Some cases never leave you.
For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria’s killer has never been found.
Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?
In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.
For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria’s killer has never been found.
Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?
In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.
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Reviews
Though it moves at pace, what makes this tale so satisfying is that its protagonists have had time to develop. Rebus's input serves to highlight the benefits of age, experience and keeping a sense of community.
This elegantly crafted and witty thriller proves this old devil still has all the best tunes.
Superbly told, impossible to put down, and laced with Rankin's unmistakeable laconic wit it precisely underlines the treasure that Rebus has become.
Rankin is expert at what theorists of realism call the authenticating detail.
Essential crime-reading.
This is an interesting and enjoyable novel.
Rather Be The Devil is an intricate, evocative Edinburgh mystery that builds to a bloody finale. Retirement may not suit Rebus but it's resulted in yet another brilliant book in Rankin's revived crime series.
This may be Rebus's 21st outing, but this is a cleverly crafted tale and Ian Rankin's storytelling is as fresh as ever.
The 21st Rebus novel boasts effortless plotting and a cracking narrative that keeps the reader gripped throughout.
Clever and compelling.
Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.