Inspector Rebus Returns in HOUSE OF LIES

In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin is the latest novel in the popular series that features Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police.

Now retired and not in good health, Rebus nonetheless continues to find ways to get himself involved in current police investigations. The murdered body of a long missing private investigator is found in the trunk of a car abandoned in a wooded area. Years earlier, Rebus himself had worked the original case that failed to find the missing man. 

His protégé, Inspector Siobhan Clarke, is assigned to the new murder case. She calls on Rebus as an informal advisor because of his prior involvement. At the same time, she asks Rebus to look into threats she is receiving because of a man she helped convict in another recent murder case.

 In a House of Lies is a slow reading police procedural, with a tangled plot and lots of talky, involved scenes. But fans of the long running series will still enjoy this new revisit with the irascible John Rebus one more time.

Best Mystery and Crime Novels of 2017

The last year saw the release of a variety of great Mystery and Crime reads, including double entries by some popular authors. These are the best novels of the year that were reviewed by this blog:

Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin - The irascible John Rebus returns, when the retired former Edinburg, Scotland police inspector is called in as a civilian consultant on a new assault case. But Rebus soon finds himself digging into an old serial murder case he could never solve earlier.

Vicious Circle by C.J. Box - Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is back to renew his violent feud with the roughneck Cates clan, who terrorized Joe and his family once before and aren't finished yet.

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins - Suspense puzzle of memory and deceit set in a rural English village, where a local pool has claimed the lives of a series of women over the years.

Golden Prey by John Sandford - A new Lucas Davenport crime thriller. Lucas has recently joined the U.S. Marshals and he's on the track of a cold blooded robbery crew in a wild chase across Texas.

Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves - Latest book in the mystery series set in the Shetland Islands off the east coast of Scotland. Heavy rains and a landslide expose a woman's dead body inside a wrecked house.

The Late Show by Michael Connelly - Gripping police procedural that introduces a new main character, LAPD detective Renee Ballard, who works the overnight shift, dubbed the "late show."
Ballard works two violent cases she was supposed to let go of, one of which leads her toward her own imminent death.

Deep Freeze by John Sandford - Quirky crime escapade featuring Minnesota State Police detective Virgil Flowers. It's the middle of a Minnesota winter and there's a murder in a small town, where the victim had just left a high school reunion meeting before she was clubbed to death by someone.

Paradise Valley by C.J. Box - In this Western-set crime thriller, sheriff's detective Cassie Dewell renews her hunt for an elusive serial killer called the Lizard King, a long haul trucker who abducts and murders his female victims across the country. He got away from Cassie once before and she's been obsessed with getting him ever since.

Scotland Inspector John Rebus is Back on the Case

Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin is the latest novel in the popular series that features Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police.

Now retired, the irascible Rebus is brought in once again as a civilian consultant on a new investigation. Local gangster Darryl Christie is found beaten unconscious in front of his home. Who is behind this brutal attack? A rival gang boss, or someone unexpected? Rebus is teamed on the case with his former partner, Siobhan Clarke, and an old nemesis, Malcolm Fox, once an Internal Affairs cop who tried to nail John Rebus.

At the same time, Rebus is taking a fresh look into a long ago unsolved murder case that still bothers him years after he worked on the original investigation. Wealthy playgirl Maria Turquand was strangled in an Edinburgh hotel room. Suspects included a rock star and his band who were staying in the same hotel the night of the murder. Rebus digs into old case file records as he looks for clues that were missed earlier. But someone powerful doesn't want the dead case reopened.

As Rebus follows leads on both cases, he is dealing with a serious health issue that he tries to keep hidden from those around him. Rather Be the Devil is another gripping crime mystery for fans of Inspector John Rebus.

Best Mystery and Crime Novels of 2016

The past year saw the release of new Mystery and Crime novels by popular authors as well as newer faces in the genre. These are the best books reviewed during 2016 by this blog:

Extreme Prey by John Sandford - New entry in the series that features Minnesota state police detective Lucas Davenport. Here Lucas works to stop an assassination plot against a candidate in the Iowa presidential primary. Another superb crime thriller that moves at breakneck pace from Sandford.

Off the Grid by C.J. Box - Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is back. Joe comes up against a terrorist cell hiding out in the remote, desolate Red Desert region of the state. Raw boned crime tale set against a rugged western landscape that makes for a great read.

Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin - A new case for Edinburgh, Scotland police inspector John Rebus. The irascible Rebus investigates a connection between the murder of a prosecutor and the attempted murder of a local mobster. A tangled crime plot along with an entertaining main character.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware - An eerie psychological suspense puzzle set inside the claustrophobic confines of a huge luxury yacht. A passenger thinks she sees a woman thrown overboard ... or was she? Engrossing mystery that builds in paranoid intensity to a startling plot twist.

The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly - Former LAPD detective Harry Bosch returns, now working part time for a small town police force, as well as taking private cases. Bosch is pursuing a serial rapist called the Screen Cutter while he is also hired to locate a billionaire's lost heir. A vintage Bosch outing and the police procedural at its best.

A New Mystery For Scotland Inspector Rebus

Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin is the latest novel in the series that features Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police.

Now retired, the irascible Rebus is brought in as civilian consultant on a new murder investigation. A former high court prosecutor is found beaten to death in his home. Rebus is teamed with his old partner, Siobhan Clarke, and an old nemesis, Malcolm Fox, once an Internal Affairs cop who tried to nail John Rebus.

At the same time, someone has taken a shot at a notorious local mobster, Gerald Cafferty, a long time acquaintance of Rebus. The shooting may be the prelude to a looming war for control among the city's mobsters. As Rebus is drawn into that situation as well, a startling link emerges between the prosecutor's murder and the attempt against the mobster Cafferty.

What could be the connection between the two cases? That's the puzzle that Rebus and his colleagues must solve, even as a third victim suddenly turns up.

Even Dogs in the Wild  is another entertaining entry in this popular series that Inspector Rebus fans should thoroughly enjoy.

Best Mystery and Crime Novels of 2015

This year was another strong year for new books in the Mystery and Crime genre. These are the best novels, including two by one author, reviewed by this blog in 2015:

The Crossing by Michael Connelly - Former LAPD detective Harry Bosch returns in a new police procedural novel in this popular continuing series. Bosch is now retired and ends up reluctantly crossing over to the other side to help defend an accused criminal defendant. But as Bosch starts digging, too many things don't fit and it looks like someone inside the LAPD is behind it. A riveting, outstanding read.

Endangered by C.J. Box - New entry in the series that features Wyoming state game warden Joe Pickett. Joe's step-daughter, April, is found beaten and unconscious, and his friend, Nate is gunned down in a cold blooded ambush. As Joe investigates these attacks, he comes up against a roughneck, violent backwoods clan. A fast paced read set against a rugged western landscape.

Badlands by C.J. Box - Introduces main character Cassie Dewell, a Sheriff's Department investigator in her new job in a rowdy shale oil boomtown in North Dakota. Cassie soon finds herself dealing with violent drug gang murders and corruption in her own department. Set on the frigid plains, with a realistic and appealing character, it's a nice start for a new continuing series featuring Cassie Dewell.

Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbo - A short, stand alone novel by the popular Norwegian crime author. Main character Oleg is a "fixer," a contract killer for his boss. But when Oleg is ordered to kill the wife of his boss, it creates an impossible dilemma, because Oleg himself is in love with her. A philosophical, gripping crime tale that races to a harsh finish.

Gathering Prey by John Sandford - Latest in the crime thriller series that features Minnesota State Police investigator Lucas Davenport. Lucas gets onto the trail of a roving, rag-tag band led by a sociopathic guru name Pilate. These drifters move around the country, luring and killing random victims to suit their whims. Lucas follows the killers, along with a police posse, in a multi-state chase. A terrific thriller with a plot that moves at breakneck pace.

The Beat Goes On by Ian Rankin - This is the complete collection of Inspector Rebus short stories, featuring the cranky Edinburgh, Scotland detective. The stories are presented in chronological order, spanning the years as John Rebus moves from young Detective Constable to veteran Chief Inspector. An entertaining treat for fans of the Inspector Rebus novel series.

Collected Inspector Rebus Stories a Crime Fiction Gem

The Beat Goes On by Ian Rankin is the complete collection of Inspector Rebus short stories, featuring the irascible Edinburgh, Scotland detective.

The collection of 31 stories includes three not previously published. The stories are presented in chronological order, running over the span of years as John Rebus moves from young Detective Constable to veteran Chief Inspector.

The crimes involve everything from theft and violent assault to murder. But the true focus is the character of Rebus himself, with his sour cynicism and sardonic remarks. Rebus is often in conflict with his plodding bosses. But he plunges ahead regardless, like a rude bulldozer that won't be stopped until a case is closed.

The Beat Goes On is an entertaining set of crime stories and a treat for Inspector Rebus fans.

Best Mystery & Crime Novels of 2014

This was another strong year for new books in the Mystery and Crime genre. These are the best books reviewed by this Blog in 2014:

The Drop by Dennis Lehane - A hard-edged crime story set on the bleak streets of South Boston. The rough, blue collar characters speak in terse, streetwise dialogue that reflects the worn hardness of the neighborhood around them. It all moves inexorably toward a violent end, as if the characters are hopelessly fated by their own warped natures.

The Burning Room by Michael Connelly - LAPD detective Harry Bosch is back in the latest novel in a highly popular continuing series. Bosch is his typical tenacious, maverick self as he digs into a politically charged cold case. The chemistry between the wily veteran Bosch and the new young partner he is training, Lucia Soto, brings added depth to the novel. A compelling, first rate police procedural.

Perfidia by James Ellroy - A lurid noir crime epic set in post-war Los Angeles, and a prequel to Ellroy's famed Black Dahlia-Big Nowhere-L.A. Confidential trilogy. This novel portrays an LAPD awash in corruption, dirty politics, and bone-splintering cop beat-downs. It's all written in Ellroy's trademark manic, machine gun style, and salted with sleazy Hollywood dirt. A wild whirlwind of a ride that just skirts the dark rim of craziness.

The Son by Jo Nesbo - A tale of revenge set in Oslo, Norway. An escaped prison inmate, a ghost-like figure known as The Son, goes after those responsible for the death of his policeman father. The cop tracking The Son is Simon Kefas, a balding, tired man nearing retirement and an unlikely hero. Offbeat and eerie at times, with a wrenching final plot twist.

Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin - Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police returns from short lived retirement. He takes on an auto accident case that turns into a cover-up by powerful people. Rebus is at his gruff best with his tactless rudeness and deep-held cynicism. An intriguing plot puzzle for mystery readers.

Field of Prey by John Sandford - Minnesota State Police investigator Lucas Davenport pursues a grisly new serial killer case. The bodies of twenty young women are discovered in an old, buried cistern on a vacant farm. A killer has been at work for years and he's still living in one of the small towns in the area. A dark, relentless thriller that drives toward a brutal climax.

Inspector Rebus Returns in SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE

Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin marks the return of the iconic character John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police in a dark new mystery.

Rebus was formerly retired, but couldn't stay away from police work for long. He's back working an investigation of a suspicious car crash, along with his long-time partner, Siobhan Clarke. The crash details don't add up and Rebus senses a cover-up of something crucial. His dogged pursuit leads him into conflict with powerful people, a scuffle the testy Rebus clearly relishes.

At the same time, a police Internal Affairs unit, led by Rebus nemesis, Malcolm Fox, is digging into a cold case from decades earlier. It's an open murder case in which a close-knit group of Rebus police pals may be involved, and Rebus may find his own loyalties tested.

The plot is intriguing and John Rebus is at his entertaining best with his trademark blunt rudeness and deep cynicism. Saints of the Shadow Bible is a first rate read and will certainly be on the list of the best mystery novels of this year.

Best Mystery and Crime Novels of 2013

The past year was a good one for new Mystery and Crime novels. Here are the best ones reviewed by this Blog, including two titles by the same author:

Police by Jo Nesbo - Latest in the series to feature Oslo police detective Harry Hole. A serial killer is targeting cops in grisly murders. Harry and his team hunt the killer, but there's a shocker in store as a key character is cut down. A top notch crime thriller by the best writer in the genre.

The Bat by Jo Nesbo - First novel in the Harry Hole series, first published in the U.S. this year. Here we see a younger Harry early in his career as he is sent to Australia to assist in a murder case. We also learn that Harry's last name is pronounced "Hoo-leh" in Norwegian. Nice to have that cleared up. The novel is a can't-miss treat for fans of this outstanding crime series.

Light of the World by James Lee Burke - This one has Louisiana cop Dave Robicheaux on a trip to Montana and facing a volatile mix of dangerous characters. This toxic brew inevitably explodes into an almost Biblical battle and serves as a meditation about ultimate evil within the human character. The novel is one the author's strongest in this fine, long running series.

Standing in Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin - The author brings back his formerly retired iconic character, Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh, Scotland police. Here Rebus looks into the disappearances of a series of women along the same stretch of empty country highway. The cranky Rebus is back with his trademark cynicism and rude demeanor. A dark, gripping crime read.

The Double by George Pelecanos - Spero Lucas returns as a tough Iraq War veteran working as a recovery specialist in Washington D.C. He recovers lost or stolen property for clients. He's hired to get back a stolen painting, but comes up against a vicious sociopath in his way. Hard boiled crime fiction written in tight, stripped down style.

Inspector Rebus Is Back in New Ian Rankin Mystery

Author Ian Rankin brings back his iconic character, Inspector John Rebus of the Edinburgh Police, in the chilling new mystery Standing in Another Man's Grave.

Rebus officially retired several years ago, but he's back working as a civilian consultant on a police cold case team. Here, he is drawn into the disappearances of a series of women along the same stretch of isolated country highway.

Rebus begins to suspect that a serial killer is at work. But as he digs deeper into the case, he runs up against the resentment of police force members who may not want him to solve a mystery that they could not. Rebus plunges ahead anyway with his usual tactless attitude, like a rude bulldozer that won't be stopped.

The plot is gripping, but the real pleasure of the novel is watching the character of Rebus himself, with his deep cynicism and his sardonic remarks. John Rebus is one of the most entertaining continuing characters in a crime series, along with Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch and Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole.

Standing in Another Man's Grave is a first rate read for mystery fans.

BEACH RATING:  4 Palm Trees

Best Mystery and Crime Novels of 2011

The last year was a good one for new mystery novels. Here are the ones that this Blog liked best:

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo - Oslo, Norway police detective Harry Hole tracks a sadistic serial killer, dubbed The Snowman, because he leaves a snowman in the yard of each new victim. The killer somehow has inside personal information that he uses to manipulate Hole, leading up to a horrific crisis situation involving someone close to Harry.

Readers should be warned that this novel deals with violent sexual aberration and contains much adult material and language.

For fans of the late Stieg Larsson's "Dragon Tattoo" series, Jo Nesbo's chilling Nordic crime novels are a worthy successor.

An outstanding mystery read.


The Drop by Michael Connelly - LAPD detective Harry Bosch investigates an apparent suicide jump, but "the drop" begins to look more like murder. The case pulls Bosch into a minefield of high level city political corruption. Meanwhile, he's digging into an old unsolved murder case that points to a long term serial predator still at work.

Bosch is his usual cynical self, but with his hard nosed ethical code still intact. Without that, he couldn't be a cop anymore.

Crisply written, with a hard-driving plot. A first rate police procedural.


The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell - The last of the Kurt Wallander novels. As Wallander nears retirement, he looks into the disappearance of a former Swedish naval officer that may be linked to Cold War espionage.

But the real center of the novel is Wallander's bleak struggle with his own health and personal problems that leads him toward a frightening answer that he fears to find.

A melancholy, introspective goodbye for Wallander.


The Complaints by Ian Rankin - Internal Affairs is called The Complaints in the Edinburgh, Scotland police department. That's where Inspector Malcolm Fox investigates other cops for misconduct.

A new case has Fox quietly probing whether a young detective is part of a secret Internet porno ring. But Fox is distracted when his sister's abusive partner is found beaten to death. Fox makes the mistake of getting improperly involved in the murder case. That leads to Fox himself becoming a target of investigation as his enemies on the force get their revenge back on the hated Complaints officer.

An unusual, steadily building plot and a thoroughly enjoyable police mystery.