Ian Rankin and Rebus for November's Reading group

The bad-tempered but incredibly popular Edinburgh detective is the subject of this month’s investigation, starting with the first of his cases, Knots and Crosses

This November sees the release of the 20th Inspector Rebus novel, Even Dogs in the Wild. Which seems like an excellent excuse for the Reading group to have a look back at the gruff Edinburgh detective’s long career – and indeed to see what he’s been up to since he retired.

Ian Rankin has been writing Rebus novels since 1987. He was a formative influence on the Tartan noir genre, and he has been estimated to account for a mighty 10% of all British crime fiction sales. He also introduced the world to the valuable concept of FYTP. But the most impressive thing about the Rebus books is their quality. They are often truly bracing reading experiences: brutal, ugly and upsetting. But they are also fascinating, warm studies both of the complex, flawed and curiously appealing lead man John Rebus, and of that other great character, the city of Edinburgh.

Continue reading...