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Inspector Rebus #1-3
Rebus: The Early Years
KNOTS & Two girls have been abducted and brutally murdered. Now a third is missing. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of the policemen hunting the killer. And then the messages begin to knotted string and matchstick crosses - taunting Rebus with pieces of a puzzle only he can solve … HIDE & A junkie lies dead in an Edinburgh squat. Just another addict, until Inspector Rebus begins to chip away at the indifference, treachery, deceit and sleaze that lurk behind the façade of the city familiar to tourists. And only Rebus seems to care about a death that looks more like murder every day, a death that appeals to the darkest corners of his mind. TOOTH & Drafted down to the Big Smoke thanks to a supposed expertise in the modus operandi of serial killers, Inspector Rebus is on the trail of a man who, due to his penchant for taking a bite from each of his victims, is known as the Wolfman. When Rebus is offered a profile of the Wolfman by an attractive lady psychologist, it seems too good an opportunity to turn down. But in finding an ally, he may have given his enemies an easy means of attack …
604 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
260 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Ian Rankin
424 books6,535 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 48 reviews
April 28, 2018
As a lover of British crime thrillers, I try to read all the big names. I would like to be able to say I have read most of the big ones, yet the reality is that I have read nowhere near as many as I would like to be able to claim. I’ve been trying to amend that, and my journey into Ian Rankin is an example of me trying to better myself when it comes to one of my favourite genres.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been meaning to pick up an Inspector Rebus book. It is such a well-known name – from the television series all the way through to references being made in other crime fiction (points towards Stuart MacBride) – with the books catching my attention on many occasions. Despite how often a Rebus book would grab my attention in book stores, I held off on buying for one important reason – I’ve been trying to read crime series in order. It’s fine to jump in here and there, but so much better if you follow the development of the characters throughout. Thus, I waited until I was able to get my hands on the first Rebus book. It turns out getting my hands on the first Rebus book came about through me getting my hands on the first nine plus an unrelated Ian Rankin book through a boxset – needless to say, I was set and more than willing to dive in.
With so much behind my desire to read the books, and having heard so many great things, I went in with quite high expectations. Unfortunately, I wasn’t crazy about the first book, Knots and Crosses. It was an okay read, but it did not blow my mind in the way I had been hoping it would. Nevertheless, it did leave me interested in finding out more. Thus, as I own a fair few of the books, I decided to dive straight into the second book. I may not have loved Knots and Crosses but there was enough to leave me with the belief Hide and Seek would be more enjoyable. It was more enjoyable, but I wasn’t crazy about it. The first book was a rounded up three-star rating, whereas the second book was a solid three-star rating. With book three, I was hoping for a four-star read but I wasn’t holding out hope. My enjoyment of book three, Tooth and Nail, was somewhere between the first two books. It was closer to my enjoyment of the second book, but it was still a three-star rating from me. It’s enough to conclude Rebus, sadly, doesn’t seem to be for me.
These are decent reads, I cannot deny that, and I can understand the appeal and why there is such a fanbase behind Rebus. However, they are not the kinds of books I will obsessively read. I’ll be continuing the series because I own more of the books, but I doubt I will go beyond that. That being said, it’s likely a small part of me will continue to hold out hope in regard to my view changing.
If you’re a fan of British crime thrillers, I would certainly recommend giving Rebus a try. It is worth giving the books a try simply to get an idea of why there is such a fanbase – unfortunately, I do not appear to be part of said fanbase.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been meaning to pick up an Inspector Rebus book. It is such a well-known name – from the television series all the way through to references being made in other crime fiction (points towards Stuart MacBride) – with the books catching my attention on many occasions. Despite how often a Rebus book would grab my attention in book stores, I held off on buying for one important reason – I’ve been trying to read crime series in order. It’s fine to jump in here and there, but so much better if you follow the development of the characters throughout. Thus, I waited until I was able to get my hands on the first Rebus book. It turns out getting my hands on the first Rebus book came about through me getting my hands on the first nine plus an unrelated Ian Rankin book through a boxset – needless to say, I was set and more than willing to dive in.
With so much behind my desire to read the books, and having heard so many great things, I went in with quite high expectations. Unfortunately, I wasn’t crazy about the first book, Knots and Crosses. It was an okay read, but it did not blow my mind in the way I had been hoping it would. Nevertheless, it did leave me interested in finding out more. Thus, as I own a fair few of the books, I decided to dive straight into the second book. I may not have loved Knots and Crosses but there was enough to leave me with the belief Hide and Seek would be more enjoyable. It was more enjoyable, but I wasn’t crazy about it. The first book was a rounded up three-star rating, whereas the second book was a solid three-star rating. With book three, I was hoping for a four-star read but I wasn’t holding out hope. My enjoyment of book three, Tooth and Nail, was somewhere between the first two books. It was closer to my enjoyment of the second book, but it was still a three-star rating from me. It’s enough to conclude Rebus, sadly, doesn’t seem to be for me.
These are decent reads, I cannot deny that, and I can understand the appeal and why there is such a fanbase behind Rebus. However, they are not the kinds of books I will obsessively read. I’ll be continuing the series because I own more of the books, but I doubt I will go beyond that. That being said, it’s likely a small part of me will continue to hold out hope in regard to my view changing.
If you’re a fan of British crime thrillers, I would certainly recommend giving Rebus a try. It is worth giving the books a try simply to get an idea of why there is such a fanbase – unfortunately, I do not appear to be part of said fanbase.
October 21, 2014
I won't say I didn't enjoy it, because I did, sometimes I need light-reading and a detective story is a pretty good choice.
However, I hear these are not the best Rankin's novels, and I can see why not: the plot is somehow "gauche" even if the main character is pretty attractive, a mixture between hero and anti-hero.
Overall, it made me curious about the novelist development - so I'm pretty sure I will read another of his novels if/when I find it.
However, I hear these are not the best Rankin's novels, and I can see why not: the plot is somehow "gauche" even if the main character is pretty attractive, a mixture between hero and anti-hero.
Overall, it made me curious about the novelist development - so I'm pretty sure I will read another of his novels if/when I find it.
July 28, 2025
Rebus's First 3 Books
I've come late to Rebus and after one of the later books went back to this which combines the first 3 book of the series. Each one better than the previous and Tooth and Nail was particularly good. It was a little graphic giving descriptions of horrible crimes, but the story and characters were strong, believable and interesting . He is a great story teller and now I'll continue to read more of the series.
I've come late to Rebus and after one of the later books went back to this which combines the first 3 book of the series. Each one better than the previous and Tooth and Nail was particularly good. It was a little graphic giving descriptions of horrible crimes, but the story and characters were strong, believable and interesting . He is a great story teller and now I'll continue to read more of the series.
August 5, 2025
Having read a rebus novel much further on in the series I wanted to start from the beginning. This book was 3 books in one, the first two were not that good however the third was as good as the one further along. so I'd say no need to go right from the beginning with these ones but definately worth the later ones.
March 19, 2020
This is my first Ian Rankin and I loved this book collection. Out of the three stories, I liked Tooth and Nail very much. Interesting collection of crime/ detective stories set in Scotland and London.
October 21, 2008
My wife is the big mystery fan in the family. I read a few every year to keep myself in touch with the genre; and a very good genre it is!
I discovered Rankin in an English rest stop in '99. At the time my wife was looking for something to read during our down time while on vacation in the Brisish Isles and Spain. I saw that Rankin was a mystery writer, showed her the book and she was hooked. She now owns 21 books by Rankin, including this omnibus, which I am giving to her when I finish reading it.
If you enjoy mysteries, the fact that my wife thinks this highly of Rankin should be all the endorsement you need to check out his, "tartan noir," writings.
I personally find the Inspector Rebus series great. The stories are gritty and dark. Rebus is a bookaholic loner, something I very much identify with. Having visited Edinburgh, I think Rankin does a splendid job of capturing the mood of the city.
I discovered Rankin in an English rest stop in '99. At the time my wife was looking for something to read during our down time while on vacation in the Brisish Isles and Spain. I saw that Rankin was a mystery writer, showed her the book and she was hooked. She now owns 21 books by Rankin, including this omnibus, which I am giving to her when I finish reading it.
If you enjoy mysteries, the fact that my wife thinks this highly of Rankin should be all the endorsement you need to check out his, "tartan noir," writings.
I personally find the Inspector Rebus series great. The stories are gritty and dark. Rebus is a bookaholic loner, something I very much identify with. Having visited Edinburgh, I think Rankin does a splendid job of capturing the mood of the city.
December 11, 2011
In the case of the Millenium series, I am waiting to read them so that I can savour them over time. In the case of the Early Years, I am not sure I will read the next 2, even though they are in the same volume and from the library. I am used to gritty crime, but this book left me feeling like I needed a wash. I think it's because it's so close to the copper's life. Why that should be a problem, I don't know, but I will take a break and see how I feel about the others, if I, in fact, read them.
Now I have read the other 2 and still don't know if I will read more Rankin. I have so many mystery authors that please me, so he will end up on the bottom of the list. And really - he gets to sleep with the good-looking girl - give me a break.
Now I have read the other 2 and still don't know if I will read more Rankin. I have so many mystery authors that please me, so he will end up on the bottom of the list. And really - he gets to sleep with the good-looking girl - give me a break.
January 24, 2010
Add Inspector John Rebus to my list of all-time favorite alcoholic, divorceé detectives, this one a Scot. He's always getting in trouble with the higher-ups for his renegade ways and surly manner, but, of course, it's always Rebus who cracks the case in the end. So far, I've got a strong preference for the early Rebus novels -- the more recent ones I've ready have been clunkier with convoluted plot lines. I prefer the simplicity of the earlier novels.
September 19, 2011
What can I say? I love Rebus! I was introduced to these books by my mother who is a real fan of Ian Rankin's books and a crime fiction expert. Well she should be by all the books she's read.
You have everything here, the streets of Edinburgh, Rebus's wit and character and a cracking good crime story. Rankin is, in my opinion, the best crime writer around and why can't crime fiction win a booker?
You have everything here, the streets of Edinburgh, Rebus's wit and character and a cracking good crime story. Rankin is, in my opinion, the best crime writer around and why can't crime fiction win a booker?
December 29, 2025
See individual books for reviews
February 11, 2025
This book are the first three novels of Rebus. I have already read books 4 to 6 by luck, so I wanted to figure out what are the references from his past that I have been reading.
1. Knots and Crosses
In this book we get to know Rebus and a bit of his past. He is already a policeman, although not an inspector and has a daughter from a marriage that ended in divorce. Two girls have been found dead without any obvious connection between them. And somehow Rebus finds himself in the middle of a case of a serial killer and is even personally involved. It is really a book to introduce Rebus and to understand a bit his strange character. We also meet Gill Templer, who is going to be a secondary character in the coming books.
2. Hide and Seek
In this second book Rebus is now an Inspector, after solving the strange serial killer case. He happens to answer a call for a dead person in an abandoned house occupied by homeless people. It is a junkie that is found dead and there is a macabre twist also. Everybody considers it a simple case of overdose and not a murder. But Rebus continues searching and reveals one of the deepest secrets of Edinburgh's high society.
3. Tooth and Nail
In this third book of Rebus, thanks to his supposed experience with cases of serial killers, he is sent south to London to assist in a case of a serial killer called the Wolfman. There he meets George Flight of Scotland Yard, who is the leading inspector of the case. They both follow a series of women found dead and mutilated. A young and attractive psychologist tries to assist in this case, to be involved directly by accident.
The last book was presented by the author himself as one of his best books. It was ok, but nothing amazing. Somehow this sixth book of Rebus I read is enough. I did enjoy the subtile humour of Ian Rankin and I like Rebus, although he is not the person you would like to work with in reality. And these three books helped me understand the main character a bit more.
1. Knots and Crosses
In this book we get to know Rebus and a bit of his past. He is already a policeman, although not an inspector and has a daughter from a marriage that ended in divorce. Two girls have been found dead without any obvious connection between them. And somehow Rebus finds himself in the middle of a case of a serial killer and is even personally involved. It is really a book to introduce Rebus and to understand a bit his strange character. We also meet Gill Templer, who is going to be a secondary character in the coming books.
2. Hide and Seek
In this second book Rebus is now an Inspector, after solving the strange serial killer case. He happens to answer a call for a dead person in an abandoned house occupied by homeless people. It is a junkie that is found dead and there is a macabre twist also. Everybody considers it a simple case of overdose and not a murder. But Rebus continues searching and reveals one of the deepest secrets of Edinburgh's high society.
3. Tooth and Nail
In this third book of Rebus, thanks to his supposed experience with cases of serial killers, he is sent south to London to assist in a case of a serial killer called the Wolfman. There he meets George Flight of Scotland Yard, who is the leading inspector of the case. They both follow a series of women found dead and mutilated. A young and attractive psychologist tries to assist in this case, to be involved directly by accident.
The last book was presented by the author himself as one of his best books. It was ok, but nothing amazing. Somehow this sixth book of Rebus I read is enough. I did enjoy the subtile humour of Ian Rankin and I like Rebus, although he is not the person you would like to work with in reality. And these three books helped me understand the main character a bit more.
March 9, 2025
Knots & Crosses - A decent start to the lengthy literary journey of John Rebus, this shows Rankin finding his way towards a style and tone that will solidify a few years down the line. Well-paced, and I always add a bonus point for reading tales set in the Edinburgh areas that I've wandered around in my own lifetime.
Hide & Seek - The second Rebus tale is a very solid journey into even darker depths of Edinburgh. Rankin had everything in place from the very first novel, which makes it no surprise that this is even more enjoyable and compelling. I had read this before, and am re-reading now as I try to make my way through the entire Rebus catalogue, but anyone new to this should enjoy the twists and surprises.
Tooth & Nail - The weakest of the early Rebus tales, from those I have read so far, this still offers plenty to enjoy, but the revelations and resolution don’t satisfy as they should. And the last chapters feel as if Rankin is rushing to tie up the many loose ends he knows he is responsible for.
Hide & Seek - The second Rebus tale is a very solid journey into even darker depths of Edinburgh. Rankin had everything in place from the very first novel, which makes it no surprise that this is even more enjoyable and compelling. I had read this before, and am re-reading now as I try to make my way through the entire Rebus catalogue, but anyone new to this should enjoy the twists and surprises.
Tooth & Nail - The weakest of the early Rebus tales, from those I have read so far, this still offers plenty to enjoy, but the revelations and resolution don’t satisfy as they should. And the last chapters feel as if Rankin is rushing to tie up the many loose ends he knows he is responsible for.
September 10, 2021
The first three Rebus novels collected in one volume. All three are well written and the first two focus well on character development without feeling the need to make the plot fast-paced. It was interesting to read Ian Rankin's introduction in which he says that he did not set out to write a crime novel, and you can see this in Noughts and Crosses in which the crime feels slightly more incidental to a wider plot. The third (Tooth and Nail) is very definitely a crime thriller and felt slightly weaker than the other two. Rebus himself is at times just a little bit clichéd - grizzled, snarky etc. etc. All in all not quite up to the heights of P.D. James in terms of literature but not far off.
December 9, 2023
Astonishingly good, the main character Ian Ranking describes his past and present making a connection between the two, and it makes you feel like you knew John Rebus yourself. Maybe you've studied together, worked together or have been in the same platoon back in those days in the military...
At some point the author made me wonder: is there my own John Rebus hidden somewhere deep in my soul? Weird feeling, honestly.
There are some fascinating elements of psychology presented and be ready that those might make you get goosebumps and even feel uncomfortable.
Mysteries of the past that were introduced in this book are predicting a great cliff-hanger for other books. I would love to read some other books from this series.
At some point the author made me wonder: is there my own John Rebus hidden somewhere deep in my soul? Weird feeling, honestly.
There are some fascinating elements of psychology presented and be ready that those might make you get goosebumps and even feel uncomfortable.
Mysteries of the past that were introduced in this book are predicting a great cliff-hanger for other books. I would love to read some other books from this series.
September 1, 2021
I have been reading every library copy of Rebus books I can find for years and even bought a few I later donated to libraries. But his original stories I’d never found. I purchased this copy feeling the need to see John’s roots.
In that I was not disappointed; John has always been a strong if flawed individual whose detective skills are amazing. It seems he’s also always struggled with fitting in to the warp and woof of a police community.
I imagine if I had read these as stand-alone books, my reaction would have been with more stars. However, I am not a fan of serial killer tales. My three stars is related to the fact 2 of these 3 have that as the theme.
In that I was not disappointed; John has always been a strong if flawed individual whose detective skills are amazing. It seems he’s also always struggled with fitting in to the warp and woof of a police community.
I imagine if I had read these as stand-alone books, my reaction would have been with more stars. However, I am not a fan of serial killer tales. My three stars is related to the fact 2 of these 3 have that as the theme.
November 22, 2021
I have just re-read the three first Rebus novels, included in this book. I read them for the first time several years ago when I moved to Scotland from abroad, and I remember how much I enjoyed not only the crime stories but also the descriptions of the country and its people. After many years I still think the Rebus books are among the best British crime stories, much imitated through the years by other authors but not very successfully.
June 8, 2024
Finished “Hide & Seek” today (8 June 2024)
book containing the “early Rebus” novels - 3 novels Knots & Crosses, Hide & Seek and Tooth & Nail. I’ve only read the first two as already read first.
A lot going on in both books, but especially the second.
book containing the “early Rebus” novels - 3 novels Knots & Crosses, Hide & Seek and Tooth & Nail. I’ve only read the first two as already read first.
A lot going on in both books, but especially the second.
August 6, 2018
These mysteries are gritty and dark and will have you wanting to read one more page in hopes that Detective Inspector Rebus catches the killer before they strike again.
December 31, 2019
Good introduction to Ian Rankin and Rebus..the books are well written, and kept me hooked until the end. I will be catching up on the rest of the series soon.
November 8, 2022
easy read
Plot a little obvious. Why all the fuss in the gallery? Where were the officers accompanying him? I usually get more from Rebus!
Plot a little obvious. Why all the fuss in the gallery? Where were the officers accompanying him? I usually get more from Rebus!
January 5, 2025
My introduction to Inspector Rebus, a nice collection of the first three novels. I found it difficult to put down at times, great stuff based mostly in Edinburgh.
March 20, 2025
Very page turning. Each story was written in a different style which I found interesting. Never guessed any of the endings and enjoyed the gritty and descriptive prose. Would thoroughly recommend.
February 6, 2024
Perhaps I am being unfair as this Ian Rankin book was written over 30 years ago and that is plenty of time for significant changes in culture and our daily lives, however I was never gripped by this tale of killing, abduction and revenge…. that seemed trite and cliched.
June 5, 2013
‘Rebus: The Early Years’ is a compendium of Ian Rankin’s first three ‘Rebus’ detective stories. If you intend to read these books and have yet to buy them, the compendium is often available second hand, very inexpensively, on Amazon and will save on individual volumes. These are my reviews which can also be located under each individual book title.
Knots and Crosses: I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' books with this, his first such story. It includes a gradual and very personal introduction to Rebus's character, who is completely human rather than hero. I am glad I started at the beginning of the series because Rebus's back story is revealed as the plot develops, becoming a powerful integral reason behind the crimes he is trying to solve. The story is gripping and the author's use (and variety) of words is refreshing. Having not only enjoyed a good read, I got to 'know' the character of John Rebus. On to the next (hide and Seek) with great enthusiasm. (Five stars).
Hide and Seek: The second in the Rebus series, where we get to know the character even better. Another good story with Rebus being ever human. Rebus is convinced that what looks like a suicide is really a murder. There appears no direct link to some other dark deeds going on but Rebus digs and probes until he realises everything is connected. But how to prove it? Unorthodox methods are ultimately employed and he gets his man, but will it end well or will there be an almighty cover up? Well written and always entertaining - right to the end. (Four stars).
Tooth and Nail: This is the third in Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' detective series. The dour Scot is seconded to London to help solve a series of gruesome serial killings, based on his experience in solving the case we read about in book one. I gave Rankin's first book a cautious five stars as it was a good read with an interesting and very 'human' hero. The second Rebus book was also very good, but for me, just a tad less gripping in places, so I gave that four stars. In this, Rankin's third attempt, I was enthralled from start to end. The twists and turns were constant, Rebus was ever human and his own family and personal life are intertwined very cleverly into the story line. The final sequences were exciting and 'edge of seat' stuff. Other reviewers provide more story line detail, so I will just say this was a great read and earns a resounding five stars from me.
There are now roughly sixteen or seventeen or so ‘Rebus’ books and another Goodreads reviewer of this trilogy wrote “In truth these are maybe the worst Rebus novels but they serve as a useful introduction to John Rebus. They also go to show how a writer gets better over time.” If that is the case – and judging by the improvement in book three, I suspect it is, I will thoroughly enjoy the rest in the Rebus series. The latest book was released this month, so Ian Rankin is clearly not done with Rebus yet.
Knots and Crosses: I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' books with this, his first such story. It includes a gradual and very personal introduction to Rebus's character, who is completely human rather than hero. I am glad I started at the beginning of the series because Rebus's back story is revealed as the plot develops, becoming a powerful integral reason behind the crimes he is trying to solve. The story is gripping and the author's use (and variety) of words is refreshing. Having not only enjoyed a good read, I got to 'know' the character of John Rebus. On to the next (hide and Seek) with great enthusiasm. (Five stars).
Hide and Seek: The second in the Rebus series, where we get to know the character even better. Another good story with Rebus being ever human. Rebus is convinced that what looks like a suicide is really a murder. There appears no direct link to some other dark deeds going on but Rebus digs and probes until he realises everything is connected. But how to prove it? Unorthodox methods are ultimately employed and he gets his man, but will it end well or will there be an almighty cover up? Well written and always entertaining - right to the end. (Four stars).
Tooth and Nail: This is the third in Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' detective series. The dour Scot is seconded to London to help solve a series of gruesome serial killings, based on his experience in solving the case we read about in book one. I gave Rankin's first book a cautious five stars as it was a good read with an interesting and very 'human' hero. The second Rebus book was also very good, but for me, just a tad less gripping in places, so I gave that four stars. In this, Rankin's third attempt, I was enthralled from start to end. The twists and turns were constant, Rebus was ever human and his own family and personal life are intertwined very cleverly into the story line. The final sequences were exciting and 'edge of seat' stuff. Other reviewers provide more story line detail, so I will just say this was a great read and earns a resounding five stars from me.
There are now roughly sixteen or seventeen or so ‘Rebus’ books and another Goodreads reviewer of this trilogy wrote “In truth these are maybe the worst Rebus novels but they serve as a useful introduction to John Rebus. They also go to show how a writer gets better over time.” If that is the case – and judging by the improvement in book three, I suspect it is, I will thoroughly enjoy the rest in the Rebus series. The latest book was released this month, so Ian Rankin is clearly not done with Rebus yet.
January 22, 2016
Knots & Crosses:
This being the first in the Detective Rebus series of novels you have a choice of expectations before you start reading. You can 1) expect it to be a bit awkward with some amount of growing pain throughout, but showing enough promise to warrant another book as a second chance to see if that promise can be fulfilled, or 2) expect a well composed, engaging book that keeps you interested from start to finish.
I expected #2 and got #1, which made for tough sledding to get through it. I am uncertain if the awkward composition of the first 3/4 of the book is actually a planned method of storytelling resulting from Rebus' unclear mental state, or just bad writing. But once you get through to some revelations regarding Rebus' past the writing is significantly improved and much more engaging.
The plot had more than enough interesting ingredients to be an exciting mystery/thriller from front to back, and instead was only thrilling at the back. Hopefully the rest of the series is more like chapters 22 and onward than 1-22.
Hide & Seek:
I don't always have long amounts of time to read books, and therefore I have come to appreciate books whose chapters are small leaving me with many appropriate stopping points. Rankin for some reason chose to arrange his chapters as days in the story, as opposed to the reasonably sized short chapters (ideal for me) of Knots and Crosses. As you might imagine, I disliked the change of style.
The writing was much more engaging from start to finish in this book. I can easily say I enjoyed H&S more than K&C. Although I was not entirely fond of the epiphany that solved the case, no real detective work in the style of Sherlock. Just kind of POOF I figured it out.
Tooth & Nail: I think this might be my favorite in this volume of three novels. Rankin chose a third format for this third book. This time arranging content in longer chapters that have clear breaks throughout.
The writing improved over the first two, in my opinion. Also, I finally feel that Rankin has a good definition of Rebus in his head, and the character was more consistent and more real. This one also sort of ended with a random epiphany, but there was more detective work throughout the novel, which I enjoyed.
This being the first in the Detective Rebus series of novels you have a choice of expectations before you start reading. You can 1) expect it to be a bit awkward with some amount of growing pain throughout, but showing enough promise to warrant another book as a second chance to see if that promise can be fulfilled, or 2) expect a well composed, engaging book that keeps you interested from start to finish.
I expected #2 and got #1, which made for tough sledding to get through it. I am uncertain if the awkward composition of the first 3/4 of the book is actually a planned method of storytelling resulting from Rebus' unclear mental state, or just bad writing. But once you get through to some revelations regarding Rebus' past the writing is significantly improved and much more engaging.
The plot had more than enough interesting ingredients to be an exciting mystery/thriller from front to back, and instead was only thrilling at the back. Hopefully the rest of the series is more like chapters 22 and onward than 1-22.
Hide & Seek:
I don't always have long amounts of time to read books, and therefore I have come to appreciate books whose chapters are small leaving me with many appropriate stopping points. Rankin for some reason chose to arrange his chapters as days in the story, as opposed to the reasonably sized short chapters (ideal for me) of Knots and Crosses. As you might imagine, I disliked the change of style.
The writing was much more engaging from start to finish in this book. I can easily say I enjoyed H&S more than K&C. Although I was not entirely fond of the epiphany that solved the case, no real detective work in the style of Sherlock. Just kind of POOF I figured it out.
Tooth & Nail: I think this might be my favorite in this volume of three novels. Rankin chose a third format for this third book. This time arranging content in longer chapters that have clear breaks throughout.
The writing improved over the first two, in my opinion. Also, I finally feel that Rankin has a good definition of Rebus in his head, and the character was more consistent and more real. This one also sort of ended with a random epiphany, but there was more detective work throughout the novel, which I enjoyed.
March 22, 2011
Michele picked this up for me and I'm glad she did as I would not have ventured into this otherwise. I've seen some of the TV films but must have been "TV detective'd out" as the fire didn't catch. Reading the tales is much more rewarding, even if Ken Stotts voice does ring out when Rebus is talking. Completed Knots and Crosses - you can sense Ian Rankin feeling his way into the characters and places and learning his craft as a writer. I do like a writer for whom the tale is important, not the titilation that they can cram around the characters/story (I'm sure some authors are forced into this my their editors). Rebus is pursued by his past in the armed forces as this tale unwinds and Rankin does a great job of twisting the path the murderer is taking with the slow realisation that it is the things he did, and effect that had on another, in those days which is driving the murderer. Great build up to the final scene in the library.
None of that uncertainty is there in Hide and Seek which looks at the way absolute power corrupts absolutely and how it is this power which drives the economy. To what ends will those powerful and influential businessmen go to protect their anonymity and positions and the sleasy entertainment they enjoy? And can Inspector Rebus solve the murder of a junkie in a squat without bringing all this corruption down on himself.
I'm sure this seedy underworld does exist, just don't let me ever come across it!
Tooth and Nail - Great stuff. Rebus is sent to London to help unravel a strange series of murders because he has a reputation for solving serial murders. His ex and his daughter are living in London and they seem to be found wrapped up in the mystery as well. This is a great story, well written with a great commentary on the woes of London life. I liked the description of the "no-go" estate and the way this was juxtaposed with the care Rebus gets by the residents after he is mugged there. Rebus sure is an impetuous person - fool sometimes - but his instincts are often right, even if he has to car jack teh judges car and bring Trafalger square to a halt with the car chase.
Next Rebus please.
None of that uncertainty is there in Hide and Seek which looks at the way absolute power corrupts absolutely and how it is this power which drives the economy. To what ends will those powerful and influential businessmen go to protect their anonymity and positions and the sleasy entertainment they enjoy? And can Inspector Rebus solve the murder of a junkie in a squat without bringing all this corruption down on himself.
I'm sure this seedy underworld does exist, just don't let me ever come across it!
Tooth and Nail - Great stuff. Rebus is sent to London to help unravel a strange series of murders because he has a reputation for solving serial murders. His ex and his daughter are living in London and they seem to be found wrapped up in the mystery as well. This is a great story, well written with a great commentary on the woes of London life. I liked the description of the "no-go" estate and the way this was juxtaposed with the care Rebus gets by the residents after he is mugged there. Rebus sure is an impetuous person - fool sometimes - but his instincts are often right, even if he has to car jack teh judges car and bring Trafalger square to a halt with the car chase.
Next Rebus please.
Read
April 8, 2009http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1295578.html[return][return]Knots and Crosses: The first Rebus book introduces us to our hero, who has a Past - two Pasts, in fact: a traumatic military experience in the SAS, and a failed marriage. The two collide in spectacular fashion; it's not so much a detective novel as a psychological account of Rebus working through his own experiences. Both Rankin and Rebus also seem to have a fascination with the intersection between police procedurality and media manipulation. All set against a richly detailed Edinburgh. A good start.[return][return]Hide and Seek: I also enjoyed Hide and Seek, which expanded one of the themes from Knots and Crosses - Rebus' relationship with his non-policeman brother - for a complex web of pairs of police/non-police brothers whose relationships cross the boundary of legality. It's also the most political of the first three novels, in that Rebus' investigation into the lonely death of a drug addict takes him into the highest echelons of Edinburgh society (there is a scene featuring the Temptation of John Rebus by the devils of social status). The ending is rather unsatisfactory for Rebus but not for the reader.[return][return]Tooth and Claw: The third book worked least well for me, taking Rebus off his home patch to London to investigate a serial killer. The London of Tooth and Claw seemed improbably small, with everyone turned out to be related to each other; its population also appeared to be entirely white. The subplot with a forensic psychologist who was not what she seemed was not very plausible. And the solution to the actual mystery was more suited to an Agatha Christie country house murder fantasy than to the gritty urban narrative that Rankin was probably trying to write.
March 6, 2012
This is a collection of the first three Rebus novels as written by Ian Rankin. The series is now past 15 books in total.
In truth these are maybe the worst Rebus novels but they serve as a useful introduction to John Rebus. They also go to show how a writer gets better over time.
Book 1 "Knots and Crosses" follows Rebus as he tries to catch a serial killer. The storyline is very simple and the text is also simple compared to Rankin's later novels. Nevertheless it is a useful introduction to the character Rebus.
Book 2 "Hide and Seek" is in the more accomplished style of the other Rebus novels. This time a drug death looks suspicious to Rebus and this leads him onto an investigation that leads to him uncovering illegal fighting. This novel is more in line with the other Rebus novels in the way that the thought processes of the characters are very detailed and the chapters are split simply by day. Also the fictitious places in Edinburgh as used in Novel 1 have disappeared to be replaced by real-life locations.
Book 3 "Tooth and Nail" seems a strange Rebus novel simply because it is set in London and not Edinburgh. Rebus is invited down from Scotland to help with a serial murder case. He is termed as an expert because of his exploits in book 1 (Note: all the books stand-alone but there are some small mentions to the previous books). This is the most accomplished book of the three and explores more the thought processes of the characters and includes more jokes that are a big part of the Rebus novels.
All together the books link together well. For example they all have a pattern in their titles (although Tooth and Nail was originally called "Wolfman" as the author writes in the useful introduction to each novel). And they serve a purpose in introducing the Rebus novels which I am sure you will all love.
In truth these are maybe the worst Rebus novels but they serve as a useful introduction to John Rebus. They also go to show how a writer gets better over time.
Book 1 "Knots and Crosses" follows Rebus as he tries to catch a serial killer. The storyline is very simple and the text is also simple compared to Rankin's later novels. Nevertheless it is a useful introduction to the character Rebus.
Book 2 "Hide and Seek" is in the more accomplished style of the other Rebus novels. This time a drug death looks suspicious to Rebus and this leads him onto an investigation that leads to him uncovering illegal fighting. This novel is more in line with the other Rebus novels in the way that the thought processes of the characters are very detailed and the chapters are split simply by day. Also the fictitious places in Edinburgh as used in Novel 1 have disappeared to be replaced by real-life locations.
Book 3 "Tooth and Nail" seems a strange Rebus novel simply because it is set in London and not Edinburgh. Rebus is invited down from Scotland to help with a serial murder case. He is termed as an expert because of his exploits in book 1 (Note: all the books stand-alone but there are some small mentions to the previous books). This is the most accomplished book of the three and explores more the thought processes of the characters and includes more jokes that are a big part of the Rebus novels.
All together the books link together well. For example they all have a pattern in their titles (although Tooth and Nail was originally called "Wolfman" as the author writes in the useful introduction to each novel). And they serve a purpose in introducing the Rebus novels which I am sure you will all love.
June 26, 2010
I think I have a thing for mysteries featuring gloomy, divorced, middle-aged detectives who are seeking to restore relationships with their only daughter. Also, they are all loose cannons - but smarter then everyone around them. I love the Scottsman Rebus, the Swede Kurt Wallender (Henning Mankell), and Harry Bosch of LA (Michael Connelly). Quality, engrossing writing all.
March 6, 2017
Drug user found dead in squat. Friend says he told he to go hide as they were after him Occult symbols on wall of squat. Lots of connections between police and senior police and local bigwigs. JR follows leads with young rent boys. Lawyer kills himself after JR sees him in car at gay parking spot. Dead boy t start is photographer and has pictures of local bigwigs at illegal boxing meets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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