This is a highly readable entry in the Inspector Rebus saga. It's from back in Rankin's prime writing years, when he plotted a bit more tightly and relied less on his characters' tics and tropes.

Briefly, Rebus witnesses two delinquent kids commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. He follows the leads -- in the face of typical bureaucratic and political opposition -- into the local government scene, with unsettling results.

Rebus, as always, is tormented but true to his calling. His character is very well-drawn in this entry, in fact.

Recommended ( )

And certainly a deeper look at Scotland and the political intricacies that abound in this country. Rebus finds himself in the middle of a political intrigue that seems to spread everywhere in his beloved Edinburgh. He isn't solving a murder this time. It appears to be two unrelated suicides that have got ahold of him, and they won't let him go. He also comes up against some pretty sophisticated bad guys who it seems that the long arm of the law can't touch. Rebus' innate honesty and moral rectitude cannot allow him to tolerate that anyone get away with this type of intrigue that has caused the deaths of people, so he pursues the case even though he's supposedly on holiday from work. Putting his career and his personal life on the line, he keeps on digging, pulling up all sorts of stinkies on the way. I really like Rebus with his beautifully flawed character. Rankin has developed an excellent character in his John Rebus. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )

As usual Rebus will not be warned off this investigation, which starts simply enough with the apparent suicide of two teenagers cornered on the Forth Bridge. But Rebus soon uncovers a very tangled tale. Another superb instalment in this series. ( )

It is hard to fault this book: the only reason that I don't give it 5 stars is that I have come to expect the next instalment of Rebus' career to be even more exciting than the last!
Through 360 pages, this book races towards a conclusion that seems to be inevitably to be bad: how can Rebus take on the political system of Scotland?
Poor old John Rebus' private life has, in many ways, taken a turn for the worse - Gill Templer has been promoted, albeit temporarily, to be his boss and wants nothing to do with his dangerous schemes, Patience has, well, lost patience with him and taken back her door key which, to make matters worse, she has given to Sammy, Rebus' daughter who, is staying with her rather than the old man whilst working in Edinburgh!
Most series of books peak after three or four outings and largely retain their popularity upon loyalty of a fan base: not Rebus, the stories get better and better.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to start 'Black and Blue'. ( )

Inspector Rebus #8. Every time I read another of the Rebus books, I find myself having a difficult time putting the book down and this one was no exception. Once again I stayed up past my bedtime to finish a book in this series. Compelling, interesting story, places and people made real by Rankin’s skillful descriptions and portrayals….and well….it’s a Rebus. Want more! ( )