jpmrrtx's review against another edition
5.0
This is the third book in the series and my favorite by far. Inspector Rebus has been sent to London to assist on a case. He is definitely unwelcome both as being from Scotland and resented by the police that have requested his assistance. The story was interesting and I felt like we the reader were given more insight into John Rebus than in both of the previous books combined. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
craftyknotwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
4.0
Good good good! Loved the twists and turns and was desperate to know whodunnit by the end! Loved the Scottish/English banter also.
checkyeslinda's review against another edition
3.0
One can tell this was one of the first books in the Rebus novels and reading it in 2021, the dated notions and stereotypes are quite obvious. It's okay, but I much prefer more recent novels from the Rebus series.
tarsel's review against another edition
4.0
Rankin creates a vulnerable, human character in Rebus and several other familiar and likeable types. Enough intrigue and possibility to keep you guessing to the end - but it doesn't quite hang together.
woolfardis's review against another edition
4.0
martyfried's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy this series more with each book. It may be familiarity, or it may be the author getting in to the flow better, but I'm glad there's plenty more to read
msjoanna's review against another edition
4.0
This is my third try reading this book; I'm glad I finally got far enough along to be sucked in. I don't read many mysteries, but I have read the previous two Inspector Rebus novels. It's amazing how quickly a book like this dates itself -- When this was published in 1992, a car phone probably seemed like pretty snazzy technology. Today, it felt sort of silly to have the characters chatting on car phones with one other.
Still, I enjoyed this novel. Rebus is not a lovable character, he isn't particularly great with one-liners, and he often goes off sort of half-cocked. Yet, somehow, I enjoy him. His penchant for book collecting (without particular regard to the specific books) amuses me. His commitment to solving the crime and balancing the forces of good and evil is roughly endearing even as it tears up his own life.
The actual mystery here wasn't as compelling as reading about the detective, but isn't that often the case with these sorts of novels?
All in all, a good read. I'll read the next in the series at some point.
Still, I enjoyed this novel. Rebus is not a lovable character, he isn't particularly great with one-liners, and he often goes off sort of half-cocked. Yet, somehow, I enjoy him. His penchant for book collecting (without particular regard to the specific books) amuses me. His commitment to solving the crime and balancing the forces of good and evil is roughly endearing even as it tears up his own life.
The actual mystery here wasn't as compelling as reading about the detective, but isn't that often the case with these sorts of novels?
All in all, a good read. I'll read the next in the series at some point.
debsd's review against another edition
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nehashtyle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0