by Ian Rankin
Part of Inspector Rebus, book 21.5
First published 2020
A murder victim's daughter shows up outside John Rebus's flat, pulling the aging detective back into action. His investigative skills remain razor sharp despite his advancing years. He calls on DI Siobhan Clarke, his trusted colleague, to help crack this unsolved case. Clarke battles her own complications that create friction with her longtime mentor. The conflict forces Rebus to turn to an unlikely ally: his criminal nemesis Big Ger Cafferty. The investigation pushes Rebus into uncharted territory and sets him on a direct collision path with his old adversary. This original theatrical work, crafted by Ian Rankin and playwright Rona Munro, explores the complex relationship between Rebus and Cafferty while testing the bonds between Rebus and Clarke. The story marks Rebus's first appearance on stage.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, mentor-mentee
Setting: Scotland
Period: 21st-century
128 pages · Paperback · Orion