by Ian Rankin
Part of Inspector Rebus, book 18
First published 2013
Nina Hazlitt has waited ten years for answers about her daughter Sally's disappearance. The police investigation stalled years ago, leaving Nina with nothing but unanswered questions. Then she meets John Rebus, the newest addition to the cold case team. Rebus works as a civilian now, reviewing files the department has abandoned. The work keeps him busy but doesn't satisfy his need for real police action. When two more women vanish from the same road where Sally was last seen, Rebus spots a pattern his colleagues miss. Following this connection puts him in danger from enemies both familiar and unknown. Rebus faces an opponent with nothing left to lose, someone more dangerous than the criminals from his active duty days. The investigation forces Rebus to confront whether his return to police work will bring justice or destruction.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, redemption, second-chance
Setting: Scotland
Period: Contemporary
388 pages · Hardcover · Reagan Arthur Books