Mortal Causes - Ian Rankin

Mortal Causes is the 6th of Ian Rankin famed Rebus series. The author first introduced us to Rebus in his debut novel Knots and Crosses, and the rather gruff and controversial Scottish detective has become one of the most famous literary detectives of recent years. Rankin's writing style is of a high quality, as is his characterisation, no matter the subject or the violence he often portrays in his writing. This book is no exception, as we see from the outset that it is not going to be a book for the faint hearted. Rankin gives Rebus a violent murder that appears both political and personal in its motivation, and encompasses not only competition in terms of ...  Read the complete review

This Rebus novel reunites all the old favourite characters for a very grim reason and literally enters the underworld of Edinburgh. Rebus is investigating a murder in the 'ancient subterranean streets'. A creepy setting for a torture and murder. The information about the old city in the book is detailed and interesting and the level of research is deep and well evidenced. The subtle details off the setting gives a sinister atmosphere, the placing of the butchers shop!!!! The connections in this novel take a while to uncover and some part seem unclear - almost like a filler. But when the identity of the victim is established you cannot ...  Read the complete review

This is a police crime novel by Ian Rankin and set in Edinburgh - one of his books about Inspector Rebus. Chronologically it's not the first book (that's Knots and Crosses), but all of Rankin's books can be read as a stand alone novel and this is no exception. Just to get you into the mood of the book, the first scene in Mortal Causes is of a man being tortured to death. His body is found not long later in one of Edinburgh's underground streets, that was closed for building work. Inspector Rebus is soon on the case, but then the Scottish Crime Squad and also Special Branch from London are taking an interest. Is it connected to the bomb threats that have been ...  Read the complete review