı, akmıyor gibi bir şeydi ama sonlara doğru açıldı. Rebus’u okumayı seviyorum cidden.
November 24, 2024
It shouldn’t be necessary to start a well written detective series in order of release; an author like Rankin can usually provide enough backstory to bring you up to speed wherever you begin.
At a book exchange or thrift store I’m not likely to find volume 1 waiting for me. If worth another shot, I track down earlier volumes and try to read them in some order.
Like previous Inspector Rebus novels, 7 so far for me, this one presents a very imperfect central character and a balanced, relatable ensemble cast, vicious villains and untrustworthy witnesses.
There will be a story line that keeps me engaged to the end; edgy , gritty, often uncomfortable .
Never tied up with a neat little bow.
This is number 4 in the series. Yes, worth coming back for number 5, or 7 or even 12.
No pressure. I’m reading, not “streaming.”
At a book exchange or thrift store I’m not likely to find volume 1 waiting for me. If worth another shot, I track down earlier volumes and try to read them in some order.
Like previous Inspector Rebus novels, 7 so far for me, this one presents a very imperfect central character and a balanced, relatable ensemble cast, vicious villains and untrustworthy witnesses.
There will be a story line that keeps me engaged to the end; edgy , gritty, often uncomfortable .
Never tied up with a neat little bow.
This is number 4 in the series. Yes, worth coming back for number 5, or 7 or even 12.
No pressure. I’m reading, not “streaming.”
December 21, 2020
Inspector John Rebus is a working man's detective. Rebus comes from a blue-collar family in Fife; he stays true to those roots. He's a hard worker, knows his job, and is far from being a boot polisher. He's no teetotaler nor is he an alcoholic, a malady of many fictional detectives. There's more than one way to get to the bottom of an investigation; Rebus is not above most of them. He'll try, try and try again.
The Rebus series is gritty with interesting characters and plenty of subplots to keep the suspense up there to the final pages.
The Rebus series is gritty with interesting characters and plenty of subplots to keep the suspense up there to the final pages.
November 10, 2019
bence iyi rebus maceralarından biri değildi. 5 sene evvel yanmış bir otel, hapisten çıkıp yanına gelmiş kardeş, evden atan sevgili... bayağı olaylı olmasına rağmen zorlama bazı şeyler vardı diyebilirim.
ama tabii iskoçya'da da hüküm süren mafya, medya pisliklerine yine el atmış ian rankin.
bu arada ilk kez ingilizce okudum rankin'i ve o iskoç aksanını okumak müthişti. türkçeye çevrilmesi pek mümkün değil tabii, o yüzden aslında aynı tadı almak da mümkün değil.
ama tabii iskoçya'da da hüküm süren mafya, medya pisliklerine yine el atmış ian rankin.
bu arada ilk kez ingilizce okudum rankin'i ve o iskoç aksanını okumak müthişti. türkçeye çevrilmesi pek mümkün değil tabii, o yüzden aslında aynı tadı almak da mümkün değil.
July 31, 2016
3.5
Expected better from Rankin in this one.
It wasn't as noir as the previous books
I'll read the 6th book in the series and see if it's any better
It's my least fav Rebus so far
Expected better from Rankin in this one.
It wasn't as noir as the previous books
I'll read the 6th book in the series and see if it's any better
It's my least fav Rebus so far
July 7, 2021
A great story and brilliant to see the earliest appearance of some of the characters that become important figures in the Inspector Rebus books.
September 8, 2017
Siobhan Clarke was a new partner for Rebus in this book, working with Rebus on Unsolved Crimes; brother of Rebus gets out of prison and needs place to sleep so he joins the crowd of college students renting from Rebus; Big Ger Cafferty is not at all likable in this earlier book, dramatically changing my view of that character. While I enjoy the series very much as it matured I never made the effort to start from book one to read in order. Had I done so I may have dropped it.
I should add this enjoyable bit...Rebus made a visit to see a relative not seen for years. His father and his brother had a "falling out" and did not speak thereafter. His aunt had a picture of the two of them together she wanted Rebus to have after her husband died. She went to sleep after greeting him, and Rebus went out to the kitchen to put together some sandwiches and brought them in to share.
"She'd started speaking before Rebus realised she was saying grace. 'Some hae eat and cannae eat, and some hae nane that want it. But we hae meat and we can eat, so let the Lord be thankit.' Rebus almost burst out laughing. Almost. But inside, he was touched too."
I should add this enjoyable bit...Rebus made a visit to see a relative not seen for years. His father and his brother had a "falling out" and did not speak thereafter. His aunt had a picture of the two of them together she wanted Rebus to have after her husband died. She went to sleep after greeting him, and Rebus went out to the kitchen to put together some sandwiches and brought them in to share.
"She'd started speaking before Rebus realised she was saying grace. 'Some hae eat and cannae eat, and some hae nane that want it. But we hae meat and we can eat, so let the Lord be thankit.' Rebus almost burst out laughing. Almost. But inside, he was touched too."
March 2, 2019
I am late to the John Rebus series and have started at the beginning. Now I have read to number 5 in the series. So many people have reviewed this book, that I am just going to make a few comments about it.
First of all, there were a lot of main and secondary characters. Would cause me to pause when a name would turn up quite a few pages after I last read it. I would have to think "Now who is this." I did figure it out. Next the plot was quite complex and there were secondary plot lines going. There was one surprise or twist that finished the ribbon bow, but I thought it was a bit much. It wasn't believable to me.
I did like the book. I like the location of Scotland. Of course, John Rebus makes the books work with his personality. He is very tenacious when he is on the trail. I also, liked Siobhan Clarke who is his DC. She has a strong work ethic and has a loyalty to John. I am looking forward to continuing with the series. I have a lot of good reading ahead.
First of all, there were a lot of main and secondary characters. Would cause me to pause when a name would turn up quite a few pages after I last read it. I would have to think "Now who is this." I did figure it out. Next the plot was quite complex and there were secondary plot lines going. There was one surprise or twist that finished the ribbon bow, but I thought it was a bit much. It wasn't believable to me.
I did like the book. I like the location of Scotland. Of course, John Rebus makes the books work with his personality. He is very tenacious when he is on the trail. I also, liked Siobhan Clarke who is his DC. She has a strong work ethic and has a loyalty to John. I am looking forward to continuing with the series. I have a lot of good reading ahead.
May 4, 2024
An early John Rebus novel, 1993; number five in the series. I don't think that at this point that the character of Rebus is too well developed as yet. I know he gets much better along with the writing because I have already read some of the more recent books in the series. As usual there is a lot going on in a Rebus novel, but I didn't think it was that great of a story. It was mostly predictable. No surprises for me either which was a little disappointing. Hopefully book six will pick up a little. Normally when reading a series, I keep all of the books forever but with this particular book I will most likely give it away.
December 11, 2022
Rebus in fine form.
Someone assaults one of Rebus' colleagues as he leaves an Elvis themed bar - Blue Suede Choux anyone? Rebus thinks that it is because he has come too close to identifying the murderer on a five year old cold case. Can Rebus pick up the threads and find the killer?
Usual mix of cynical hard bitten sleuth (but really with a heart of gold), corruption in high places and sailing close to the wind. Enjoyable
Someone assaults one of Rebus' colleagues as he leaves an Elvis themed bar - Blue Suede Choux anyone? Rebus thinks that it is because he has come too close to identifying the murderer on a five year old cold case. Can Rebus pick up the threads and find the killer?
Usual mix of cynical hard bitten sleuth (but really with a heart of gold), corruption in high places and sailing close to the wind. Enjoyable
December 16, 2025
So here’s another crime series I’m going to have to read. I like Rebus - he’s pretty devious for a cop. Not dirty, but willing to do anything to put the bad guys away.
Now read for a second time, as I started reading the series in order and forgotten that I’ve read this before.
Now read for a second time, as I started reading the series in order and forgotten that I’ve read this before.
June 26, 2019
So hatte Inspektor Rebus sich das nicht vorgestellt. Zunächst steht sein Bruder vor seiner Tür und braucht einen Schlafplatz, dann wirft ihn seine Freundin aus der Wohnung und nun muss er mit seinem Bruder, in seine eigene Bleibe, die er aber an Studenten untervermietet hat. Zu allem Übel wird sein Kollege zusammengeschlagen und liegt im Koma. Gern würde Rebus der Spur aus dessen kleinen schwarzen Notizbuch nachgehen, aber er und sein Team wurden abkommandiert, um Beweise gegen einen der großen Gangster von Edinburgh zu sammeln. Rebus wäre aber nicht Rebus, wenn er nicht dennoch heimlich vor sich hin ermitteln würde. Dabei sticht er manchmal mehr, manchmal weniger beabsichtigt in ein Wespennest und längst vergraben geglaubte Leichen kommen ans Tageslicht.
Beim Lesen des fünften Falls für Inspektor Rebus bin ich vor Spannung nicht gerade aus den Latschen gekippt und dennoch hat es mich gepackt. Als schwierig empfand ich mir die zahlreichen handelnden Personen zu eigen zu machen und mich an deren Beziehungen untereinander zu erinnern. Letztendlich schafft es der gewiefte Ermittler gleich drei Fälle in einem zu lösen. Er sorgt dafür, dass ein bekannter Kinderschänder seine gerechte Strafe bekommt, löst einen Mordfall der fünf Jahre zurückliegt und kann durch gekonntes Schlussfolgern eruieren, wer seinen Kollegen auf dem Parkplatz eins über die Mütze zog. In dieser Story trifft man alte Bekannte aus vorhergehenden Bänden wieder. Das Wiedersehen ist aber nicht so groß, dass man als Quereinsteiger der Geschichte nicht folgen kann. Meine Lieblingsfigur ist Rebus Kollegin Siobhan. Sie ist intelligent, pfiffig und ich glaube ein bisschen verknallt in Rebus. Das ist reine Spekulation. Wer weiß vielleicht erfüllen sich meine Wünsche ja in den nächsten Bänden und Inspektor Rebus findet eine Frau, die besser zu ihm passt, als die Ärztin. Sehr skurril ist das Cafebesitzerpärchen, insbesondere der Koch, welcher eine Vorliebe für Elvis und Alkohol hat. Ian Rankins Schreibstil ist eher nüchtern und unaufgeregt. Mir stockte nicht der Atem, aber zum Ende hin fieberte ich doch der Auflösung entgegen. Er behandelt viele Themen: Kindesmissbrauch, ökonomische Verbrechen, tätlicher Angriff gegen einen Polizisten und natürlich Mord. Alles was ein Krimileserherz sich wünscht.
So langsam ist mir der kauzige Inspektor Rebus ans Herz gewachsen und auch die völlig eigene Erzählweise des Autors. Mit Sicherheit werde ich ihn ein sechstes Mal bei seinen Ermittlungen begleiten.
Beim Lesen des fünften Falls für Inspektor Rebus bin ich vor Spannung nicht gerade aus den Latschen gekippt und dennoch hat es mich gepackt. Als schwierig empfand ich mir die zahlreichen handelnden Personen zu eigen zu machen und mich an deren Beziehungen untereinander zu erinnern. Letztendlich schafft es der gewiefte Ermittler gleich drei Fälle in einem zu lösen. Er sorgt dafür, dass ein bekannter Kinderschänder seine gerechte Strafe bekommt, löst einen Mordfall der fünf Jahre zurückliegt und kann durch gekonntes Schlussfolgern eruieren, wer seinen Kollegen auf dem Parkplatz eins über die Mütze zog. In dieser Story trifft man alte Bekannte aus vorhergehenden Bänden wieder. Das Wiedersehen ist aber nicht so groß, dass man als Quereinsteiger der Geschichte nicht folgen kann. Meine Lieblingsfigur ist Rebus Kollegin Siobhan. Sie ist intelligent, pfiffig und ich glaube ein bisschen verknallt in Rebus. Das ist reine Spekulation. Wer weiß vielleicht erfüllen sich meine Wünsche ja in den nächsten Bänden und Inspektor Rebus findet eine Frau, die besser zu ihm passt, als die Ärztin. Sehr skurril ist das Cafebesitzerpärchen, insbesondere der Koch, welcher eine Vorliebe für Elvis und Alkohol hat. Ian Rankins Schreibstil ist eher nüchtern und unaufgeregt. Mir stockte nicht der Atem, aber zum Ende hin fieberte ich doch der Auflösung entgegen. Er behandelt viele Themen: Kindesmissbrauch, ökonomische Verbrechen, tätlicher Angriff gegen einen Polizisten und natürlich Mord. Alles was ein Krimileserherz sich wünscht.
So langsam ist mir der kauzige Inspektor Rebus ans Herz gewachsen und auch die völlig eigene Erzählweise des Autors. Mit Sicherheit werde ich ihn ein sechstes Mal bei seinen Ermittlungen begleiten.
October 6, 2011
Ian Rankin's The Black Book is the 5th of his Inspector John Rebus series set in Edinburgh; this is the first of his novels I've read. Although in his early thirties when he wrote this tale, Rankin shapes Rebus with a world-weary cast, delivering a startlingly interior view of his middle-aged detective. Rebus isn't a 20s-something swashbuckler; nor has his passion died -- instead, it smoulders, burning red hot when correctly fanned, flicking encrusted ash skyward contemptuously.
In this outing, Rebus has to deal with his girl-friend who's had enough of him, his returning brother (an ex-con) with no where else to stay except with John, a flat full of late teenage university students on their own for the first time (and sharing his flat he's been forced to return to). And that's just his personal life. On the job, he becomes engulfed by a five year old murder, pursuing the investigation "on his own time" (and literally, too, as he is suspended at one point from the force), which leads to a gay bar / Elvis themed restaurant and ongoing encounters with ghosts from the arson of the Central Hotel where the body was found ... with links to organised crime in the present day. As the story threads come together, Rebus's personal and professional life become entirely entangled as a key piece of evidence to the old murder lands in his hands. And that's just the start of his troubles.
Rankin shifts between a third person narrative focussed on Rebus to the other characters as they uncover their own motives in the moment and on to richly detailed commentary about life and surroundings in the chief setting of Edinburgh. Dialects pop up; the Edinburgh lilt can be heard vividly; and local words are sprinkled into dialogue as a chef adds secret sauce to a favourite dish. Somehow, Rankin manages the verbal sleight-of-hand to conjure this Scottish setting in a way that seems entirely familiar, like ones own home town -- but wait, that's not true is it? And his winning character, Rebus, worms his way off the page like the best of the hard-boiled detectives, utterly convincing and sympathetic but no one's ideal of the perfect husband for your daughter. No wonder the series is occasionally dubbed "Tartan Noir"!
I read the Kindle edition so I can't say it was a page turner. I can say I enjoyed, and enjoyed savouring, every e-inked turn of phrase as it flashed by, reading much further into the night on multiple occasions than is good for me. Highly recommended.
In this outing, Rebus has to deal with his girl-friend who's had enough of him, his returning brother (an ex-con) with no where else to stay except with John, a flat full of late teenage university students on their own for the first time (and sharing his flat he's been forced to return to). And that's just his personal life. On the job, he becomes engulfed by a five year old murder, pursuing the investigation "on his own time" (and literally, too, as he is suspended at one point from the force), which leads to a gay bar / Elvis themed restaurant and ongoing encounters with ghosts from the arson of the Central Hotel where the body was found ... with links to organised crime in the present day. As the story threads come together, Rebus's personal and professional life become entirely entangled as a key piece of evidence to the old murder lands in his hands. And that's just the start of his troubles.
Rankin shifts between a third person narrative focussed on Rebus to the other characters as they uncover their own motives in the moment and on to richly detailed commentary about life and surroundings in the chief setting of Edinburgh. Dialects pop up; the Edinburgh lilt can be heard vividly; and local words are sprinkled into dialogue as a chef adds secret sauce to a favourite dish. Somehow, Rankin manages the verbal sleight-of-hand to conjure this Scottish setting in a way that seems entirely familiar, like ones own home town -- but wait, that's not true is it? And his winning character, Rebus, worms his way off the page like the best of the hard-boiled detectives, utterly convincing and sympathetic but no one's ideal of the perfect husband for your daughter. No wonder the series is occasionally dubbed "Tartan Noir"!
I read the Kindle edition so I can't say it was a page turner. I can say I enjoyed, and enjoyed savouring, every e-inked turn of phrase as it flashed by, reading much further into the night on multiple occasions than is good for me. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2018
An intricately woven, tense noir thriller and the best I have read thus far. Incredible storytelling.
January 9, 2012
By this point, John Rebus is becoming familiar to me. He is crusty, crafty and will stoop to conquer any “bad” guys that happen to cross him.
In this, the fifth full Rebus mystery novel, we do find out what happens with his current love affair (I was itching to know after the end of book four) and how he treats his fellow workers and friends - er, scratch that last bit. Rebus has no real friends.
Inspector Rebus reminds me of a mix of Dr. House, Black Adder and perhaps a touch of “everyman” who ever lived, loved and broke the law - for the right reasons, of course. This is a strong testament to the fully realized character Ian Rankin manages to create in John Rebus.
A character which keeps me coming back for more.
This novel deals with Rebus getting involved in a case which supposedly died five years ago. Until he stumbles upon a couple of clues, and starts to look under rocks.
The stakes are high, and Rebus’s life is actually in jeopardy, but that does not stop him. In the usual fashion Ian Rankin’s use of language and his dialogue for Rebus is in top form. I won’t get specific because the best quips and jokes come when you least expect them - and they are always fresh and fun.
There is one real smart bastard in this novel, and he has always gotten away with, well, murder. It’s a fun ride to see how Rebus manages to get this main man in the end. And you just know that after that main man gets out of jail - Rebus will be in some serious shite.
But that will be a few novels down the road I’m sure.
I really, really like how these novels always deal as much or more with Rebus’s personal life. By this I mean his run ins with relatives (Michael his brother is out of jail now and . . .), loved ones and fellow workers. It’s always as interesting as the actual case Rebus is working on. It is like two stories woven together - the classic detective case and the sometimes painful yet believable life of Rebus.
I don’t know which is more fun. Rankin keeps me laughing at least every chapter with his use of images. Oh, and in this one we have an Elvis-theme restaurant playing a major part. Yeah, you can just imagine.
I can’t recommend these novels highly enough. If you like mysteries, no, if you like humor, crusty characters and a romping good time - you will love this series.
In this, the fifth full Rebus mystery novel, we do find out what happens with his current love affair (I was itching to know after the end of book four) and how he treats his fellow workers and friends - er, scratch that last bit. Rebus has no real friends.
Inspector Rebus reminds me of a mix of Dr. House, Black Adder and perhaps a touch of “everyman” who ever lived, loved and broke the law - for the right reasons, of course. This is a strong testament to the fully realized character Ian Rankin manages to create in John Rebus.
A character which keeps me coming back for more.
This novel deals with Rebus getting involved in a case which supposedly died five years ago. Until he stumbles upon a couple of clues, and starts to look under rocks.
The stakes are high, and Rebus’s life is actually in jeopardy, but that does not stop him. In the usual fashion Ian Rankin’s use of language and his dialogue for Rebus is in top form. I won’t get specific because the best quips and jokes come when you least expect them - and they are always fresh and fun.
There is one real smart bastard in this novel, and he has always gotten away with, well, murder. It’s a fun ride to see how Rebus manages to get this main man in the end. And you just know that after that main man gets out of jail - Rebus will be in some serious shite.
But that will be a few novels down the road I’m sure.
I really, really like how these novels always deal as much or more with Rebus’s personal life. By this I mean his run ins with relatives (Michael his brother is out of jail now and . . .), loved ones and fellow workers. It’s always as interesting as the actual case Rebus is working on. It is like two stories woven together - the classic detective case and the sometimes painful yet believable life of Rebus.
I don’t know which is more fun. Rankin keeps me laughing at least every chapter with his use of images. Oh, and in this one we have an Elvis-theme restaurant playing a major part. Yeah, you can just imagine.
I can’t recommend these novels highly enough. If you like mysteries, no, if you like humor, crusty characters and a romping good time - you will love this series.
September 21, 2016
La quinta entrega del inspector Rebus no me terminó de convencer. Por una parte, tardó bastante más de lo habitual en engancharme, cosa que no me suele ocurrir con sus novelas. Por otra parte, creo que abusa de referencias para volvernos a recordar lo disfuncional que es la vida del detective, y toda la porquería por la que se ve rodeado. Tampoco me enganchó ninguno de los personajes secundarios, algunos incluso me parecieron demasiado estereotipados. Dedica mucho más tiempo a describir a los personajes que se mueven en torno a él, que a narrarnos un thriller que, por otra parte, pese a contar con unas magníficas descripciones de Edimburgo, termina siendo lastrado por la misma trama.
Eso no significa que vaya a abandonar a Mr. Rankin ni a Rebus, que me han hecho pasar muy buenos ratos. Habrá que darle más oportunidades.
Por cierto, con su última obra (“Los perros salvajes”), la vigésima de la serie Rebus, el autor acaba de obtener el X Premio RBA de Novela Negra. Supongo que más como homenaje a toda su trayectoria que por la novela en sí misma. Creo que es un premio merecido para este buen escritor escocés.
Eso no significa que vaya a abandonar a Mr. Rankin ni a Rebus, que me han hecho pasar muy buenos ratos. Habrá que darle más oportunidades.
Por cierto, con su última obra (“Los perros salvajes”), la vigésima de la serie Rebus, el autor acaba de obtener el X Premio RBA de Novela Negra. Supongo que más como homenaje a toda su trayectoria que por la novela en sí misma. Creo que es un premio merecido para este buen escritor escocés.
December 25, 2021
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2013
Best Rebus yet. The more I read him the better I like him; not in spite of his flaws but because of them. My enjoyment of this book was helped by my currently being in Scotland and having just visited Edinburgh which, as in 3 of the previous books, figures prominently in the storyline. However, in addition to the picturesque unfolding of Edinburgh's multi-faceted personality and the fabulously flawed character of John Rebus, this novel boasts an excellent plot and a most challenging and convoluted mystery. Well-done Ian Rankin. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 8, 2018
4 Stars
In the ongoing saga that is John Rebus's life; he must contend with a 5 year old murder, his ex-con brother returning to town, having a break-up with his girl, and trying to head an undercover sting.... oh yeah, a child molester is on parole and living across the street from a primary school.
Aahhhh, a day in the life of John Rebus.
Things wrap up nicely, but not neatly. There is always a line to be crossed or a cliff edge to step to with Rebus. Still loving this series.
In the ongoing saga that is John Rebus's life; he must contend with a 5 year old murder, his ex-con brother returning to town, having a break-up with his girl, and trying to head an undercover sting.... oh yeah, a child molester is on parole and living across the street from a primary school.
Aahhhh, a day in the life of John Rebus.
Things wrap up nicely, but not neatly. There is always a line to be crossed or a cliff edge to step to with Rebus. Still loving this series.
November 18, 2024
After Rebus's love kicks him out of the house for staying out too late, a close colleague of his is murdered.
Rebus tries to solve both mysteries, (one of which is how to get back in his house), and it leads to a conspiracy from the past.
The book seems too long for the story.
Rebus tries to solve both mysteries, (one of which is how to get back in his house), and it leads to a conspiracy from the past.
The book seems too long for the story.
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