Another one borrowed from my mum, this time when I was up to visit last weekend. Being light-weight it jumped the queue over the over half dozen books I borrowed in November. This is the third in the Inspector Rebus novels, and I've definitely decided it's a series I can live with and enjoy, though I'm still amused at my mum lending me stories about serial killers when she's trying to get me to read 'nice' things as an antidote to being fed up. Despite the messy killings I have to admit this sort of thing does make a pretty good way of perking oneself up. I guess I just like detective stories, which is why I've got into CSI and Law and Order on the telly lately. Maybe some day I'll read some Inspector Morse, since I know the streets of Oxford better than I do Edinburgh, or in this case London. Anyway despite the change of scene, this one had just the right mix of murders, mystery, family trouble, irritating colleagues, nice chaps and a little bit of romance. Good stuff. ( )

Another excellent Rebus novel. This is a frightening look into the world of the serial killer. Rebus is 'drafted' to London to help the Scotland Yard team to find the killer but his reception is anything but warm. As time goes on and more victims are discovered tempers and nerves fray to create an explosive atmosphere especially between Rebus and Inspector George Flight of the 'Yard'. This story keeps you guessing as to who the killer is and just when you think you've sussed it another 'obvious' culprit emerges. Superb reading and an excellent ending. ( )

Phew! This is Rebus at his best.
The defective detective is seconded to the metropolis to assist in the tracking of a serial killer,'Wolfman'. Rebus causes more than his usual mayhem and Rankin shows a Reg Hill like touch of comedy at the drama's height: Rebus borrows a judge's car, with the judge ensconced in the back, to undertake a car chase through the streets of central London. The humour is more piquant because we know that the lady who has become Rebus' close friend is in the killer's car and in very real danger.
Ger Cafferty is casually introduced into the novel, as a throw away side character, giving further evidence, if such were needed, that Rankin has the Rebus canon planned well in advance.
Like all good authors, he has the ability to make the story appear to be perfectly reasonable - strangely, were I to regurgitate it for you here, you would find it a most unlikely tale! I have tried to desist from handing out five stars to a book since starting to review them: if one so does; how can one improve the rating if, as is hoped, the next book is even better? In this case, I have to accept that I will do well indeed to find a next read that deserves to be ranked by the same scale as this. ( )

In this book Rebus has been called down to London to help the London police solve a particularly puzzling series of murders. They want him to use his expertise in capturing serial killers. There are some neat new characters here, and I particularly liked Inspector Flight. Rebus is totally baffled by the bizarre murders that are occurring. I like Ian Rankin's plotting, and I love John Rebus. This series of British police procedurals is a winner. I like the laid-back humour and Rebus' intensity as well. Can't wait for the next one. ( )

Rebus goes to London to advise on a potential serial-killer case. Conscious that he's under-qualified for this assignment, he forms a relationship with a psychologist who may be able to help him avoid looking like a fool in front of his colleagues. Ah, the irony. ( )