The Naming of the Dead

Inspector Rebus #16

by Ian Rankin, James MacPherson (Narrator)

A murder has been committed - but as the victim was a rapist, recently released from prison, no one is too concerned about the crime. That is, until Detective Inspector John Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke uncover evidence that a serial killer is on the loose...

When Rebus also starts looking into the apparent suicide of an MP, he is abruptly warned off the case, not least because the G8 leaders have gathered in Scotland, and Rebus's bosses want him well out of the way. But Rebus has never been one to stick to the rules, and when Siobhan has a very personal reason for hunting down a riot cop, it looks as though both Rebus and Clarke may be up against their own side...

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

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

AKA 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

Reviews

[Andrew Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In checking the records of my Rankin reads, I noted that I hadn't listed this one as 'read'. As this site hosts my primary (well, only) list of the books I can recall reading, I thought I'd better correct the oversight. Why? Well, it's not so I can plump up the number of books I can claim To have read by a single digit, but rather to stop me purchasing the same title again - something I've done on several occasions in the past! I normally spot the error sometime around chapter two - and yes, I can be a little slow on the uptake.

I read this one a few years ago - I've no idea of the date - and I can only recall the bare bones of the plot. What I can say with confidence is that it contains a large dose of the irreverence Rebus displays to all figures of authority and plenty of the dry humour Rankin endows his hero with. It's a classy series - one of my favourites.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in this series. The Naming of the Dead takes place mostly in Edinburgh at the time of the infamous G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005. The author loves name dropping, and it is fun to see all those blasts from the past. Bob Geldof, Bono and Tony Blair make many appearances along with so many other celebrities, politicians and leaders of the day.

Rebus is still being the eternal rebel, always doing things his way even when he finds himself suspended from work for his behaviour. Of course he always redeems himself too by being the best detective around. He does try hard to not involve Siobhan in the worst of his bad moments but she usually tags along anyway.

I thought the mystery element was excellent and well investigated by our two detectives. The outcome was a surprise and nearly as complex as the crime itself. No spoilers though so I will not say any more about that.

Enough to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it as I always do enjoy Rankin's books.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

While others may be enamored with Mr. Rankin, I find myself bored with this kind of writing. 2 of 10 stars

[Ammar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebus is back again against a drapery of the G8 summit in Scotland. There is a dead MP, was he pushed or did he commit suicide? There are some vigilantes who are getting their own justice ... and there is always Cafferty our favourite gangster/ businessman

This time we are on the grounds and not much in the underbelly of the city. Rankin waved a tale with factual events happening in the background. The protests... the various parties that are against every G8 summit. The Live Aid concert.

Very good instalment. Now to read Exit music which was officially the last Rebus novel... before he was resurrected back from the mind of Ian Rankin.

[Karl]

I own both the hardcover and an uncorrected proof copy of this book.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars as I think this series and this instalment in particular stand well above the other modern 'detective stories'. I don't think you could get more for your money: a complex case, complex characters, great setting all distilled with great aplomb and charm by the writer.

[Effie (she-her) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ιούλιος 2005. Η συνάντηση των G8 πλησιάζει και ολόκληρο το Εδιμβούργο βρίσκεται σε επιφυλακή. Διαδηλωτές καταφθάνουν από παντού πλημμυρίζοντας την πόλη η οποία εχει δεχθεί αστυνομικές ενισχύσεις. Κι ενώ η προσοχή όλων είναι στραμμένη στην G8, νέα στοιχεία για τη δολοφονία ενός πρώην κατάδικου έρχονται στην επιφάνεια. Ο επιθεωρητής Ρέμπους και η αρχιφύλακας Κλαρκ παίρνουν την εντολή να βάλλουν την υπόθεση στον πάγο. Η πτώση ενός νεαρού πολιτικού από τα τείχη του κάστρου του Εδιμβούργου στη διάρκεια ενός επίσημου γεύματος, όμως τους βάζει σε σκέψεις.

Αυτό που αγαπώ περισσότερο στα βιβλία του Ράνκιν είναι ότι δεν διαβάζω απλά ένα καλό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα, αλλά μαθαίνω και για την κουλτούρα και την ιστορία του Εδιμβούργου. Διάβασα για πορείες και φασαρίες στα πιο κεντρικά σημεία του, κάτι που δεν πίστευα ότι θα μπορούσε να συμβεί ποτέ σ' αυτή την ανιαρά ήσυχη πόλη. Αυτό είναι το πέμπτο βιβλίο του Ράνκιν που διαβάζω, και μπορώ να πω με σιγουριά ότι μέσα απ' τα βιβλία του έμαθα το Εδιμβούργο καλύτερα απ' όσο το έμαθα τους δύο μήνες που έζησα εκεί. Φυσικά, το αστυνομικό κομμάτι δεν πάει πίσω μιας και το μυστήριο καλά κρατεί μέχρι και τις τελευταίες σελίδες του βιβλίου και η λύση είναι πολύ ικανοποιητική.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Inspector Rebus books to date. In the beginning of the series, Rebus was almost too hard-core, too depressing. I thought he was on the edge of going down permenantly. However, with the added focus of DS Siobhan Clarke, the series has really taken off. Siobhan (pronounced Shiv-awn) adds another dimension as Rebus's partner. Rebus basically is on the edge ALL THE TIME. With Siobhan, he the lead of a cracker detective team. He's not your average hero. Really into his music, ciggies, booze, and job, Rebus is fat and balding. But he's one of the best characters to follow in a mystery series, EVER! Ian Rankin is an A-One writer - almost Nick Cave lyrical in his sentences. Very hard-core detective book following the likes of the 40s movies and Bogart cool. Also, the series takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland - one of my favorite places in the world. I love revisiting it, Rebus-style.

[. . . _ _ _ . . . · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ρε με τον Σκωτσέζο συριζαίο που μπλέξαμε...
Αν θέλεις να πολιτικολογήσεις καν' το. Αλλά εγώ δεν μπορώ να δεχτώ 590 σελίδες πολιτικής φλυαρίας για διεφθαρμένους πολιτικούς/Αρχηγούς μυστικών υπηρεσιών, κακούς επιχειρηματίες που πουλάνε όπλα και λαδώνουν κυβερνήσεις (ΚΑΙ την αντιπολίτευση), Άγγλους ματατζήδες που δέρνουν αθώες πολίτες (χμμ...ήταν αυτοί τελικά;) μεταξύ αυτών και τη αριστερή μητέρα της συνεργάτιδας του Ρέμπους που έγινε Αστυνομικός για να πάει κόντρα στους χίπηδες γονείς της (ΠΩΣ ΤΟ ΣΚΕΦΤΗΚΕΣ ΑΥΤΟ ΡΕ ΜΕΓΑΛΕ). Και κάπου εκεί ανάμεσα (ξε)πετάς και το καθεαυτό αστυνομικό κομμάτι του βιβλίου. Η ίδια η λύση του ; Far fetched από τις λίγες.
Συχνά ο Ράνκιν πλατειάζει, αλλά εδώ (και αν) του ξέφυγε. Πολύ.
Κάπου βαρέθηκα λίγο το στυλάκι του Ρέμπους που είναι ο ανορθόδοξος μπάτσος που τα βάζει με το σύστημα (ενώ δουλεύει για το σύστημα), τον βγάζει συνεχώς σε διαθεσιμότητα ο Αρχηγός της Αστυνομίας, αλλά αυτός στα αρχίδια του, πάει και τα πίνει στα μπαρ, ενώ συνεχίζει να ανακρίνει υπόπτους.
Στην πραγματική ζωή θα τον έστελναν να κόβει κλήσεις.
Πάντως κατά βάθος γουστάρω, να μας δείξεις Επιθεωρητά Ρέμπους πως γίνεται.
Κάπου συγκινητικός ενώ αγγίζει τον άνθρωπο Ρέμπους (το μπακ στορυ με τον αδερφό του-σταγόνα στον ωκεανό των 590 σελίδων).
Και μας τα έπρηξες με τις μουσικές επιλογές σου. Εσύ και η Σώτη Τριανταφύλλου. Νισάφι. Αστυνομικό θέλουμε, όχι ρετρό τζουκ μποξ.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent Rebus read. The usual characters are around with Siobhan playing a good part. It will come as no surprise to most followers of Rankin stories that Rebus falls out with/gets in trouble with a number of people. Partly political (and maybe somewhat dated by now) it is actually about murders and motives. Decent holiday read.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Il titolo del romanzo mi ha fatto venire in mente, per associazione di idee, “Sotto il vestito niente”, titolo di un film degli anni ’80 credo. “Dietro quel delitto niente”, direi. Non c’è tensione, non ci sono indagini da seguire, seppure il protagonista, John Rebus, sia ispettore della polizia di Edimburgo e debba indagare non su un solo delitto, bensì su quattro –che alla fine diventano cinque- delitti commessi a Edimburgo durante il G8 del 2005. Per oltre tre quarti del libro le indagini sui delitti languono, il ritmo è lento e le divagazioni sono molteplici, alcune delle quali pure interessanti, quali la corruzione dei politici, le ingiustizie sociali, il degrado delle periferie, la criminalità che sguazza tra gli intrallazzi politici, il potere della stampa, il ruolo ambiguo della polizia nelle manifestazioni antiG8. Insomma gli spunti di interesse non mancherebbero, ma la soluzione finale dei delitti, che arriva solo nelle ultime pagine, è deludente, è fiacca ed il finale scelto da Rankin sembra predisposto per un sequel (che non so se ci sia stato, e non saprò penso mai, dal momento che non ho intenzione di leggere altro di lui). Ciò che riesce meglio allo scrittore è delineare i protagonisti, e così John Rebus viene fuori bene, un poliziotto scomodo, un cane sciolto che lavora in solitaria, tollera soltanto l’aiuto della sua collaboratrice Siobhan, altro personaggio che viene ben definito, una donna con molti problemi irrisolti in famiglia, allieva fidata dell’ispettore.
Per questo le mie stelline sono due, magari due e mezzo, dal momento che Edimburgo, altra protagonista del romanzo, viene descritta così bene che ti viene voglia di andare a visitarla subito.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebus at his cynical best. Murder during the Gleneagles Agreement negotiations. A possible suicide at Edinburgh Castle. A serial killer murdering convicted and released rapists.

Big Ger trying to get rid of the troublesome Councillor Tench. Demonstrations, riot police, protestors including Siobhan’s parents. Her mother us assaulted but by who a policeman or demonstrator.

Nice links with Marie the journalist and Wylie once Siobhan’s rival.

Rebus is nearing retirement and happy to ruffle feather.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Ben Webster’s the victim that fell to his death from Edinburgh Castle sister Stacey is the serial killer. All smoking mirrors. She was after the man who murdered her mother and the others were window dressing. Tench is killed by a lover angry that he lied about leaving his wife. Rebus also gets revenge on the ringleader who locked him up overnight in police cells.

[Craig Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearly every time I read one of Ian Rankin's novels, I think, "OK, this one is his best." Well, this one is going to be difficult for any of the others to beat, if only for its amazing scope.

Usually Rankin's Scottish detectives are plodding around their beats in Scotland, concerned primarily with their country's own past, present and future. But "The Naming of the Dead" takes place against a much larger backdrop, with a G8 summit that took place outside Edinburgh in July 2005. Protesters converge on the site to raise awareness of every social ill from poverty and hunger to the war in Iraq, and of course that draws every policeman and security consultant in the free world too -- everyone except Detective Inspector John Rebus, who's so irascible and contrary that none of the brass wants to let him anywhere near the world's leaders.

Of course Rebus winds up there anyway, investigating the mysterious death of a member of Parliament and also an odd bit of evidence from what appears to be a serial killer preying on rapists recently released from prison. He's joined by his frequent partner Siobhan Clarke, and the story focuses on her as often as it does Rebus, which is all to the good. Rebus is contemplating his own mortality in the wake of his brother's death from a stroke, and Clarke is confronting her parents' advancing age and frailty as they show up to protest just like they did in the '60s but find the world is a much rougher place than it was in the Summer of Love. Together Rebus and Clarke tackle not only the bodies that start piling up but also concerns about living with terrorism, dealing with an out-of-control police state and of course the connection between family and memory, which is often Rankin's theme.

They're joined by a few other scruffy allies, most importantly a journalist who has traded information with Rebus in the past (I look forward to someday seeing her featured in her own Rankin novel). Meanwhile they confront Rebus' nemesis, crime boss Big Ger Cafferty, who somehow knows every step they're taking.

By the end Rebus and Clarke have figured out all the mysteries but also realize that justice, in the traditional sense, is an elusive thing and sometimes depends more on chance than anything else.

I read this book in a bit of a rush, thanks to a trip that involved three airline flights and a hotel stay, and enjoyed every minute of it. It had a propulsive plot, interesting characters (even the small ones, like a tourist bus driver who chats with Rebus near the end) and even some great bits of comedy (apparently Rebus is the reason President George W. Bush fell off his bike in Scotland) amidst all the gore and the melancholy and the references to classic rock acts like The Who and Steely Dan. I plan to read a lot more of Rankin, but I don't see how he can top this one.

[Wendell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my third Rankin/Rebus novel, and I'm afraid it's going to be my last as well. I'll share the blame with the author: Perhaps the problem is just that I don't get it -- I don't get his use of language; I don't get the device of burying the main plot elements under hundreds of pages in which nothing much actually happens; I don't get (to put it bluntly) the main character, rich in shtick and yet, in the end, absolutely two-dimensional and dull. As there are many readers who are crazy for this stuff, obviously I'm the problem. Rankin writing Rebus makes me think of Camilleri writing Montalbano. In both cases, the reader who doesn't share the author's precise cultural/linguistic background has to struggle with slang, dialect, and terminology that doesn't immediately reveal its richness. Camilleri (whom I read in my second language) strikes me as inventive, clever, lush. Rankin, whom I read (purportedly) in English, strikes me as stifling, humorless, inbred. What Rankin is bad at, in any language, is characterization, and a character like Rebus, stoic to the point of making Mt. Rushmore seem all flibberty-gibbet, needs more help than Rankin is giving him. After three of these novels, I already see Rebus as a parody of himself. I admit it; the fault must be mine. But I'm still not going to read any more.

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really can't go wrong with a Rebus novel! This one was published back in 2006 and is set against the backdrop of the G8 summit of the previous July, which was held in Scotland and which attracted significant protests, only to be overshadowed by the London Tube and bus bombings a few days later.

Aside from the intriguing murder scenes and ensuing investigations, it was the further development of the characters of Rebus and Siobhan which really made this particular novel for me. Rebus is heading towards retirement and is reflecting gloomily upon its implications, while we learn much more about Siobhan's background, and what drives her.

The narrative contains the usual dollops of humour, backed by a familiar soundtrack, making this an absorbing and fully engaging read.

[Ade Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to read a Rebus book again. Stopped about five years ago, thought he was long killed off so was happy to find this 2006 one which kept me company on a long journey recently. Usual wit and sparkle, smooth flowing, that unique atmosphere of somewhat seedy characters in a somewhat seedy world: here, power at the most basic domestic level refracts power at the level of G8 politics. Unforgettable Rankin moment: the Mars bar and the two women, as usual so understated the fun may be missed.

[Adrian White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting use of current affairs, especially the coincidence of the G8 in Gleneagles with the 7/7 bombings in London, and how the media were more obsessed with the granting of the London Olympics than with society crumbling in a distant part of the UK - distant in their minds in miles and relevance.
But as a crime novel that mixed political intrigue and the criminal underworld's power struggle, I thought it was okay but not deserving of the fawning over-the-top praise from the very people Rankin disdains.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was G8 is coming up in a month, the G7 meeting that will include whoever is voted in as France's man (or woman). I thought this Rebus book a good choice since the G8 did meet in Edinburgh 2005 and there were London bombings as described in this book. This is a long one and has a lot going on besides the demonstrations, rioting, global agreements and the possibility of a serial killer loose in Scotland. Both Siobhan and Rebus manage to get suspended during their investigations and Siobhan doing her best as the one in charge gets sucked into Cafferty's web and attempts to control outcomes.
The book kicks off with the death of an MP from atop the castle while Rebus is in attendance at his younger brother's funeral, dead of stroke at age 54.
Siobhan is rather distracted from scene of crime stuff when she meets up with her parents who were in attendance to make their stand: "They were doing the camping thing with style: a big red tent with windows and a covered porch, foldaway table and chairs, ad an open bottle of wine with real glasses next to it." The local gang seemed to know she was "a pig" and did damage to her car. There was a somewhat strange young woman with camera hanging around her parents at the campground that Siobhan took instant dislike to. Her mother ends up getting beaten about the head by one of the security team, and this manages to derail Siobhan from her responsibilities in finding a killer.
There is so much riding on the success of the G8 and so few people concentrating on how to identify the person who murdered at least 3 people that many blind alleys are presented, many people interviewed, many theories floated that the reader could almost give up. I enjoyed all of the nonsense but was relieved when Rebus took marker to board and drew out the diagram of connections that almost led him to the killer. But then...
Yes, lots of subplots including arms deals, corruption on many levels, the additional murder of a government official with a closer connection to them and the inability to find justice for the earlier three victims. When they confront the official with their conclusion he knows his position. "'It'll dump a trailerload of dung on your heads,' Rebus warned. 'Will it?..Good for the land though, isn't it, the occasional bit of manure? Now, if you'll excuse me...'"
As Rebus and Siobhan had drinks to mark the end of it all, she complained, "It's not enough, is it?..Just ...symbolic...because there's nothing else you can do...The naming of the dead."

[Lobstergirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow was this ever tedious. There's a possible serial killer on the loose in Auchterarder, Scotland, but Rankin's main purpose here seems to be to drone on for 500 pages about the G8 Summit at Gleneagles, the security for it (which Rebus is constantly trying to penetrate), the protesters, and Bono and Geldof. This is my fifth fairly random Rebus, and the longest and dullest so far.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ένα πρόσφατο βιβλίο της σειράς για με τον επιθεωρητή Ρέμπους, το οποίο διαδραματίζεται παράλληλα με τα τη σύνοδο κορυφής G8 που έγινε το 2005 στη Σκωτία και το ίδιο καλοκαίρι, ενώ λίγο μετά έγινε η βομβιστική επίθεση στο μετρό του Λονδίνου - γεγονότα που εμφανίζονται στην υπόθεση.

Ο Ρέμπους με τη Σίβον είναι αντιμέτωποι με τη δολοφονία ενός μπράβου του Κάφερτι (ποιος άραγε θα ασχολούνταν σοβαρά με τη δολοφονία από ένα καθίκι και δεν θα ευχόταν κρυφά από μέσα του ότι καλά να πάθει;), η οποία σύντομα αποδεικνύεται ότι ήταν μια τριπλή δολοφονία - τριών καθικίων που δεν θα έλειπαν από κανέναν. Όμως, δεν παύει να είναι δολοφονία, και οι ήρωές μας έρχονται αντιμέτωποι με έναν κατά συρροή δολοφόνο που πρέπει να τον αποκαλύψουν.

Παράλληλα, κατά τη διάρκεια της συνόδου κορυφής, και σε ένα τραπέζι προς τους αξιωματούχους, ένας νεαρός και πολλά υποσχόμενος βουλευτής "αυτοκτονεί", με τρόπο που προβληματίζει την αστυνομία.

Φυσικά οι δυο υποθέσεις δεν φαίνεται να συνδέονται - πέρα από το ότι τις έχει χρεωθεί ο Ρέμπους. Άρα έχει να παλέψει σε διπλό ταμπλό, ερχόμενος σε σύγκρουση με τις μυστικές υπηρεσίες και το διοικητή τους (φαντάζεστε πώς έρχεται σε σύγκρουση ο Ρέμπους, οπότε ετοιμαστείτε για φαρμακερές ατάκες και περιστατικά με άφθονο γέλιο, χωρίς να κινδυνεύει η σωματική ακεραιότητα κανενός).

Ταυτόχρονα, ο θάνατος του βουλευτή ανοίγει την πόρτα για την έρευνα στις συνδιαλλαγές ενός εμπόρου όπλων, ο οποίος, πέρα από τις επαφές του με την Αφρική και τον εξοπλισμό που πουλούσε εκεί, φαίνεται να είναι και ιδιαίτερα διεφθαρμένος στα εντός της Αγγλίας ζητήματα (ΥΓ χωρίς να κάνω spoiler, σχεδόν καταστρέφεται γιατί πουλούσε υπηρεσίες στους Εργατικούς και τους Φιλελεύθερους, μα καλά, είναι δυνατόν να το βλέπουν έτσι οι Ευρωπαίοι; Εδώ θεωρείται δεδομένο πχ για όλα τα ΜΜΕ ότι θα στηρίζουν ΠΑΣΟΚ-ΝΔ μαζί).

Επιπλέον, για τους λάτρεις των ταξιδιών, έχουμε και ξενάγηση σε κάποια γραφικά χωριά της Σκωτίας, όπου ναι μεν λόγω του Ρέμπους θα μάθετε κυρίως για τις τοπικές παμπ, αλλά και για την πηγή Κλούτι (Clootie well): πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα για όσους αρέσουν τα creepy places!!

Επίσης, ένας τοπικός δημοτικός σύμβουλος παίζει μυστήριο ρόλο και τον βρίσκουμε διαρκώς παρόν σε όλες τις περιπέτειες των ηρώων μας (όχι, τελικά στο τέλος δεν έγιναν κολλητοί φίλοι), ενώ η Μέρι, μια δημοσιογράφος που πρέπει να έχει ξαναεμφανιστεί στη σειρά παίζει τον εκνευριστικό ρόλο που θα έπαιζε κάθε ρεπόρτερ ώστε να εκνευρίσει τους ερωτώμενους, και ναι, φυσικά και αυτή ήταν σταλμένη από τον Ρέμπους ως απειλή για όσα δεν του είχαν αποκαλύψει νωρίτερα οι ίδιοι με τη θέλησή τους!!!

Το βιβλίο είναι εξαιρετικά καλογραμμένο (αναμενόμενο άλλωστε), με πολλές παράλληλες ιστορίες που κάποια στιγμή συνδέονται μεταξύ τους με τρόπο που σε αφήνει με ανοιχτό το στόμα, τους αγαπημένους μας κακούς, στριπτιτζάδικα με επίσημους αξιωματούχους μέσα σε αυτά, βόλτες στα δάση και τα άγρια βουνά, πλεκτάνες, συμμορίες με αλητάκια της γειτονιάς και πανκ διαδηλωτές κατά της G8.

Το βιβλίο προτείνεται σε όσους αρέσουν οι τέτοιου είδους περιπέτειες, δεν έχει πολύ καταδίωξη, αλλά ούτως ή άλλως ο Ρέμπους πλέον είναι και κάποιας ηλικίας (όχι ότι αυτό θα τον σταμάταγε, αλλά οι περιστάσεις έρχονται κατ' αυτόν τον τρόπο!)

[Ionuț · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edinburgh. O locație pe care aș vrea să o vizitez cândva. Mereu m-au lăsat fără glas peisajele sale, vizionate doar pe internet, din păcate. În momentul care am inceput să citesc cărțile lui Ian Rankin nu îmi imaginam să descopăr așa de bine conturat unul din orașele mele preferate. Aceste trei volume, singurele traduse din seria ,,Rebus”, ne aduc în prim plan un polițist clasic, abil, inteligent, șarmant, cu un umor britanic deosebit, greu de păcălit si de care te atașezi subit. De multe ori, nu neapărat suspansul te ține conectat, ci mai ales el, John Rebus, cel care nu se lasă doborât de provocări și nici intimidat de sistemul politic, corupt care își intinde tentaculele profitoare peste tot. Eroul nostru trece prin diferite stări si situații care în timp își pun amprenta asupra evoluției carierei sale, fiind privit de alți colegi și superiori ca un detectiv atipic, de multe ori marginalizat, perceput ca un paria, datorită metodelor sale de investigare și ale problemelor cu alcoolul. Viața personală o pune pe locul doi in detrimentul slujbei, atras în hățișurile insalubre ale criminalității scoțiene. Sper ca in afara de ,, X si 0”, ,,De-a v-ati ascunselea” si ,, Apelul morților”, vreo editură din Romania să ne facă o surpriză pe viitor, aducându-ne în dar și alte titluri ale autorului.

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspector Rebus mystery No. 16: - sees Rebus bury his brother, and discover and investigate a serial murdering vigilante, look into an MP suicide and search for a missing daughter of a police chief. In addition Siobhan has her parents join in Anti-G8 marches and there's the usual trouble with Big Ger. Rankin continues his supreme characterisations of his cast amidst the Edinburgh G8 summit, an arms dealer sub-story, a look at vigilantism, a war between a councillor and Big Ger and even the 7/7 attacks in London. Another solid episode of this great series. 7 out of 12

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inspector Rebus series is top notch Scottish Noir, and Rebus is one of my favorite protagonists - not top 5 but definitely top 10.

Having said that, I can’t remember the last time it took me 2 weeks of daily reading to finish a book. Needless to say this installment wasn’t my favorite, it was a slow boil that never boiled. More like a chess match of different theories, strategies and thoughts on the “who done it.”

It takes place during the G8 Summit in Scotland in 2005, so there’s some history weaved into the story, but nothing much to pull the reader along for 450 pages. Taking a break from this series for a few weeks, but will definitely be back.

[E.H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a bookstore in the international wing of the Hong Kong airport that sells only mystery novels and biographies of Mao, and since I'm not one for history, I wound up with this when I was passing through on my way from China to HCMC.

That was nearly four months ago. The fact that this book took me that long to read, that I didn't even decide I LIKED it until around page 400, says something about how much trouble this has put me to.

I'll take this quickly on two fronts:

Inspector Rebus: drinks too much, tries too hard, cares too much. I hated him until a little more than two-thirds of the way through when, standing at the back of a church hall in a ragged coat next to a well-to-do mob boss, he bursts into unexpected laughter at said mob boss's sarcastic quip. Generally I hate (incipient) alcoholics, but I guess I'll make an exception here. Also he drinks Irn Bru. Because he is Scottish. Yes.

The writing: DAMN, I wish I was cool like Ian Rankin and could write my sentences without subjects or objects and occasionally without verbs. It would make me seem so hardcore and unconventional. OH WAIT, MAYBE IT WOULD SEEM OBNOXIOUS AND VAGUELY CLICHE. You see what I did there?

In summary, this is the most recent in a series that currently numbers 16 and is wildly popular. I can only assume that either a novice should start at book one, or they're way overhyped, much like Sue Grafton.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE NAMING OF THE DEAD (Pol Proc-Scotland-Cont) – VG
Rankin, Ian- 17th in series
Orion, 2006- UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0752868586
*** The G8 conference is taking place in Edinburgh, and while all other officers have been deployed, DI John Rebus has not. During one conference event, a young politician dies. The police are calling it suicide; Rebus isn’t so certain. That investigation is supplanted by another case. A token is found in “clootie well,” a place where items are placed in remembrance of the dead. The token, and others near it, lead to the possibility of a serial killer targeting recently-released rapists. DS Siobhan Clarke is on the hunt to the riot cop who assaulted her mother during one of the G8 demonstrations.
*** Whenever I become discouraged reading books that are less than spectacular, and then pick up an Ian Rankin mystery, I am reminded just how good writing can be. Here Rankin has taken three story lines, against a background of true events and people, and neatly woven them into an absorbing and satisfying story with complex relationship and undertones. Cafferty is back and as manipulative as ever. I loved the music references and very subtle humor. Problems I do see are because the G8 conference was the backdrop, it will date the book very quickly and should one not have read previous books, they won’t understand the significance of Cafferty. I thought this a very good book and highly recommend it, particularly to those who have been reading the series in order.

[Shirley Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book! Rebus is one of my favourite fictional characters and every book in this series is wonderful. Rebus and his sidekick Siobhan are working together on what appears to be a serial murder case. This is all happening in and around the 2005 G8 summit which was held in Scotland. There are lots of dignitaries and hangers-on all over the Scottish countryside for this week in July which provides Rebus and Siobhan with an unlimited number of suspects. What is most enjoyable about this book is how we see that Siobhan is getting more and more like her mentor. Rebus is within a year of retirement, but that doesn't stop him from doggedly following leads even after he is threatened and bullied by his superiors and other bigwig political and security people. And in this book, Siobhan is right there with him causing all kinds of trouble on her own while she seeks a serial killer. The best part about these books is the realism of the characters and the complex relationship that Rebus and Siobhan have. This book is fast-paced and a wonderful mix of politics, intrigue and a cracking mystery. This series always stays fresh and interesting, leaving me looking forward to the next book in the series.. Hopefully, Ian Rankin doesn't end this series anytime soon. Rebus is a brilliant creation, and I have to keep reminding myself that he is fictional and not real.

[Charlene Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the advice of a fellow book-lover, I decided to read an Inspector Rebus book, and this was the first in the series I could easily obtain. I loved it! Having never read others in this series, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I was not lost by not previously meeting the main characters.

Rebus's brother has just died suddenly of an apparent stroke, so we first find him at the funeral. He had not remained very close with his brother, but they had been very tight growing up and his memories color a lot of his thinking in this book. A well-known and disliked local lad has been murdered, not to anyone's surprise or regret. He was recently out of prison and was working as muscle for the local bad guy. But Rebus and his sergeant, Siobhan, still feel they should work the murder case. It is the eve of the G8 meeting in Edinburgh, so all of Scotland is involved in that, with many police from all over being reassigned to the meeting and the protests surrounding it.

More information about the murder surfaces in a surprising place and there is an apparent suicide of a diplomat at the pre-meetings. Somehow, Rebus and Siobhan get involved in all of it and finally figure out what happened.

[Alex Doenau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side note: Rebus is back in my orbit after a five month break! Damn you, Stephen King!

A week in the life of Rebus and Siobhan. Something that sticks out in this one is that everyone calls Siobhan "Shiv", when it is well established that she hates being called that. But outside of that, The Naming of the Dead is a solid entry in the Rebus canon, even if it has one character speak the title of the book in the closing paragraphs.

What Rankin has done across the series is make Siobhan almost Rebus' equal in terms of screen time and character development; this particular entry emphasises how alike they've become while underlining their fundamental differences. It all ties together in a much more extreme fashion than usual but it's actually perfectly logical at that.

This is the penultimate Rebus before he was retired; henceforth it's entirely uncharted territory for this reader. It was a stupid place for me to stop, but all things serve the beam.

[Lemar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Ian Rankin delivers a crackling good story filled with meaningful human moments in the inner lives of his recurring characters that deepen the narrative. For example on being told he could be on “Easy Street“ John Rebus replies, “the problem is, it’s not a destination that appeals.”
This novel takes place during protests against the G8 meeting in Edinburgh.
“No point in joining a demonstration if it didn’t make the news. Anarchists can’t afford ad campaigns”.
This final quote reminds me of American politics especially as endlessly spun by right wing radio, “The bars of Edinburgh would soon have a fresh topic to inflame the drinkers’ indignation.”

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using G8 as a backdrop this has all the good mystery things I need: good (anti-) hero, good villain, interesting setting (Edinburgh, which is as much of a character in these books as anyone). Another good one, he gets better as the series goes on.