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Inspector Rebus #9
The Hanging Garden
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon... The hanging of four French villagers in World War II... The hanging of an old man in a Scottish cemetery... Seemingly random facts linked to one man...
Detective Inspector John Rebus is buried under a pile of paperwork generated by his investigations into a suspected war criminal, and his immediate supervisors are more than happy to have him tucked away in a quiet backwater for several months. However, the escalating dispute between upstart Tommy Telford and Big Ger Cafferty's gang soon gives Rebus an escape clause. Telford is known to have close ties to a man nicknamed Mr. Pink Eyes, a brutal gangster running a lucrative business bringing Chechen refugees into Britain to work as prostitutes. And when Rebus takes under his wing a distraught Bosnian call girl, it gives him a personal reason to make sure Telford takes the high road out of town. Within days, Rebus's daughter is the victim of an all-too-professional hit-and-run, and Rebus knows that there's nothing he won't do to bring down prime suspect Tommy Telford--even if it means cutting a deal with the devil.
A chilling glimpse into the darkest extremes of human cruelty, a page-turning literary thriller, The Hanging Garden, the ninth entry in Ian Rankin's award-winning series confirms his reputation as a writer of rare and lasting gifts.
Detective Inspector John Rebus is buried under a pile of paperwork generated by his investigations into a suspected war criminal, and his immediate supervisors are more than happy to have him tucked away in a quiet backwater for several months. However, the escalating dispute between upstart Tommy Telford and Big Ger Cafferty's gang soon gives Rebus an escape clause. Telford is known to have close ties to a man nicknamed Mr. Pink Eyes, a brutal gangster running a lucrative business bringing Chechen refugees into Britain to work as prostitutes. And when Rebus takes under his wing a distraught Bosnian call girl, it gives him a personal reason to make sure Telford takes the high road out of town. Within days, Rebus's daughter is the victim of an all-too-professional hit-and-run, and Rebus knows that there's nothing he won't do to bring down prime suspect Tommy Telford--even if it means cutting a deal with the devil.
A chilling glimpse into the darkest extremes of human cruelty, a page-turning literary thriller, The Hanging Garden, the ninth entry in Ian Rankin's award-winning series confirms his reputation as a writer of rare and lasting gifts.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
724 people are currently reading
3355 people want to read
About the author
Ian Rankin
423 books6,525 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 527 reviews
October 10, 2019
'In the Hanging Garden/No one sleeps'
It's been a while since I read a Rebus novel. And this was another good one. I love DI John Rebus, always fighting and struggling with the temptations in life (especially alcohol), always fighting the darkest crime in Edinburgh and Scotland, always in a fight with his superiors. Always lonely in love.... Great character, always solid stories by Mr. Rankin. 4 stars solid. I love Edinburgh, but Rankin shows the dark and gritty sides of the city too.... Rankin always delivers solid and interesting, gritty crime stories. I'm a fan and fortunately have a number of Rebus's to go.
It's been a while since I read a Rebus novel. And this was another good one. I love DI John Rebus, always fighting and struggling with the temptations in life (especially alcohol), always fighting the darkest crime in Edinburgh and Scotland, always in a fight with his superiors. Always lonely in love.... Great character, always solid stories by Mr. Rankin. 4 stars solid. I love Edinburgh, but Rankin shows the dark and gritty sides of the city too.... Rankin always delivers solid and interesting, gritty crime stories. I'm a fan and fortunately have a number of Rebus's to go.
December 21, 2020
I struggled a bit at the start of this one which surprised me as I am a long time fan of John Rebus and his woes. There was a bit of an information overload in the first few chapters but then the story and the great characters kicked in and everything turned out just fine.
I always enjoy the Edinburgh setting which is somehow so perfect as a background for crime novels. Rankin always writes involved books with several different stories running simultaneously which keeps the reader on their toes. Best of all though are the characters and the dry humour, especially from Rebus himself.
The Hanging Garden turned out to be typical of all Rankin's books, well written, exciting and a great read. I am already looking forward to the next one.
I always enjoy the Edinburgh setting which is somehow so perfect as a background for crime novels. Rankin always writes involved books with several different stories running simultaneously which keeps the reader on their toes. Best of all though are the characters and the dry humour, especially from Rebus himself.
The Hanging Garden turned out to be typical of all Rankin's books, well written, exciting and a great read. I am already looking forward to the next one.
September 4, 2021
A suspenseful novel. A rare on to in that Rebus is sober and not chain smoking. A bit of flashback is used when his daughter Sammy is hit by a car and in a coma. The story revolves around a gangster called Telford trying to take over the criminal world of Edinburgh from Caffety another criminal Rebus put away but who still controls the criminal underworld of Edinburgh.
Rebus is also investigating a nazi who committed war crimes and trying to save an East European prostitute who looks like his daughter. The story hangs together well with Chechen mafia and Yakuza interwoven into the plot. The ending and finding out who the hit and run driver was a surprise. I kid you not.
Once again another atmospheric, gritty story set in Edinburgh. Well worth a read.
Rebus is also investigating a nazi who committed war crimes and trying to save an East European prostitute who looks like his daughter. The story hangs together well with Chechen mafia and Yakuza interwoven into the plot. The ending and finding out who the hit and run driver was a surprise. I kid you not.
Once again another atmospheric, gritty story set in Edinburgh. Well worth a read.
September 19, 2019
Not a bad read though the Rebus/Rankin combination is rarely bad! This one did feel a bit dated compared to some. It was the surprise that "Eastern European women were being traffic to be prossies" that made it feel that way. It's not a bad book and given some of the content important to the series as a whole. Definitely recommended for those reading the series.
April 5, 2021
Finally! Time with Rebus is always worth the wait 👍
August 8, 2014
Another excellent Ian Rankin novel that ranks high for me among the other books I've read in this genre. The character of John Rebus continues to appeal; his keen awareness of his shortcomings and failures and his unwavering loyalty to those he cares about and sense of duty to right, however possible, the wrongs of the world, make for continuously entertaining reading. This story focuses on gang wars and the collateral damage of such activity. It places Rebus in the interesting position of aligning himself with one organized criminal to bring down another. It introduces an Eastern European refugee enmeshed in the world of drugs and prostitution to protect her son from harm whom Rebus takes under his wing and goes to great lengths to protect. The mystery of the possible war criminal and how it intersects with the warring of rival gangs is another interesting twist in this plot. All and all, an excellent book well worth the read.
July 13, 2016
"He looked at the city sometimes and saw a beauty his cynicism couldn't touch."
I really like this series. I can't tell the past storylines apart, but I always enjoy them while I'm reading. It's basically exactly like your favourite gritty tv crime series. Plus the fantastic bonus of it being set in Scotland. The whole disgruntled, washed-up policeman thing works so well with Esinburgh as its backdrop. The plot this time might be one of my favourites. It has organised crime, but also reflected on crime and punishment in general, as well as the concept of vengeance and cruelty. I liked and loathed all the good intentions that came up hard against the leaden walls of reality and personal choices of others.
Will deffo read on soon!
I really like this series. I can't tell the past storylines apart, but I always enjoy them while I'm reading. It's basically exactly like your favourite gritty tv crime series. Plus the fantastic bonus of it being set in Scotland. The whole disgruntled, washed-up policeman thing works so well with Esinburgh as its backdrop. The plot this time might be one of my favourites. It has organised crime, but also reflected on crime and punishment in general, as well as the concept of vengeance and cruelty. I liked and loathed all the good intentions that came up hard against the leaden walls of reality and personal choices of others.
Will deffo read on soon!
December 14, 2022
neyse serinin 9. kitabı güzelmiş. 7 ve 8’i pek sevmemiştim. yine çok karışık tabii. çete savaşları. şehri ele geçirmeye çalışan ve hapisteki cafferty’i aradan çıkaracak yeni bir ekip. bu ekip japon yakuzasından tutun da new castle’dan bir çeçen’e kadar epey renkli. ve bu arada insan kaçakçılığı, fuhuşa sürüklenen eski yugoslavya mağduru kadınlar konusu da var.
ayrıca rebus’un işleri düzeltmeye başladığı kızı sammy de vur kaç kazasına uğrayıp komalık oluyor. en yakın arkadaşı çete savaşlarına muhbir olarak yerleştirilip vuruluyor filan. epey olaylı.
ama geri dönüşler, hatta sammy’nin çocukluğu, karısının hamilelik haberini verişi filan, tabii hiç atlatamadığı ordu geçmişi ve ira meselesi çok ustacaydı.
ama asıl olarak 2. dünya savaşındaki nazilerin nasıl 1. dünya devletleri tarafından kapış kapış tutulduğu, kimlik değiştirtildiği ve bunun için rat line denilen bir hattın olduğu gerçeği çok vurucuydu. elbette buradaki savaş suçlusu kurmaca ama ian rankin’in sonda verdiği bilgiler gerçek.
şu hayatta hiçbir şeyde adalet göremiyoruz abv. gerçekten böyle. ilahi adaleti alet de meh… saçmalık işte avunma mekanizması.
ayrıca rebus’un işleri düzeltmeye başladığı kızı sammy de vur kaç kazasına uğrayıp komalık oluyor. en yakın arkadaşı çete savaşlarına muhbir olarak yerleştirilip vuruluyor filan. epey olaylı.
ama geri dönüşler, hatta sammy’nin çocukluğu, karısının hamilelik haberini verişi filan, tabii hiç atlatamadığı ordu geçmişi ve ira meselesi çok ustacaydı.
ama asıl olarak 2. dünya savaşındaki nazilerin nasıl 1. dünya devletleri tarafından kapış kapış tutulduğu, kimlik değiştirtildiği ve bunun için rat line denilen bir hattın olduğu gerçeği çok vurucuydu. elbette buradaki savaş suçlusu kurmaca ama ian rankin’in sonda verdiği bilgiler gerçek.
şu hayatta hiçbir şeyde adalet göremiyoruz abv. gerçekten böyle. ilahi adaleti alet de meh… saçmalık işte avunma mekanizması.
August 14, 2011
I love Rankin novels -- if no other reason the setting of Edinburgh and his attractive hero. But I thought this one was overly complicated. With Japanese and Russian gangsters, Nazi war criminals, trafficked prostitutes, pensioners ferrying drugs, hit and run accidents, and the usual family troubles, one wonders where Rankin was going with this one. I would have liked it better I think if he'd really built on one of these themes in more depths. For example, drawing together the Eastern European genocides with the Nazi atrocities, but instead we just got tastes of too many things.
September 10, 2017
This book had several main threads: Nazi war crimes; Drug wars between major gang factions; personal tragedies for Rebus. There are some truly gnarly criminals in this book and Rebus does not escape physical torture in the midst of gang warfare. His daughter is the victim of a hit and run and the uncertain outcome of her condition hangs in the balance, forcing Rebus to make a deal with Cafferty to find the driver. I don't want to spoil the book for others so I will stop there.
May 19, 2018
The Hanging Garden (Inspector Rebus, #9) by Ian Rankin.
Inspector Rebus is entangled in a web of the Scottish underground. thug against thug-vice against vice. a war of the underworld that has the capability of reaching far into the civilian population. Cafferty, Rebus's old nemesis, is locked away thanks to Rebus...but it's Rebus who's been paying him visits. Big Ger's knowledge of the who and the why is essential if Rebus is to get to the bottom of the war elite among the worst criminals among them.
It's at this time rebus receives news that his daughter, Sam, has been the victim of a hit and run. Rhone, Sam's mother and Rebus's ex, is there at the hospital with Sam...still in a coma. Was this hit a retaliation against Rebus? A message to stay away from the gang wars?
Rebus, whether you are fortunate enough to read all the series in order or not, is a personality-a character-that becomes more and more personal with each page. His apartment with the view of the outside street. Who was waiting out there for him that day? His couch and chair where he relaxes to ponder the list of possible suspects with a drink in hand...or is he on the wagon? He's ongoing relationship with Patience. Will it survive his first marriage to the police force? And in this particular story his escape into song. During the story a song comes to his mind that reflects somewhat on circumstances in his life.
Rebus is personal and vulnerable, but behind all of it...rebus is RELENTLESS.
Inspector Rebus is entangled in a web of the Scottish underground. thug against thug-vice against vice. a war of the underworld that has the capability of reaching far into the civilian population. Cafferty, Rebus's old nemesis, is locked away thanks to Rebus...but it's Rebus who's been paying him visits. Big Ger's knowledge of the who and the why is essential if Rebus is to get to the bottom of the war elite among the worst criminals among them.
It's at this time rebus receives news that his daughter, Sam, has been the victim of a hit and run. Rhone, Sam's mother and Rebus's ex, is there at the hospital with Sam...still in a coma. Was this hit a retaliation against Rebus? A message to stay away from the gang wars?
Rebus, whether you are fortunate enough to read all the series in order or not, is a personality-a character-that becomes more and more personal with each page. His apartment with the view of the outside street. Who was waiting out there for him that day? His couch and chair where he relaxes to ponder the list of possible suspects with a drink in hand...or is he on the wagon? He's ongoing relationship with Patience. Will it survive his first marriage to the police force? And in this particular story his escape into song. During the story a song comes to his mind that reflects somewhat on circumstances in his life.
Rebus is personal and vulnerable, but behind all of it...rebus is RELENTLESS.
February 27, 2025
An Inspector John Rebus story. Solid 4 stars.
March 12, 2015
I never saw it coming, but somehow mystery became my genre of choice. I read very little horror or fantasy anymore and, as I’ve written elsewhere, I’ve only dabbled minimally in science-fiction. I’ve never read a western I liked – unless we’re going to count Cormac McCarthy as a writer of westerns, in which case, okay, I like him – and I suppose most of my reading fits into that very nebulous non-genre of literary fiction. You know: T.C. Boyle, Russell Banks, Dave Eggers, Nick Hornby, Chuck Palahniuk, Jennifer Egan, and so on. But starting in the late 90s with John Sandford’s Prey series and James Ellroy’s L.A. Quartet, I slowly started to gravitate to more and more mystery fiction. This was cemented when my wife hooked me on Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffrey novels (starting with the masterful Birdman, a book you should read immediately) and, more recently still, when I picked up Knots and Crosses, the first of Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus books. Now, even though I’m still fairly picky (no John Patterson or Sue Grafton, thankyouverymuch), rumor of newish high-quality mysteries will make my ears perk up.
Even though I enjoy reading them, I don’t think I have the mental dexterity to write one of my own. The trick, which Ian Rankin so ably demonstrates in The Hanging Garden (his ninth Inspector Rebus title, with ten to go), is to set as many disparate pieces on the field as possible and then make them collide in satisfying ways. In The Hanging Garden, Rankin somehow manages to bring together an Eastern European prostitution ring, a reputed Nazi war criminal, the Yakuza, the Rat Line (a rumored post-WWII pipeline by which the Vatican and the Allies smuggled high-ranking Nazi figures to the West), and drug smuggling in a way that’s sort of breathtaking in its intricacy. It never seems forced, and, most importantly, even though we see the pieces and know they’re going to come together eventually, Rankin makes it seem both logical and inevitable instead of manipulative.
The thing that continues to set Rankin’s series apart from the rest of the pack, though, is its main character. Unlike a lot of detective fiction, Detective Inspector John Rebus isn’t an action hero. He’s a rumpled, cynical, recovering alcoholic who’s obsessive about his job and music from the 60s, in that order. He’s got a deadpan sense of humor and he isn’t especially likable, but his tenacity makes him a formidable opponent (he likens himself in one book to a terrier who doesn’t know when to let go of the bone). And even though he constantly treads the line between right and wrong in the course of solving a case, he doesn’t fall into the tired stereotype of the brash cop who proudly breaks all the rules. Rebus just does what he does and doesn’t make much of an attempt to rationalize it. He isn’t wracked with guilt, but he doesn’t flaunt his rule-breaking. He is, at heart, a pragmatist.
In The Hanging Garden, one way this pragmatism manifests itself is through Rebus’ relationship with Gerald Cafferty, an Edinburgh-based mob boss he was responsible for capturing and imprisoning several books ago. When Rebus’ daughter is hospitalized in a hit-and-run that appears to be a warning sign to Rebus as part of an escalating mob turf war, the detective turns to Cafferty to find out who was responsible for his daughter’s injuries. In my experience, every good mystery has one or two moments that make your heart race. The prison exchange between Rebus and Cafferty is one of those moments.
"'My daughter got hurt. Funny that, so soon after we’d had our little chat.’
‘Hurt how?’
‘Hit and run.’
Cafferty was thoughtful. ‘I don’t pick on civilians.’
‘Convince me,’ Rebus said.
‘Why should I bother?’
‘The conversation we had … What you asked me to do.’
‘There’s something you’ve forgotten. I lost a son, remember. Think I could do that to another father? I’d do a lot of things, Rebus, but not that, never that.’
Rebus held the stare. ‘All right,’ he said.
‘You want me to find out who did it?’
Rebus nodded slowly.
‘That’s your price?’
‘I want them delivered to me. I want you to do that, whatever it takes.
‘And meantime, you’re my man?’
Rebus stared at him. ‘I’m your man,’ he said."
Some of my excitement at this passage comes from the men’s accumulated history, at knowing exactly just how much water has passed beneath that particular bridge. But it’s also the scene’s economy and brevity, how so much is said with so little, and what exists between the lines. In Rebus’ world, there’s often a gray area between good and bad, where cops break the rules and the gangsters operate under a strict moral code.
The problem of reviewing a mystery is saying enough to entice without spoiling the fun. And make no mistake: Rankin’s books are immeasurably fun. The cast of supporting characters is rich and deep, the stakes are high, and the book’s moral center is delightfully ambiguous. In my previous review of one of his books I said Ian Rankin was the best mystery writer currently working. The Hanging Garden will be tough to top.
Side note:
Music fans will likely recognize the book’s title (and the lyrics scattered throughout) as belonging to a song of the same name by The Cure. The title doesn’t have much to do with the story, except that in keeping with the prevailing mood of early-80s Cure, The Hanging Garden is easily Rankin’s bleakest book to date.
Read all my reviews at goldstarforrobotboy.net
Even though I enjoy reading them, I don’t think I have the mental dexterity to write one of my own. The trick, which Ian Rankin so ably demonstrates in The Hanging Garden (his ninth Inspector Rebus title, with ten to go), is to set as many disparate pieces on the field as possible and then make them collide in satisfying ways. In The Hanging Garden, Rankin somehow manages to bring together an Eastern European prostitution ring, a reputed Nazi war criminal, the Yakuza, the Rat Line (a rumored post-WWII pipeline by which the Vatican and the Allies smuggled high-ranking Nazi figures to the West), and drug smuggling in a way that’s sort of breathtaking in its intricacy. It never seems forced, and, most importantly, even though we see the pieces and know they’re going to come together eventually, Rankin makes it seem both logical and inevitable instead of manipulative.
The thing that continues to set Rankin’s series apart from the rest of the pack, though, is its main character. Unlike a lot of detective fiction, Detective Inspector John Rebus isn’t an action hero. He’s a rumpled, cynical, recovering alcoholic who’s obsessive about his job and music from the 60s, in that order. He’s got a deadpan sense of humor and he isn’t especially likable, but his tenacity makes him a formidable opponent (he likens himself in one book to a terrier who doesn’t know when to let go of the bone). And even though he constantly treads the line between right and wrong in the course of solving a case, he doesn’t fall into the tired stereotype of the brash cop who proudly breaks all the rules. Rebus just does what he does and doesn’t make much of an attempt to rationalize it. He isn’t wracked with guilt, but he doesn’t flaunt his rule-breaking. He is, at heart, a pragmatist.
In The Hanging Garden, one way this pragmatism manifests itself is through Rebus’ relationship with Gerald Cafferty, an Edinburgh-based mob boss he was responsible for capturing and imprisoning several books ago. When Rebus’ daughter is hospitalized in a hit-and-run that appears to be a warning sign to Rebus as part of an escalating mob turf war, the detective turns to Cafferty to find out who was responsible for his daughter’s injuries. In my experience, every good mystery has one or two moments that make your heart race. The prison exchange between Rebus and Cafferty is one of those moments.
"'My daughter got hurt. Funny that, so soon after we’d had our little chat.’
‘Hurt how?’
‘Hit and run.’
Cafferty was thoughtful. ‘I don’t pick on civilians.’
‘Convince me,’ Rebus said.
‘Why should I bother?’
‘The conversation we had … What you asked me to do.’
‘There’s something you’ve forgotten. I lost a son, remember. Think I could do that to another father? I’d do a lot of things, Rebus, but not that, never that.’
Rebus held the stare. ‘All right,’ he said.
‘You want me to find out who did it?’
Rebus nodded slowly.
‘That’s your price?’
‘I want them delivered to me. I want you to do that, whatever it takes.
‘And meantime, you’re my man?’
Rebus stared at him. ‘I’m your man,’ he said."
Some of my excitement at this passage comes from the men’s accumulated history, at knowing exactly just how much water has passed beneath that particular bridge. But it’s also the scene’s economy and brevity, how so much is said with so little, and what exists between the lines. In Rebus’ world, there’s often a gray area between good and bad, where cops break the rules and the gangsters operate under a strict moral code.
The problem of reviewing a mystery is saying enough to entice without spoiling the fun. And make no mistake: Rankin’s books are immeasurably fun. The cast of supporting characters is rich and deep, the stakes are high, and the book’s moral center is delightfully ambiguous. In my previous review of one of his books I said Ian Rankin was the best mystery writer currently working. The Hanging Garden will be tough to top.
Side note:
Music fans will likely recognize the book’s title (and the lyrics scattered throughout) as belonging to a song of the same name by The Cure. The title doesn’t have much to do with the story, except that in keeping with the prevailing mood of early-80s Cure, The Hanging Garden is easily Rankin’s bleakest book to date.
Read all my reviews at goldstarforrobotboy.net
November 15, 2023
7 stars out of 5. Rebus is assigned to investigate a university professor suspected of being a Nazi war criminal, but he is distracted by what looks like a feud between rival criminal gangs in Edinburgh. Big Ger is in prison but the Weasel is running his rackets and Tommy Telford is muscling into the action with his gang of boys from Paisley. Hit and run 'accidents', murders and attempted murders near casinos. Eastern European prostitutes, video game parlors, gambling casinos. There seem to be other players joining in, Mr. Pink Eyes from Newcastle, Japanese looking for golf courses... The plot is very complicated and the pattern of crimes is hard to fathom. Now that Rebus isn't drinking he mulls over how much his job has taken away relationships from his life, especially with his daughter who moved to Edinburgh to be close to him. He also examines the banality evil and how crime is evolving to generate more money. If the professor is a war criminal, why did British Intelligence let him migrate to Britain? And how much do you trust your fellow investigators?
December 22, 2024
This Rebus novel is slightly different to the others. For a change Rebus is sober, not chain smoking and not a complete loner. In this instance, Rebus sniffs out a fiery undercurrent between two crime gangs in Edinburgh and works to make the city a more peaceful place to live in.
Punctuated by a horrifying snippet from the second world war, some flashbacks of Rebus's life as his daughter is the victim of a hit-and-run and with lyrics from famous songs at appropriate times, this book makes for a very engaging read.
Like all Rebus novels this one can be read as a standalone. If you have seen a bit of Edinburgh it makes the book a lot more enjoyable.
Punctuated by a horrifying snippet from the second world war, some flashbacks of Rebus's life as his daughter is the victim of a hit-and-run and with lyrics from famous songs at appropriate times, this book makes for a very engaging read.
Like all Rebus novels this one can be read as a standalone. If you have seen a bit of Edinburgh it makes the book a lot more enjoyable.
August 5, 2021
Rankin writes the type of gritty, earthy crime novels that appeal most to me. Inspector John Rebus is the Job and the Job is John Rebus.
Rankin, and his protagonist Rebus, both dealt with multiple threads and dramas throughout this storyline.
Rankin, and his protagonist Rebus, both dealt with multiple threads and dramas throughout this storyline.
December 26, 2020
Serinin başından beri devam eden Çöpten Adam lakabı bu kitapta olmuş Bostan Korkuluğu 😒 Çevirmen değişmemiş, o zaman bu anlamsızlığın sebebi ne. Yazarda mı suç, çevirmende mi 🤔
August 19, 2016
In this 9th book in The Rebus series, John Rebus is at his most humane. His daughter is a target of an accident. He is in the midst of a drug lord war.. who are killing a lot of innocents and targeting each others' properties. Rebus is balancing all those, and on the prowl to find and hunt a Nazi war criminal who is a professor in a university.
A shorter novel than its predecessor, but straight to the point in its noir-ness and crisp dark prose.
Rebus is becoming one of those characters that one can understand and cheer for, cheer for his oneness and his way of thinking. The reader gets to respect his streetwise-ness and appreciate his way of thinking.
I do miss his drinks, but i am enjoying the Juice Church.
Off to book 10...
A shorter novel than its predecessor, but straight to the point in its noir-ness and crisp dark prose.
Rebus is becoming one of those characters that one can understand and cheer for, cheer for his oneness and his way of thinking. The reader gets to respect his streetwise-ness and appreciate his way of thinking.
I do miss his drinks, but i am enjoying the Juice Church.
Off to book 10...
January 8, 2023
This is my first Ian Rankin! I believe this is number 9 in the Rebus series but can easily be read as a standalone although it is clear some characters have history. I’m not usually a fan of ‘flawed detective’ novels but I honestly could not put it down. I was gripped right from page one. So well written you totally suspend belief and become caught in the narrative and the characters. Rebus is an interesting character - obsessed by his work, broken relationships and a bit of a rule breaker. You still find yourself rooting for him. Set in Edinburgh as I believe most are it is the tale of gangsters fighting to run the city and overworked police officers trying their best to stop them. Great characters and plot that is complex but not too forced. Definitely worth a read.
April 14, 2020
Inspector Rebus mystery No.9: Wow, can this series get any better! A Nazi war criminal cases feeds into the ongoing gangsters sub-plots, with a new gang trying to oust resident gang boss, McCafferty from Edinburgh. Siobhan has joined the Crime Squad! Rebus, continuing his teetotalling, goes through immense introspection in this top notch episode, as he further delves into how far one should go to seek justice and truth. ...and to top it all off, the ending is multifaceted and a case of genius plotting. 8 out of 12.
September 3, 2010
Inspector Rebus can't help getting personally involved in his cases, but when he rescues a Bosnian refugee who has been forced into being a prostitute, his personal involvement reaches a new high water mark. The girl bears an uncanny resemblance to his daughter, Sammy. Rebus has to find a way to help her.
Meantime, Edinburgh has become a battleground for two rival bad guys and their gangs and it seems that there may be some foreign groups mixed in as well. As if that were not enough to keep him busy, Rebus has been assigned to investigate an old man who may be a Nazi war criminal - an old man who turns up dead one day, and it looks like murder. Jewish Nazi hunters and British Intelligence were also interested in this man, but who would have wanted him dead and unable to talk? There may be several suspects.
In the middle of all this, the unthinkable happens - Sammy is the victim of a hit and run. As she lies in hospital in a coma, wavering between life and death, Rebus is convinced that her "accident" was meant as a warning to him and bends all his efforts toward finding out who is responsible because he wants vengeance.
There are a lot of story lines in this Rebus mystery, but experienced readers know that somehow in the end all those lines are going to tie up in a nice little knot.
Rankin is expert at keeping the suspense going and keeping all those lines of inquiry together until his detective can make sense of them. Rankin's creation, Inspector Rebus, is a very flawed character, not unlike the rest of us. But he doesn't let his flaws stand in the way of his dogged persistence when it comes to fighting crime and solving mysteries. And, in spite of his flaws, or maybe because of them, he maintains his strong moral center. He is a good guy and he is easy to root for. That is one of the real strengths of this series.
Meantime, Edinburgh has become a battleground for two rival bad guys and their gangs and it seems that there may be some foreign groups mixed in as well. As if that were not enough to keep him busy, Rebus has been assigned to investigate an old man who may be a Nazi war criminal - an old man who turns up dead one day, and it looks like murder. Jewish Nazi hunters and British Intelligence were also interested in this man, but who would have wanted him dead and unable to talk? There may be several suspects.
In the middle of all this, the unthinkable happens - Sammy is the victim of a hit and run. As she lies in hospital in a coma, wavering between life and death, Rebus is convinced that her "accident" was meant as a warning to him and bends all his efforts toward finding out who is responsible because he wants vengeance.
There are a lot of story lines in this Rebus mystery, but experienced readers know that somehow in the end all those lines are going to tie up in a nice little knot.
Rankin is expert at keeping the suspense going and keeping all those lines of inquiry together until his detective can make sense of them. Rankin's creation, Inspector Rebus, is a very flawed character, not unlike the rest of us. But he doesn't let his flaws stand in the way of his dogged persistence when it comes to fighting crime and solving mysteries. And, in spite of his flaws, or maybe because of them, he maintains his strong moral center. He is a good guy and he is easy to root for. That is one of the real strengths of this series.
May 14, 2016
#9 in Rankin's Rebus series. The main character has gotten more fleshed out, as well as his musical tastes (one-liners from mostly classic rock songs are sprinkled in). Several stories going on at once in this one; his daughter and estranged wife figure prominently in one; two gangsters, one newcomer and the charismatic but deadly Cafferty. The latter is in prison and his cat-and-mouse relationship with Rebus is nothing new to this series.
A man wanted by Nazi hunters, a Bosnian girl forced into prostitution and otherwise nasty events in Edinburgh comprise the usual Rankin recipe.
As always, any book in this series can be read on its own, and do try to remember names, Rankin likes to pull names from an earlier part of the book and bring them back later. Not ideal for e-book fans, the rest of us thumb back and ask "Who was that person again?"
A man wanted by Nazi hunters, a Bosnian girl forced into prostitution and otherwise nasty events in Edinburgh comprise the usual Rankin recipe.
As always, any book in this series can be read on its own, and do try to remember names, Rankin likes to pull names from an earlier part of the book and bring them back later. Not ideal for e-book fans, the rest of us thumb back and ask "Who was that person again?"
June 16, 2021
The 9th novel in Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' series, and I'm not sure how I managed to miss reading this before. I'll repeat what I've said before about Rankin and his detective: you really are in safe hands with these guys.
First published in 1998, some elements have a bit of a historical feel, but the plotlines are perennial. Gangsters both local and international, trafficked girls from the former Yugoslavia, Nazi war criminals and pensioners couriering drugs from Amsterdam are all part of the mix, ensuring plenty of intrigue and action. All this is underscored by the plight of Rebus's daughter, victim of an all too professional hit and run accident, and the fact that Rebus, for now, is successfully off the booze.
There's a lot to take in, but the execution is effortless. Crime fiction at its best.
First published in 1998, some elements have a bit of a historical feel, but the plotlines are perennial. Gangsters both local and international, trafficked girls from the former Yugoslavia, Nazi war criminals and pensioners couriering drugs from Amsterdam are all part of the mix, ensuring plenty of intrigue and action. All this is underscored by the plight of Rebus's daughter, victim of an all too professional hit and run accident, and the fact that Rebus, for now, is successfully off the booze.
There's a lot to take in, but the execution is effortless. Crime fiction at its best.
September 4, 2022
Rankin was working with too many strands here and few of them were gripping. Rebus is investigating an old man on suspicion of being a Nazi war criminal; he finds a Bosnian woman who has been trafficked into prostitution and has to rescue her; two rival organized crime gangs are fighting for territory; and his adult daughter Sammy lies in a coma for the whole book after a hit-and-run. Maybe Rankin felt this was too few plot strands, because then he brought in the Yakuza, who are trying to horn in on the Scottish crime scene. As I'm reading the series discontinuously (#4, 6 and 9 are under my belt), this was my first meeting of Sammy and ex-wife Rhona. Rebus is no longer living with Dr. Patience Aitken. Did she lose patience with him, or he with her? But by the end of this one, they decide they might give it another shot.
February 19, 2019
War crimes. Drugs. Gang war. Yakuza. Rebus is sober. Someone will get hurt.
October 28, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
It's just that kind of chipper optimism that keeps readers coming back to the Rebus books, isn't it? The events in The Hanging Garden sure aren't going to change his mind. There are three investigations at the core of this book (although another is referred to repeatedly) -- but far more than 3 crimes.
The first is an investigation into an older gentleman who is suspected to be a former Nazi officer who was involved in the slaughter of an entire town in the waning days of WWII. Because of Rebus' penchant for taking historical deep-dives when most police officers wouldn't, he's assigned to investigate this man. There are individuals from various organizations, governmental entities, and the press who are pressuring the accused and Rebus on this front.
The second involves an up and coming gangster -- Tommy Telford's smarter, quicker, and crueler than Rebus and the rest are used to dealing with -- he's also a genuine rival to Big Ger Cafferty (especially since Cafferty's in prison). There's a prostitute, a victim of human trafficking, that Rebus focuses on, trying to get her out of Telford's control while using her to take him down. This becomes laden with some personal baggage (see below) and Rebus takes some risky moves that have some devastating consequences.
Lastly, Rebus' daughter, Sammy is struck by a car in a hit and run and spends days in a coma. Based on a witness' statement, Rebus becomes convinced that she was targeted thanks to her involvement with the prostitute and/or being his daughter. Either way, Rebus is out for blood -- if only he knew who he was after. He strikes a deal to get criminals looking for the perpetrator while he's helping/prodding the official police investigation. It really doesn't matter which side of the law finds the driver, as far as he's concerned, the end is the only important thing.
I'm not sure we needed the Nazi storyline -- which by the way, is based on a real atrocity -- but it serves to muddy the waters for Rebus and distract him. So it did play its part, and was good enough that I'm not complaining. Telford is a wonderful (fictional) criminal -- I don't want this guy walking around in my world, but in a novel? Love him. And the Sammy story -- obviously, this is the emotional core to the book and is really well done.
When you have that many plates spinning, it's hard to keep them going -- and to do so in a way that balances the story telling to keep the reader engaged and not confused. Throwing in the personal aspects make it all the harder for Rankin -- Clarke and Templar are involved with the police actions, and Jack Morton plays a significant role, too (and I finally liked him). Plus you have Sammy (mostly seen in flashbacks), Rhona (her mother) who comes to look after her comatose daughter. Patience Aitken is around as well -- what she ever sees in Rebus, I'll never know, it's clearly a horrible match.
The way that Rankin has put this one together made it very difficult for me to talk about (I've tried to get this post written at least a dozen times). But that doesn't mean it was hard to read -- once I was in 10 pages or so in, there was no stopping. It's a heckuva read, and I really can't express more than that.
Rebus -- mostly sober throughout, for a change -- has some strong moments of self-assessment and self-examination, and is able to see/express things about himself and his approach to his work that many readers probably have intuited but it's nice to have the man himself realize. Including one insight into himself that enabled me to finally figure out what makes Rebus and Harry Bosch different -- something I'll hopefully return to soon.
I didn't expect that this would live up to Black and Blue, and it didn't. But it wasn't a let-down in any sense -- it was a different kind of story, a different kind of crime, and different motivations for John Rebus. Still, the essentials are there: Rebus, his outlook, his tenacity, his humor, and his demons. Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this.
---
Rebus couldn't get so excited. The whole enterprise had shown him a simple truth: no vacuum. Where you had society, you had criminals. No belly without an underbelly.
It's just that kind of chipper optimism that keeps readers coming back to the Rebus books, isn't it? The events in The Hanging Garden sure aren't going to change his mind. There are three investigations at the core of this book (although another is referred to repeatedly) -- but far more than 3 crimes.
The first is an investigation into an older gentleman who is suspected to be a former Nazi officer who was involved in the slaughter of an entire town in the waning days of WWII. Because of Rebus' penchant for taking historical deep-dives when most police officers wouldn't, he's assigned to investigate this man. There are individuals from various organizations, governmental entities, and the press who are pressuring the accused and Rebus on this front.
The second involves an up and coming gangster -- Tommy Telford's smarter, quicker, and crueler than Rebus and the rest are used to dealing with -- he's also a genuine rival to Big Ger Cafferty (especially since Cafferty's in prison). There's a prostitute, a victim of human trafficking, that Rebus focuses on, trying to get her out of Telford's control while using her to take him down. This becomes laden with some personal baggage (see below) and Rebus takes some risky moves that have some devastating consequences.
Lastly, Rebus' daughter, Sammy is struck by a car in a hit and run and spends days in a coma. Based on a witness' statement, Rebus becomes convinced that she was targeted thanks to her involvement with the prostitute and/or being his daughter. Either way, Rebus is out for blood -- if only he knew who he was after. He strikes a deal to get criminals looking for the perpetrator while he's helping/prodding the official police investigation. It really doesn't matter which side of the law finds the driver, as far as he's concerned, the end is the only important thing.
I'm not sure we needed the Nazi storyline -- which by the way, is based on a real atrocity -- but it serves to muddy the waters for Rebus and distract him. So it did play its part, and was good enough that I'm not complaining. Telford is a wonderful (fictional) criminal -- I don't want this guy walking around in my world, but in a novel? Love him. And the Sammy story -- obviously, this is the emotional core to the book and is really well done.
When you have that many plates spinning, it's hard to keep them going -- and to do so in a way that balances the story telling to keep the reader engaged and not confused. Throwing in the personal aspects make it all the harder for Rankin -- Clarke and Templar are involved with the police actions, and Jack Morton plays a significant role, too (and I finally liked him). Plus you have Sammy (mostly seen in flashbacks), Rhona (her mother) who comes to look after her comatose daughter. Patience Aitken is around as well -- what she ever sees in Rebus, I'll never know, it's clearly a horrible match.
The way that Rankin has put this one together made it very difficult for me to talk about (I've tried to get this post written at least a dozen times). But that doesn't mean it was hard to read -- once I was in 10 pages or so in, there was no stopping. It's a heckuva read, and I really can't express more than that.
Rebus -- mostly sober throughout, for a change -- has some strong moments of self-assessment and self-examination, and is able to see/express things about himself and his approach to his work that many readers probably have intuited but it's nice to have the man himself realize. Including one insight into himself that enabled me to finally figure out what makes Rebus and Harry Bosch different -- something I'll hopefully return to soon.
I didn't expect that this would live up to Black and Blue, and it didn't. But it wasn't a let-down in any sense -- it was a different kind of story, a different kind of crime, and different motivations for John Rebus. Still, the essentials are there: Rebus, his outlook, his tenacity, his humor, and his demons. Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this.
September 7, 2021
Rankin has really hit his straps. This is another top notch Rebus novel. It's got all the bits and pieces we want from a Rebus.
It even has some of the components I previously disliked, namely the pseudo-romance, his non-existent relationship with his daughter (now the main relationship in his life), Rebus' ridiculous disdain of any help whatsoever, and Rankin's intellectualism leaking in. But for some reason in this one it actually works. Credit to Rankin for figuring out what really appeals about the Rebus stories to his readers and getting rid of the other bits of obvious self-service he'd previously been writing into them.
I have to say I've become more aware of the meta-narrative in the Rebus novels. That is to say Rebus psychoanalysing himself for the reader's pleasure.
"Never get personally involved: it was the golden rule. And practically every case he worked, Rebus broke it. He sometimes felt that the reason he became so involved in his cases was that he had no life of his own. He could only live through other people."
And when he's not doing it, everyone else is. Even Big Ger gets in on it.
"You're not a spectator, Strawman. It's not in your nature."
We all know this by now so I guess it appeals to us as readers to know that we've got Rebus right and we understand the fundamental things that make him tick. Even if they aren't necessarily believable as character traits. At least he's now got a sustainable relationship in the form of his daughter for future novels. Actually, Siobhan is also a strong and regular presence as well. Put them back on the same team please Mr Rankin.
The dad jokes are still there. It's both funny and annoying how they're not always witty ripostes but sometimes internal musings that only us the readers are 'lucky' enough to share.
"His flat in Arden Street wasn't that far off, but had he been a camel, he'd have been keeping well clear of any straw.""
While I love Cafferty as a character and I think he's a great foil, I'm a bit worried moving forward that Rankin is going to keep leaning on him to create that enigmatic feel. Abernathy was back but almost as a sort of bad guy. Which proved my point that we can't have him as the sherlock to Rebus' Watson. He's still pulling the strings but almost working cross purposes now, a potential worthy adversary.
Just as with Black & Blue, I'm starting to feel that you need to have read the previous books. It's hard enough knowing all the carry-over characters, I just don't know how you could keep everyone in your head if you had no previous references. Also the experimental use of songs as sort of dad jokes or accompanying thought music was bizarre, unexplained, and I hope that dies with this book.
It even has some of the components I previously disliked, namely the pseudo-romance, his non-existent relationship with his daughter (now the main relationship in his life), Rebus' ridiculous disdain of any help whatsoever, and Rankin's intellectualism leaking in. But for some reason in this one it actually works. Credit to Rankin for figuring out what really appeals about the Rebus stories to his readers and getting rid of the other bits of obvious self-service he'd previously been writing into them.
I have to say I've become more aware of the meta-narrative in the Rebus novels. That is to say Rebus psychoanalysing himself for the reader's pleasure.
"Never get personally involved: it was the golden rule. And practically every case he worked, Rebus broke it. He sometimes felt that the reason he became so involved in his cases was that he had no life of his own. He could only live through other people."
And when he's not doing it, everyone else is. Even Big Ger gets in on it.
"You're not a spectator, Strawman. It's not in your nature."
We all know this by now so I guess it appeals to us as readers to know that we've got Rebus right and we understand the fundamental things that make him tick. Even if they aren't necessarily believable as character traits. At least he's now got a sustainable relationship in the form of his daughter for future novels. Actually, Siobhan is also a strong and regular presence as well. Put them back on the same team please Mr Rankin.
The dad jokes are still there. It's both funny and annoying how they're not always witty ripostes but sometimes internal musings that only us the readers are 'lucky' enough to share.
"His flat in Arden Street wasn't that far off, but had he been a camel, he'd have been keeping well clear of any straw.""
While I love Cafferty as a character and I think he's a great foil, I'm a bit worried moving forward that Rankin is going to keep leaning on him to create that enigmatic feel. Abernathy was back but almost as a sort of bad guy. Which proved my point that we can't have him as the sherlock to Rebus' Watson. He's still pulling the strings but almost working cross purposes now, a potential worthy adversary.
Just as with Black & Blue, I'm starting to feel that you need to have read the previous books. It's hard enough knowing all the carry-over characters, I just don't know how you could keep everyone in your head if you had no previous references. Also the experimental use of songs as sort of dad jokes or accompanying thought music was bizarre, unexplained, and I hope that dies with this book.
March 8, 2018
Detective Inspector Rebus is buried under a pile of paperwork generated by his investigations into a suspected war criminal. But an escalating dispute between the upstart Tommy Telford and Big Ger Cafferty's gang gives Rebus an escape clause. Telford is known to have close links with a Newcastle gangster nicknamed Mr Pink Eyes - a Chechen bringing refugees into Britain as prostitutes. When Rebus takes under his wing a distraught Bosnian call girl, it gives him a personal reason to make sure Telford takes the high road back to Paisley and pronto. Then Rebus's daughter is the victim of an all too professional hit-and-run and Rebus knows that now there is nothing he wouldn't do to bring down prime suspect Tommy Telford - even if it means cutting a deal with the devil.
I'm glad to be back reading an Inspector Rebus book. This one had a long list of characters and it took awhile to keep them straight but soon I knew who the baddies were and I kept my eyes on them. Rankin is great with his characters and they are always fleshed out. The book was about transporting drugs and prostitutes and Rebus handled the thugs and had them behind bars in the end. It was a bit touchy for Rebus's daughter, Samantha, when she was a victim of a hit and run and I could really feel the affect it had on Rebus and his ex-wife. I look forward to reading the next Rebus book as you always know that Rankin does not disappoint. I would highly recommend this series to those who love Scottish mysteries.
I'm glad to be back reading an Inspector Rebus book. This one had a long list of characters and it took awhile to keep them straight but soon I knew who the baddies were and I kept my eyes on them. Rankin is great with his characters and they are always fleshed out. The book was about transporting drugs and prostitutes and Rebus handled the thugs and had them behind bars in the end. It was a bit touchy for Rebus's daughter, Samantha, when she was a victim of a hit and run and I could really feel the affect it had on Rebus and his ex-wife. I look forward to reading the next Rebus book as you always know that Rankin does not disappoint. I would highly recommend this series to those who love Scottish mysteries.
March 8, 2018
The Hanging Garden is a bit of a no-holds-barred police procedural. Following the typical gritty, dark Edinburgh that Ian Rankin gives readers in previous books in the series, this one sees Rebus digging himself deeper and deeper into trouble. His life is collapsing around him and decisions he makes throughout this book don't stop the carnage.
He's still a decent anti-hero. He makes mistakes and we see the consequences affect him. The people around him truly care about him, but he forces them to an arms length because of who he is. He can barely live with himself, so having other people close is not really an option. But we do see him on the wagon in this book, even though he's surrounded by drink at every turn.
He's still a decent anti-hero. He makes mistakes and we see the consequences affect him. The people around him truly care about him, but he forces them to an arms length because of who he is. He can barely live with himself, so having other people close is not really an option. But we do see him on the wagon in this book, even though he's surrounded by drink at every turn.
February 14, 2017
Another solid book from Ian Rankin in the Inspector Rebus series. This is the 9th Inspector Rebus book, and Rebus' personal life comes more in to play than it ever has before. There are several plots going on: returning gang leader Big Ger and his turf war, Rebus' daughter Samantha getting hit, and a supposed Nazi war criminal. This book keeps you wondering if these plot lines will intertwine and how it'll finish out. The pacing of the book was great, and there was always some action going on to keep you on edge.
If you enjoying reading in the mystery genre or you're a fan of Ian Rankin, check out this book. You won't be disappointed.
If you enjoying reading in the mystery genre or you're a fan of Ian Rankin, check out this book. You won't be disappointed.
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