Modern day Edinburgh is full of gangsters who wouldn't be out of place in 1970s London Docklands under the reign of the Krays. Edinburgh's Mr Big is Big Ger Cafferty and is arch enemy of Inspector John Rebus, one of Edinburgh's finest. Both Big Ger and Rebus have appeared in over a dozen other novels by the same author but this relationship is cleverly explained within The Black Book so you don't feel as though you're missing something by not having previously read any of Ian Rankins other titles. This particular book follows an investigation into the brutal attack of one of Rebus colleague, a gentleman who has apparently been silenced, albeit temporarily, as ...  Read the complete review

This is my second Ian Rankin book this month!! I bought Witchhunt and enjoyed it so much that I immediately went out and ordered another one. I wish I had read a review first though... I didn't realize when I bought this book that it was part of a series. The reason I wish I had know was because if I had I would have ordered the WHOLE series and not just the one. Please don't let this put you off though. This book is absolutely able to stand alone and well worth the time. The characters are well developed and you get just enough, if not more that usual, information about the main character Rebus, a scottish police inspector. He is a full ...  Read the complete review

Iain Rankin lives up to expectations with this his fifth full length Rebus novel. The plot leads the reader on a chase around Scotland for the truth behind a hotel fire five years ago and a series of more contemporary crimes and misdemeanors. With more twists and turns than the Hampton Court Maze, this book is sure to delight anyone who likes to be taken up numerous garden paths and back again. From the first page to the last you are sure to find plenty of suprises in this novel. Definitely one of the best I've ever read of this genre. ...  Read the complete review