It took me a long time to stumble across Ian Rankin's Inspector John Rebus series, but now I am hooked. I have also started his Malcolm Fox series. Someday I'll get to his other books as well.
I first encountered Rebus when I tried to watch the television adaptation of the Rebus books staring Scottish cutie John Hannah. But I couldn't understand a word they said! And no subtitles for the Scottish impaired. Then I finally figured out that the show was based on the book series and my problems were solved.
Normally, I am fiendish about reading a series in order. But when I found the audio version of Strip Jack at my library, I decided to test it to see if I would like the series. I did and now I am committed.
Those I have read are in red. Those on my TBR shelf are in blue. This is a list only of his Rebus and Fox books.
Knots and Crosses
Hide and Seek
Tooth and Nail
A Good Hanging (short stories)
Strip Jack
The Black Book
Mortal Causes
Let it Bleed
Black and Blue
The Hanging Garden
Death is Not the End
Dead Souls
Set in Darkness
The Falls
Resurrection Men
A Question of Blood
Fleshmarket Alley
The Naming of the Dead
Exit Music
The Complaints (Malcolm Fox)
The Impossible Dead (Malcolm Fox)
Standing in Another Man's Grave (Rebus and Malcolm Fox)
Saints of the Shadow Bible (Rebus and Malcolm Fox)
OTHER RANKIN FANS
If you have Rankin-related posts that you would like listed here, please leave a comment with a link and I will add it.
NOTES
Last updated on August 24, 2014.
Yea! I'm so glad you like Rebus. And you have so many great ones to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI have liked the rebus books I ve read ,never quite got Hannah as rebus but had read first books before seeing him and had formed a different picture ,love way rankin mix the real Edinburgh and his own likes such as music and beer deuchars ipa into Rebus character ,all the best stu
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you liked Rebus, I've read quite a few of the books. I think Rankin captures Edinburgh really well. I'm horrified that you couldn't understand the accent!! John Hannah was a terrible choice for Rebus, the later adaptations have Ken Stott and he is much better but probably even more difficult to understand.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm crazy about Edinburgh, I think I'd better get on this bandwagon fast.
ReplyDeletepicky girl: I know! It feels so luxurious to have a whole series to read!
ReplyDeleteStu: Since I watched the show, I'll probably have John Hannah in my mind. Which isn't a bad thing . . .
Katrina: I love a Scottish accent and can usually understand them, but not in Rebus. They all sounded like they had a mouthful of oatmeal.
Barbara: Welcome aboard!
Aww! As a Scottish lass, I find it both adorable and amusing that you struggle with the accents. I forget that this can be an issue!
ReplyDeleteIan Rankin's a lovely guy - I've met him and spoken with him and I see him about the city regularly (I also live in Edinburgh)
I was going to read them in order too, but I think you're right - it might not be totally necessary!
Regarding the order -- I had a false start with Rebus, because I'm a start-at-the-beginning sort of guy and the first one really isn't very good. Somehow I gave him another shot with #12 or something, and ran with him from there. Uncharacteristically, I've read this series in completely random order, and it hasn't bothered me a bit!
ReplyDeleteBethany: Well, I suppose that "Scottish" isn't an accent for you! I don't have a problem with all British programs, but the Rebus episode we watched (the first one, I think) was hard to understand. Everyone seemed to mumble.
ReplyDeleteHow delightful to live in Edinburgh. I've been there twice and loved it. And it is always fun to read books set in the city where you live.
Michael: I just finished the first and liked it, but thought it was a little rough around the edges. But I never judge a series by the first book because I figure the author didn't have his legs yet.
Since I'm just starting, I'll probably read the rest in order, but it's good to know I don't have to be dogmatic about it.