Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "ian-rankin"

Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A gripping police procedural that takes Rebus to London to hunt a serial killer.

It has been far too long since I last read a Rebus book. Rankin's first two novels in the series, 'Knots and Crosses' and 'Hide and Seek', as well as the short story collection, 'A Good Hanging', were brilliant, so quite why it has taken so long for me to revisit the series I do not know.

'Tooth and Nail' (originally 'Wolfman' on its first publication) finds Rebus travelling from Edinburgh to London, requested to assist in the investigation of a series of murders, the perpetrator of which the press have named the Wolfman. He arrives by train, hearing the news that a third victim has been discovered, and heads straight for the crime scene.

With insights into both the killer's psyche and the police investigation, this is a superb psychological thriller, with Rebus at its heart as the fish-out-of-water detective who isn't quite sure who has summoned him to London and if he can truly make a contribution to the investigation. Rebus is soon approached by a psychologist offering to produce a profile of the Wolfman. Rebus accepts, though his suggestion to meet for dinner to discuss her profile isn't solely motivated by professional interest.

As well as contending with the case and the attitudes of the police team, who see his contribution as interference, Rebus also reacquaints himself with his ex-wife and their daughter, Samantha, who moved to London from Edinburgh. Personal and professional pressures collide and Rebus soon finds that his rash actions may have unforeseen consequences.

I couldn't put 'Tooth and Nail' down - it is well-written and tightly plotted, with a masterfully executed conclusion. Rebus is an icon of crime fiction - flawed but brilliant - and I will be eagerly devouring further novels in the series.



View all my reviews

Some book reviews for the festive season, beginning with a mystery from the Mistress of Suspense...

Deck the Halls by Carol Higgins Clark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An entertaining, cosy, Christmas mystery.

This was my first encounter with both Mary Higgins Clark's Alvirah and Willy and Carol Higgins Clark's Regan Reilly, pulled together in a kidnap and ransom tale that takes place just days before Christmas.

For one reason and another, I was struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but this book was the perfect remedy to that. I read it across three days and wanted to keep reading even when I had to place the book down.

This was a light-hearted delight - I hope the other co-written Christmas mysteries prove to be just as enjoyable!




Now for something a little darker...

Ghosts of Christmas Past by Tim Martin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A haunting mix of Christmas ghost stories, featuring a mix of the brilliant, the poignant, the humorous and the downright bizarre.

Highlights for me were: 'Dinner for One' by Jenn Ashworth, the story of a couple in a dysfunctional, at times abusive, relationship; 'This Beautiful House' by Louis de Bernieres, the reminiscence of family Christmases spent long ago; 'The Step' by E.F. Benson, a classic haunting of a gentleman stalked by a mysterious step; and 'The Visiting Star' by Robert Aickman, the retelling of the time a famous actress visited a small town to star in a theatre production.

An enjoyable collection to devour over the festive period - Neil Gaiman's amusing 'anecdote' on a cursed Nicholas may be perfect for reading to a crowd when the children are out of earshot.




After encounters with the paranormal, time for some adventure...

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An entertaining festive adventure from David Baldacci.

Journalist Tom Langdon, unable to fly from Washington to LA for Christmas, is forced to take the journey by train, a journey he hopes will help him discover himself and result in a new piece of writing. Aboard the train, he meets a host of colourful characters, finding himself offered to work on a movie project by a famous director, assisting eloping lovers with their wedding, a thief, an avalanche and coming face to face with the one true love of his life.

Well-written and fast-paced, 'The Christmas Train' is a light and frothy treat amongst the murder and skulduggery of many Christmas mystery and suspense novels.




And, finally, some classic Christmas crime...

Murder on Christmas Eve: Classic Mysteries for the Festive Season by Cecily Gayford

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A thrilling collection of mystery and murder from a host of brilliant authors.

It's incredibly difficult to select the highlights from this collection, which includes appearances from Rebus, Father Brown and Campion. Possibly my favourites were: 'The Trinity Cat' by Ellis Peters, where a cat assists in the investigation of a murder; 'No Sanity Clause' by Ian Rankin, which sees Rebus attending a murder mystery evening; 'A Wife in a Million' by Val McDermid, the tale of a malign poisoner; and 'Cambric Tea' by Marjorie Bowen, where a young doctor uncovers a diabolical poisoning.

Credit must go to editor Cecily Gayford for selecting a perfect concoction of Christmas crime stories, making 'Murder on Christmas Eve' a delight to be revisited for many Christmases to come.




Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

View all my reviews