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Dark Road
It's been 25 years since Alfred Chalmers was convicted of the gruesome murder of four young women in Edinburgh. Isobel McArthur, Scotland's first Chief Superintendent, was the woman responsible for putting him behind bars, but the case has haunted her ever since.
Now, with her retirement approaching, McArthur decides the time has come for answers. To uncover the truth, she revisits the case and interviews Chalmers for the first time in decades. But her decision rips opens old wounds and McArthur is soon caught up in a web of corruption, psychological mind-games and deceit that threatens not only her own life, but those of her fellow officers and even her own daughter.
Tense, gritty and hard-hitting, DARK ROAD is the first ever stage play from bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin, co-written by the Royal Lyceum's Artistic Director Mark Thomson.
Now, with her retirement approaching, McArthur decides the time has come for answers. To uncover the truth, she revisits the case and interviews Chalmers for the first time in decades. But her decision rips opens old wounds and McArthur is soon caught up in a web of corruption, psychological mind-games and deceit that threatens not only her own life, but those of her fellow officers and even her own daughter.
Tense, gritty and hard-hitting, DARK ROAD is the first ever stage play from bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin, co-written by the Royal Lyceum's Artistic Director Mark Thomson.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2014
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624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 20, 2018
Although I'm a big fan of Ian Rankin's crime stories featuring John Rebus I haven't really enjoyed any of his stand alone work. However, when I saw he had written a play I thought I would give it a go.
While Rankin created the story Mark Thomson supplied most of the dialogue. The story, concerning a serial killer & a policewoman responsible for catching him 25 years earlier, is fast paced & gripping.
The play was first produced in 2014 & I hope that Rankin returns to this format again, especially if he can write another tale of this quality.
While Rankin created the story Mark Thomson supplied most of the dialogue. The story, concerning a serial killer & a policewoman responsible for catching him 25 years earlier, is fast paced & gripping.
The play was first produced in 2014 & I hope that Rankin returns to this format again, especially if he can write another tale of this quality.
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January 8, 2016
A good play with strong dialogue and plot. Very reminiscent of his novels with the obvious difference, though I found the ambiguous ending quite annoying. It made me angry in the good way, and question certain things that infuriate me in a not so good way. Could've have ended better for a stronger rating.
January 22, 2025
A good psychology thriller and would play well on stage. Wraps up with an unexpected ending that leaves you stunned!
July 17, 2014
Whether this product will be enjoyed depends strongly on the rationale of purchase. If you're a fan of the play and simply wish to own a copy of the script, then obviously this is all for you.
If like me you have not nor are likely to see the play, the script itself is passable, although one spends the entire time wondering how well the characters would be acted as opposed to truly enjoying the story. Luckily the 'book' comes with an intro from the writers, a pair of interviews, and a behind the scenes journal which will satisfy fans of the play, and readers who want some form of material from Rankin to immerse themselves within.
In total, Dark Road is a welcome brief diversion - an intriguing insight into the creation of a crime-thriller stage-play, and recommended for fans of the author.
If like me you have not nor are likely to see the play, the script itself is passable, although one spends the entire time wondering how well the characters would be acted as opposed to truly enjoying the story. Luckily the 'book' comes with an intro from the writers, a pair of interviews, and a behind the scenes journal which will satisfy fans of the play, and readers who want some form of material from Rankin to immerse themselves within.
In total, Dark Road is a welcome brief diversion - an intriguing insight into the creation of a crime-thriller stage-play, and recommended for fans of the author.
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September 14, 2020A disturbing and entertaining investigation of the perils of second-guessing. Enjoyed more on a second read.
More interesting still was the afterword detail about how the theatre company worked up the play. Apart from the luxury of some previews, they did almost exactly what my high school kids did at the same time with Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. Nice to see confirmed that I hadn’t lost much off my professional training from 30 years before.
More interesting still was the afterword detail about how the theatre company worked up the play. Apart from the luxury of some previews, they did almost exactly what my high school kids did at the same time with Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. Nice to see confirmed that I hadn’t lost much off my professional training from 30 years before.
January 19, 2015
I'd really, really like to see a stage production of this. I feel like I'm missing so much just in tone, body language, posture, volume, just everything really.
Also, I've got to stop marking my books as currently reading the minute I bring them home from the library. This was an afternoon read, not a 9 day read.
Also, I've got to stop marking my books as currently reading the minute I bring them home from the library. This was an afternoon read, not a 9 day read.
November 16, 2014
I'm a big fan of Ian Rankin so I was expecting big things of this. Happy to report I was not disappointed. Reads very well (not always true of a play); I hope to have the opportunity to see this performed some day.
October 17, 2025
Die Geschichte wurde ursprünglich für die Bühne geschrieben und am Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh aufgeführt. Vor der Lektüre habe ich mich gefragt, ob Ian Rankin auch Theater "kann", weil ich mir nicht vorstellen konnte wie die vielen kleinen Details, die er in seinen Krimis versteckt auf der Bühne wirken.
Die Frage war schnell beantwortet. Die Geschichte selbst ist spannend. Sie baut mit jeder Seite mehr Spannung auf. Schnell wird klar, dass das Ganze auf eine Katastrophe hinsteuert aber man kann nicht erkennen, was letztendlich passieren wird. Es ist auch nicht klar, ob Chalmers vielleicht doch unschuldig ist denn immer wieder gibt es Hinweise, dass damals nicht alles korrekt abgelaufen ist.
Die Geschichte kommt ohne viel Drumherum aus. Es geht nur um Chalmers, Isobel, die damals beteiligten Kollegen und ihre Tochter Alexandra. Gesprochen wird nicht viel, aber jeder Satz sitzt. Wer einen Krimi wie die Fälle von John Rebus erwartet hat, wird enttäuscht sein. Wer aber wie ich bereit ist, sich auf etwas Neues einzulassen, ist begeistert.
Die Frage war schnell beantwortet. Die Geschichte selbst ist spannend. Sie baut mit jeder Seite mehr Spannung auf. Schnell wird klar, dass das Ganze auf eine Katastrophe hinsteuert aber man kann nicht erkennen, was letztendlich passieren wird. Es ist auch nicht klar, ob Chalmers vielleicht doch unschuldig ist denn immer wieder gibt es Hinweise, dass damals nicht alles korrekt abgelaufen ist.
Die Geschichte kommt ohne viel Drumherum aus. Es geht nur um Chalmers, Isobel, die damals beteiligten Kollegen und ihre Tochter Alexandra. Gesprochen wird nicht viel, aber jeder Satz sitzt. Wer einen Krimi wie die Fälle von John Rebus erwartet hat, wird enttäuscht sein. Wer aber wie ich bereit ist, sich auf etwas Neues einzulassen, ist begeistert.
November 10, 2019
Twenty five years ago, Alfred Chalmers was convicted of the gruesome murders of four young women. Scotland’s first Chief Constable, Isabel McArthur was the person responsible for bringing Chalmers to justice. With retirement approaching, Isobel had lingering doubts, and wants to re-examine the case, looking at the evidence and interviewing Alfred Chalmers again. But unfortunately, Chalmers has more sinister thoughts on his mind and Isabel is caught up in a web of lies, corruption and deceit that puts her life and those around her in peril.
There is a interesting conversation between Ian Rankin & Mark Thompson detailing how the play come to fruition. There was a “behind the scenes” diary of rehearsals leading up to opening night that I quite enjoyed.
There is a interesting conversation between Ian Rankin & Mark Thompson detailing how the play come to fruition. There was a “behind the scenes” diary of rehearsals leading up to opening night that I quite enjoyed.
November 9, 2018
This being a play, it probably works better on a set with live actors, stage effects and props to highlight the action. On paper, however, I found the dialogues and scenes a bit confusing, to be honest. There were some good twists, though, and I enjoyed trying something different from one of my favourite authors.
October 9, 2021
I would love to have seen this on stage as I'm into theatre and crime fiction so this is a great combination. A strong story with powerful characters who, while flawed and struggling with a dysfunctional relationship, still remain interesting and carry you along on their journey. A journey which ends in a shattering conclusion, leaving the reader, and presumably the audience, reeling.
February 6, 2020
Another Gripper from the master. Recommended.
September 21, 2020
Stuck between 2 and 3 stars.
December 26, 2021
A quick and interesting read. I thought it would be a bit more about figuring small details out and the like but the play didn't disappoint either way.
July 27, 2017
This was a Goodreads First Reads giveaway so thanks to Goodreads and Alex.
Reading a stage play is a rare occurrence for me. Unlike a novel, there is very little description on which to base a visualisation of characters or setting, so the imagination has to work hard. Therefore it is important to have a strong plot that keeps the attention. This is a gripping psychological thriller with strong characters that kept me engrossed to the end.
The play deals with the attempts of Chief Superintendent Isobel McArthur to come to terms with her actions in a murder case from 25 years before. She contacts Chalmers, the man convicted, leading to some unpleasant mind games and unforeseen consequences. The play also deals with Isobel's relationships with her petulant daughter and her fellow police officers. In addition, the book contains discussions between the author and director, and a diary of the progress of staging the play, from early walkthroughs to opening night.
The language used is 'gritty' and realistic, and the characters are generally unpleasant . There is a lot of swearing and references to sex. These aspects made reading the play quite an uncomfortable experience for me. However, it was also compelling as the mystery deepened and the tension built right up to a quite shocking climax. Gripping rather than entertaining, but a quality piece of drama.
Reading a stage play is a rare occurrence for me. Unlike a novel, there is very little description on which to base a visualisation of characters or setting, so the imagination has to work hard. Therefore it is important to have a strong plot that keeps the attention. This is a gripping psychological thriller with strong characters that kept me engrossed to the end.
The play deals with the attempts of Chief Superintendent Isobel McArthur to come to terms with her actions in a murder case from 25 years before. She contacts Chalmers, the man convicted, leading to some unpleasant mind games and unforeseen consequences. The play also deals with Isobel's relationships with her petulant daughter and her fellow police officers. In addition, the book contains discussions between the author and director, and a diary of the progress of staging the play, from early walkthroughs to opening night.
The language used is 'gritty' and realistic, and the characters are generally unpleasant . There is a lot of swearing and references to sex. These aspects made reading the play quite an uncomfortable experience for me. However, it was also compelling as the mystery deepened and the tension built right up to a quite shocking climax. Gripping rather than entertaining, but a quality piece of drama.
July 23, 2014
Dark Road, Ian Rankin & Mark Thomson ....a script for a stage play! Suspect great live theatre..... Apparently Rankin's first. A cleaver revolving stage was created! Research read that it was a success in Scotland and they expect it to run again. End has some good discussions / interviews about how the project came about and processes but they are the last +/- 53 digital pages of a short script! Tedious and includes photos plus week by week recounting of putting the play together....be warned.
It should be more points and especially as I am a true Rankin fan. Read all his work with gusto! But personally I found reading a script difficult and each time I returned to it, it took me awhile to find the flow again. That and two of the most disagreeable female characters ever....I could not like either. And they just don't ring true as Rankin characters! Mother facing retirement trying to tie up unresolved questions in her own mind from big past case to move on and daughter ...just simply a bimbo that I confess I doubt how a young adult of a powerful single parent could be such a dysfunctional fluff ball! Colleagues get involved as does criminal....many twists getting all involved to a violent conclusion....
It should be more points and especially as I am a true Rankin fan. Read all his work with gusto! But personally I found reading a script difficult and each time I returned to it, it took me awhile to find the flow again. That and two of the most disagreeable female characters ever....I could not like either. And they just don't ring true as Rankin characters! Mother facing retirement trying to tie up unresolved questions in her own mind from big past case to move on and daughter ...just simply a bimbo that I confess I doubt how a young adult of a powerful single parent could be such a dysfunctional fluff ball! Colleagues get involved as does criminal....many twists getting all involved to a violent conclusion....
August 25, 2014
I was fortunate to receive a copy of ‘Dark Road’ – A Stage Play by Ian Rankin & Mark Thomson via GOODREADS ‘GIVEAWAYS’.
On winning the book I looked at the reviews (some of which were not favourable) and as I have not read his work or read a play (except for ‘Under Milkwood’) I feared that this would not be to my liking.
I’ve never read any of Ian Rankin’s work before however I am aware how popular his work is.
I read Dark Road with the intention of providing an honest review as I was fortunate to receive a copy free of charge.
Ian Rankin describes Dark Road as a psychodrama firmly about family. It is full of mind games, sexual politics along with a ‘whodunit’.
The Blurb tells you the story line and the reader is taken along the journey swiftly. The script was excellently crafted and when reading it I felt immersed in the plot, which was gripping and tense at times.
Although concise nothing is taken away. The script and the scene settings mentally embrace and place the reader infront of the stage.
My experience was it left me with unresolved questions, which for me, is always a sign of good storytelling.
I have awarded this 5* as I did not expect the script of a play to be such a profound reading experience.
On winning the book I looked at the reviews (some of which were not favourable) and as I have not read his work or read a play (except for ‘Under Milkwood’) I feared that this would not be to my liking.
I’ve never read any of Ian Rankin’s work before however I am aware how popular his work is.
I read Dark Road with the intention of providing an honest review as I was fortunate to receive a copy free of charge.
Ian Rankin describes Dark Road as a psychodrama firmly about family. It is full of mind games, sexual politics along with a ‘whodunit’.
The Blurb tells you the story line and the reader is taken along the journey swiftly. The script was excellently crafted and when reading it I felt immersed in the plot, which was gripping and tense at times.
Although concise nothing is taken away. The script and the scene settings mentally embrace and place the reader infront of the stage.
My experience was it left me with unresolved questions, which for me, is always a sign of good storytelling.
I have awarded this 5* as I did not expect the script of a play to be such a profound reading experience.
February 21, 2017
Dark Road is Ian Rankin’s first attempt at writing a play, although he mostly seems to have come up with the story while theatre director Mark Thompson came up with the dialogue, stage instructions etc. So who is actually the playwright?
Chief Super Isobel McArthur is on the verge of retirement and is considering writing a book raking over the coals of her most famous case, that of Alfred Chalmers, a serial killer about whom she still has some doubts. Coincidentally, her daughter decides to dig into the same case as part of her final project at her film school. Isobel’s colleagues oppose her book, and it seems clear that there are some secrets that the police would rather not see come to light.
It’s hard and probably unfair to judge a play by the script alone, but this one does come across as a rapid-fire sequence of short scenes. Isobel and her police colleagues are pretty much stock standard characters and there is nobody in sight with the depth of Rebus or his colleagues. Being all internally set, the script lacks the sense of place that Rankin imparts to Rebus’ Edinburgh. There is the odd surprise, but I think I would have hated the ending of this if I’d seen it on stage.
Chief Super Isobel McArthur is on the verge of retirement and is considering writing a book raking over the coals of her most famous case, that of Alfred Chalmers, a serial killer about whom she still has some doubts. Coincidentally, her daughter decides to dig into the same case as part of her final project at her film school. Isobel’s colleagues oppose her book, and it seems clear that there are some secrets that the police would rather not see come to light.
It’s hard and probably unfair to judge a play by the script alone, but this one does come across as a rapid-fire sequence of short scenes. Isobel and her police colleagues are pretty much stock standard characters and there is nobody in sight with the depth of Rebus or his colleagues. Being all internally set, the script lacks the sense of place that Rankin imparts to Rebus’ Edinburgh. There is the odd surprise, but I think I would have hated the ending of this if I’d seen it on stage.
March 22, 2021
I won this on Goodreads a while ago and have only just got around to reading it. It's the first play I've read since An Inspector Calls for GCSE English a couple of, um, decades ago. Although fast paced and enjoyable, I was left a little confused in places, and certainly by the ending, which didn't seem to resolve to my satisfaction. Perhaps I've been spoilt by novels that spoon feed me all the nuances of the character's emotions and thought processes? That last 30 pages of this 213 page book were conversations with the writers, which I confess, I skim-read only. Maybe this affected my reaction to the ending too - with such a big chunk of the book left, I just wasn't expecting it to end there!
Overall, a very quick (sub 2 hour) read, and nice for a change.
Overall, a very quick (sub 2 hour) read, and nice for a change.
October 4, 2014
Very good book although the format did take some getting used to, being written as a stage play. The content was good and gripping but it did leave me guessing a little at the end, there didn't seem to be a clear ending! I would go and watch the play and although I enjoyed the book, once was enough. Not the best book I've read recently unfortunately but that may have been down to the format, I have never read a book written as a stage play before, and have to admit I didn't like the format very much.
November 24, 2015
This has to be the first time I've read a play, outwith an academic environment! Ian Rankin's style and form are evident all the way through, with his great talent for characters you love or love-to-hate. Always thought-provoking and keeping you guessing, this is a tense, frightening and thrilling read. The added bonus is the behind-the-scenes "featurettes" which give a glimpse into the writing, rehearsal and staging of the play. My only regret is that I missed my chance to see it when it was in the theatre in Edinburgh!
October 30, 2014
When I purchased this book I was expecting a mystery. I found out it was a play when I started reading it. I think this would be wonderful to see on stage but reading a script is not my idea of fun. The authors comments about the production were interesting and fun. A good book for a theater buff not for a heavy reader of novels like myself. The jury is still out with me on Ian Rankin, I will try one of his other books and let you know
January 3, 2022
This was an interesting police procedural murder mystery, coming from a known mystery writer.
Parts of it really worked and the plot twists are really well crafted. I didn't see the ending coming at all. Parts of it I think would be challenging for production. The random person showing up in a fox mask has the potential to be comic rather than suspenseful.
Parts of it really worked and the plot twists are really well crafted. I didn't see the ending coming at all. Parts of it I think would be challenging for production. The random person showing up in a fox mask has the potential to be comic rather than suspenseful.
November 4, 2015
Solid. Well written, absorbing
March 13, 2015
This made me want to see the play but as a story...... It left me hanging. This could and maybe someday be turned into a five star book.
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June 3, 2015I couldn't get into reading in ,the play format. Loved the dialogue but couldn't picture it.
January 20, 2016
For anyone interested in this title, it is a stage play and not a mystery novel. It also does not feature Rebus or Fox.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews