Reviews

Laatste ronde by Frank Lekens, Rob Kuitenbrouwer, Ian Rankin

cathodg's review against another edition

5.0

another perfectly weaved tale from Ian Rankin. Originally intended to be the last Rebus book there is a slow steadiness to the investigation possibly reflective of the reluctance of Rebus and others to reach that last day. As with the previous Siobhan Clarke steps up in this investigation and more than once has to decide what her way and manner are going to be once Rebus departs.

If read before Ian Rankin brought Rebus back the ending must have been one hell of a cliffhanger for fans. Those of us reading it in later years are left looking forward to the next instalment.

I know Rebus is not to everyone’s liking and many struggle with his antiquated rough edges but these will be books I could read and reread time and time again.

mellifluousmind444's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

alcazarz's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 to 4 stars. Nice way to send Rebus into retirement.

shri_ace13's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

cdsmock's review against another edition

5.0

Ian Rankin at his best! Is this really the last we will hear of Inspector Rebus? Even if it is (and I have my doubts!) it is an artfully crafted and well thought out departure. One of the few mysteries that keeps you guessing until the very end and has realistic, complex characters. A page turner with a brain!

judyward's review against another edition

3.0

What did I learn from this book? Easy. Don't come into a series on the 16th and final book. Why, you may ask? Because apparently the primary characters in the book have a long and complex history of which I was ignorant. And the author did little to bring a novice reader up to speed. I was urged to read this book by a long-time reader of Ian Rankin, who, apparently, also read them in order. Anyway, the book takes place in Scotland in 2006 as Detective Inspector John Rebus is facing imminent mandatory retirement. A highly honored Russian poet is found murdered and the fun (?) takes off from there. In mood, the book reminded me of a Henning Mankell book--honestly, these Northern Europeans need to lighten up. And the story meanders along several different tangents, including parallels between Russian and Scottish history and the possibility of the independence of Scotland from the United Kingdom. I found myself plowing through the book about as fast as I could plow through a three foot high snowdrift. But then the last 75 pages made it all worth while. I'm not sure that I will pick up another Ian Rankin book in the near future, but if I do, I'll start with the first book in the series and get to know these people.

caroparr's review against another edition

4.0

Rebus is at retirement age but goes out with a bang (and of course there are now more Rebus books despite his age). Wonderfully entertaining for my 7.5 hour plane ride. Next time I pick up a Rebus book, I'll have my Edinburgh map by my side to enjoy every particle of the story.

ajnel's review against another edition

emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Probably my favourite book in the Rebus series, not so munch for the whodunits (which were as always very well constructed) but because it depicts the relationship between Big Ger and Rebus so well.

rumaho76's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I do love Inspector Rebus. He's like a pair of old baffies. 

lilynx's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0