I seem to be reading a lot of European police procedurals - British cops, Irish cops, and now Scottish cops. I'm becoming a mini-expert in how cops in the British Isles investigate things and in all the nuances of their acronyms. I'm sure I really only know enough to be dangerous, but it's cool to read all the different ways people have to get to the same goal.

This book represents the exit of John Rebus, an irascible Scottish cop, who has been featured in 16 other books by Ian Rankin. Rankin writes irascible well and the plot here is fun, if bittersweet. I'm thinking at this point that I need to go back to the beginning and read them all through in order, this isn't the best entry into the series. Having said that, it was a fun book to read and if you like P.D. James (and who doesn't), you'll like these. I wonder what his next series will be like? ( )

The time I took to read it says everything (1 day)! Its hard to believe this is it and the fact that Rebus' exit is open-ended leaves the possibility he might yet return from retirement. The quality of the plot, dialogue, characterisation and sense of place are as good as ever and will be sorely missed by Rebus fans everywhere. However, I did rather surprise myself by spotting one of the final (minor) plot twists which perhaps was signalled rather more obviously than usual. Highly recommended. ( )

It has taken me a while to work my way through the whole Rebus series but here's the last one. I will really miss Rebus and have thoroughly enjoyed the series. What a wonderful character Rankin has created - he will be sadly missed.

Back Cover Blurb:
It's late autumn in Edinburgh and late autumn in the career of Detective Inspector John Rebus. As he tries to tie up some loose ends before retirement, a murder case intrudes. A dissident Russian poet has been found dead in what looks like a mugging gone wrong. By apparent coincidence, a high-level delegation of Russian businessmen is in town - and everyone is determined that the case should be closed quickly and clinically.
But the further they dig, the more Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke become convinced that they are dealing with something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Meanwhile, a brutal and premeditated assault on a local gangster sees Rebus in the frame. Has the Inspector taken a step too far in tying up those loose ends? Only a few days shy of the end to his long, inglorious career, will Rebus even make it that far? ( )

Rebus's exit? No way. Too many loose ends and segue's were built into this one for Ranking to not follow up. Plus, this wasn't his best work, but a good work. I expect to see more. ( )

A superb 'exit' for Inspector Rebus when Russian diplomats and poet come to Edinburgh. With the brutal murder of the Russian poet and a seemingly unrelated death of a sound recordist Rebus is hard put to get to the bottom of the crime before his retirement. His protege Siobhan Clark is head of the investigation and looks to be on track to become Rebus' successor.

Murder, power and money are at the heart of this tale with the dreaded retirement of John Rebus lurking in the background.

I hope this is not the 'end' of Rebus adventures, but if it is - how could Mr Rankin end it like that? Aargh! ( )