Skinner's Rules

Bob Skinner #1

by Quintin Jardine

.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Scotland, Audiobook, Detective, Thriller

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Quintin Jardine (born 1945) is a Scottish author of three series of crime novels, featuring the fictional characters Bob Skinner, Oz Blackstone, and Primavera Blackstone. He was educated in Motherwell and in Glasgow where he studied at what was then the city’s only University. After career as a journalist, government information officer and media relations consultant, he took to the creation of crime fiction.

His first wife, Irene, with whom he shared over 30 years, from their teens, died in 1997. He is married, to his second wife, Eileen. They live in both Scotland and in Spain

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I will read this author again, this book as somewhat of a disappointment. DCS Bob Skinner of Edinburgh is quite an appealing character, and the first 100 pages of this were great--I was really intrigued by the mystery and already planning to read more in this series. Unfortunately, and I don't think it's a spoiler to mention, we veer off into politics and spy intrigue, which I just hate in a police procedural. So I'm pretty luke warm on this but hope it is not reflective of the series as a whole.

[Anetq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently this series caught on, but I have no idea why. Maybe it's selling in airports? It gets two stars only for the interesting plot. Shan't be reading the next 27 in the series... Skinner is just too annoying: perfect boss to his employees, perfect subordinate to his boss, has a perfect daughter, who loves him perfectly, 45years old, widowed sufficiently long ago to explain the grown daughter and the perfect girlfriend 15 years younger than him. Oh yeah and a black belt in karate of course. And just the man to unravel this story of gruesome murders and international conspiracy.
But really: in my opinion great detectives are just that because of their limitations and quirks. This guy has none it seems - apart from the occasional crisis about not adhering to his own rules for the world.
Maybe it's just the way crime novels were written back in the 80s? A man's man's book? I didn't realize the age of this until technology popped up: Tape recorders and Betamax. And as for the women characters they are even more paper thin - just there to fit around the Man. This thing doesn't pass a Bechdel test - and his girlfriend, who's supposed to be an accomplished doctor working with the police keeps almost fainting in his strong arms while sounding like something out of a Jane Austin novel: "Oh My Dear Darling..."

[Julie Kendrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am copying Kate's review here because it completely matches what I think of this book and I couldn't say it any better.

Though I will read this author again, this book as somewhat of a disappointment. DCS Bob Skinner of Edinburgh is quite an appealing character, and the first 100 pages of this were great--I was really intrigued by the mystery and already planning to read more in this series. Unfortunately, and I don't think it's a spoiler to mention, we veer off into politics and spy intrigue, which I just hate in a police procedural. So I'm pretty luke warm on this but hope it is not reflective of the series as a whole.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning and ending were brilliant, the middle however, is a pile of boring pants!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 'sex' is about as bad as it comes (sic). But otherwise quite a good plot and the blood, guts and brains are quite unemotional as ....[SPOILER].... he does a good job of protecting any characters that you might get to like! And just because it was written in 1994 that does not mean it should be out of the question for any women to do violence. In fact it was quite an enlightened time for a feminist! The women in this book are only allowed to be victims, lovers, mothers, wives and daughters. However I did enjoy it - especially as it was set in Edinburgh.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out as a lovely murder mystery with kick-ass Scottish characters. Then it turned into a political intrigue involving Syrians. I mean, who even knows where Syria is? Would try another one because I enjoyed the main character. But if there is even a hint of any foreign affairs, it is over.

[Juanita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good work of fiction about a serial killer that the author really screwed up by turning it into an espionage type of story "mid book"! So I will probably never finish this one and will not read anymore by this author.

[Paul Botterill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read another Bob Skinner novel (about the thirtieth in the series) at random a few weeks ago and loved it so I decided to go back to the beginning of the series. This book was also up there. I really enjoyed it.

For crime novel fans I would say this series is a must. They are as easy to read as James Patterson, the characters are powerful and relatable and the story has a heavy sprinkling of political intrigue (which the other book did and I hope it is a thing with Quentin Jardine’s books).

I’ll definitely be working my way through this series.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the saying goes this was a game of two halves or rather a book. Approaching half way the story seems over and the perpetrator in custody and then it moves on to a political intrigue and murder mayhem, shoot outs in Edinburgh with a crusading cop.

I found the first half hard going as the sentences did not flow together well, leaving me on the cusp of throwing the book down which is generally unlike me. The second half seemed so different and sped along quickly. The story did weave political intrigue with events in the middle east well although I found the character of Bob Skinner a little too good to be true.

The book did leave me feeling that the author had grafted two stories together and in the end a lot of the first part seemed unnecessary. Did I really need to know the intimate details of Skinner's sex life. No. Anyway it rates a three for the second half and there is just enough for me to read on in the series.

[Kerry Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. Really good pace, interesting plot.

[Deb Mervold · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book had an interesting plot and engaging characters.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

SKINNER’S RULES (Police Procedural-Scotland-Cont.) – G+
Quintin Jardine – 1st in series
St. Martin’s Press, 1994 – Hardcover
Scottish Det. Chief Superintendent Robert Skinner leads the investigation into, what appears to be, a series of gruesome murders by a serial killer. But as the investigation proceeds, he finds the local murders are linked to international, political power and intrigue.
*** Skinner is the antithesis of Rebus—tall, lean, no discernible bad habits, a close relationship with his superiors, officers, daughter and girl friend. Takes a bit of getting used to. I found this a very good police procedural with twists along the way, well done atmosphere and quite good suspense. I’ve already ordered the next two books in the series, and would definitely recommend giving these a try.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

ACC Bob Skinner has a set of rules, or code that he lives by, even if doing so jeopardizes his career, and perhaps even his life. A series of brutal murders is blamed on a Japanese diplomat, but Skinner thinks they missed something. As he quietly investigates further he discovers a web of secrecy and lies that go to the very top of British intelligence. Eventually his trail puts his life and the lives of his family at extreme risk.

I really enjoyed this first in a series novel. First of all it's set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities, so it was fun to recognize places. Skinner is an interesting character, balancing his work and personal life, and the politics v. justice. As most good characters do, Skinner has a dark side which is uncovered as a result of his investigation. I like the other characters too. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first started reading the Skinner books about 10 years ago but I didn't start at the beginning. After reading A Rush of Blood last year I decided to read the first book to see how it all started. It was quite strange to be introduced to all the characters as if I didn't know them but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I class these novels as my 'guilty pleasure' mainly because they really are aimed at the Alpha male. I also find that some of the dialogue a bit stilted and unnatural and to be honest a bit old fashioned. I love the character development and find myself caught up in the ups and downs of their lives. As someone has already said they are a bit like a soap opera and I think that is what keeps me reading the series.

[Arthur Okun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I read a new author for me Quintin Jardine's latest book THE LAST RESORT.
This series features Bob Skinner. Now Chief Constable .
The fun in reading is investigating -the author,his books, and precis of how, why what the books are about.
Thanks to Fantastic Fiction among others I became a fanatic fan of Quintin Jardine.
I bought Skinner's Rule the first book in this series of many,many,books-from Amazon for use in my Kindle.
SKINNER'S RULES is one of the best I read this year.
Yes! murders galore. But it is the police procedures that is fascinating. And this novels starts out as a Scottish mystery,
But it has world effects.Mid-east mystery--a secret killer-and in a midst of all this a romance.
Buy the book.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly one of the worst books i have ever read. Bob Skinner is impossibly perfect in every way, handsome, intelligent, fantastic at his job. Oh, and he's a karate black belt as well. A totally implausible plot from start to finish and the characters in the book have no depth to them. Everything centre's around Bob Skinner and the other characters, even his girlfriend, are merely window dressing. Also, don't get me started on the bad sex scenes and interactions between Skinner and his girlfriend, far too many 'Oh darlings!!' for my liking.
To sum up:
a) bad plot
b) characters are wafer thin
c) dated - i know it was written in the 90's, but i remember the 90's and this feels like it was written 20 years before that

[Alex Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the long-running "Skinner" series, and I've been a fan throughout the ride.

It's interesting to see the first iterations of the characters, most of whom become firm familiars over the following 20ish novels.

It's been a while since I read this one last, and I'd forgotten some aspects of the story. Some bits are definitely "of their time" (particularly the computer technology) which now jars slightly, in a way that it didn't (obviously) at the time.

The series has had its ups and downs, but if you've not come across the books before, this is the best starting point.

[Harry Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very heavy on imagery, this is what gripped me on would not let me put it down. Another thing with this book was that it was set and written in the 90's, so attitudes have changed and it is a refreshing change to see a detective who is "the strong man" who believes in the greater good. Quentin Jardine also managed to up the ante within the story as it progressed without it becoming obvious and therefore annoying.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mehhhh ... I wanted to like the first book in this series more than I actually did. Maybe it just hasn't aged well, but I found the characters ridiculously stereotyped ("swarthy" Arabs and the like), and the character exposition forced and clunky. I'll certainly read on to the next book, since Jardine comes highly recommended and I love so many other Scottish mystery series, but I hope things improve.

[Kat Walter · Rating 1 out of 5]

First in long running series; recommended by book group. This is one of the blandest books I have ever read. AND, the characters are “perfect”—at least the good guys. Dialogue and people all annoying. ‘Yes, love”, “My darling”, “Right boss””Okay, pal” . I’m puking. And what really irks me is that I have an omnibus edition with the next 4 of the 27.

[John L Kane · Rating 2 out of 5]

If a 14 year old boy was given the ability to write, I suspect this would be close to the result. Misogyny, racism, sexism both subtle and overt combined with a hero who is a karate expert, amazing shot and has no flaws. Maybe it’s a product of the 90’s. Apparently this series runs on and on…. Why!

[Ian Caithness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, even if things are wrapped up too neatly in the last fifty pages of the book. Too much happens to make all the ends meet and it seems forced and contrived. Even so, a hell of a lot of fun to read.

[Jim Linneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of an interesting series of a constable working in Scotland.

[Suzanne Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping book.....Just when you expected an ordinary but particularly gruesome novel, it's get better with intrigue and no messing manner. Will be reading more of his books.

[Puzzle Doctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read although it really is a game of two halves. Full review soon at classicmystery.wordpress.com

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

First skinner novel I've read I really enjoyed it would recommend it

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started well but lost it with the political theme

[Alison Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, but it did flag a bit just before the end.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always looking for crime fiction series to read, and the Bob Skinner series is one I have stumbled upon many times. It is a favourite of someone at work, and when they found out I had not read them, they handed me a pile of paperbacks to allow me to start the series. Thus, I went into Skinner’s Rule with high hopes.

I will be honest and say that Skinner’s Rule had me conflicted. It was not the story I expected based upon the things I have heard about later books in the series. In many ways, I think this story is a product of its time. Mostly, I was able to look beyond that element. However, the thing that stopped me from being as hooked as I expected was the fact that everything was too easy with this one. I am accustomed to more intensity in my crime fiction, yet Skinner never seemed to face the trouble I had hoped to witness. He had ideas and they never went wrong. His personal life played out perfectly. Everyone looks up to him and he can do no wrong. It took away some of the fun.

I will be continuing the story in the hope they improve, but this first book did not wow me quite as much as I had hoped.

[John Grinstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, a book of two halves. I enjoyed the first 150 or so pages which appeared to be developing into a complex and intriguing murder mystery but I am afraid the transition into the wider, geo-political plotting left me somewhat cold.

With something of a background in and a good understanding of the military, the arrangements around the visit of the President of Syria and the role of the SAS also grated a little, which didn’t help.

The development of the character of Skinner from professional, hard grafting, respected polis-man who plays by the (his) rules to saviour of the world didn’t work for me. Also, and good as he is, the denouement and the over-coming of evil in the living room at Gullane also pushed the boundaries - after such a killing spree, why would his adversary take so long to finish the job?

Nah. Close but no cigar and I’m not greatly attracted to following up to see where Skinner goes next.