Great as usual
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Not much to add to previous reviews. Yes, the coincidences are contrived and the same people bump into each other as usual and are all connected - surely there are more people and villains in Edinburgh even if it is small compared with London? But, how else could a writer make a book like this work? And in the book, Rankin has Rebus allude to the connections, where he ponders on the links between "the underworld and the overworld".
Moreover, Rankin pulls it off again with the Scottish dry wit and banter and the excellent characters, maybe for the last time. Perhaps Rebus novels will now be all about Siobhan Clarke with the man himself in the background? Or maybe Rankin will call it a day completely, Rebus-wise (sorry if you have already said what the future lies, Ian, and I have missed it). Whatever, they couldn't go on and on as they were, especially as they are written almost in real-time. Rebus needed to retire or move on somehow. Thanks for a great series Mr Rankin. You're much better than the rest of the bunch, mate.
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Good book and enjoyable read but not a classic Rebus
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This was a good end to Rebus's police career in CID but the book seemed a bit longer than was necessary and there was loads of extra detail which didn't add anything to the plot.
I think I understand that Ian Rankin was trying to show that often life is not as difficult as you make it seem but the plot twists and co-incidences often seemed a little contrived.
The Cafferty part in the story was a great touch and his involvement throughout the story summed up the relationship between him and Rebus throughout the whole series.
I admire the way that the series has been left open (without too much drama) and look forward to whatever Ian Rankin does next.
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Short and sweet review to follow.
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Not the best Rebus, and definitely not the worst. If you have read the rest of the books you will know what to expect here, but where I think Ian Rankin scores is that this, almost shambling denouement is so typical of Rebus and his career overall. I do think that this book overuses too many of the characters and situations that Rebus has come across before to elevate this one into the very highest echelons, but it is still head and shoulders above much else in contemporary British crime fiction. I will be intrigued to see what Mr Rankin comes up with next, because I suspect he will find it hard to let Rebus go so easily - even if Siobhan Clarke does pick up the reins.
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Usual excellent stuff but...
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I came to Rankin and Rebus a year ago and doing a lot of travelling read a lot on planes so I have been lucky that in the period since I read the first I have read them all. I think the books are excellent, the character construction is superb and I grew to know and like all of normal and strange population.
This book is as good as ever however my only complaint is the great Rebus goes out on a Whimper as opposed to the bang he deserves. The exit of my other love, Morse, had me in tears (and no I am not very soppy) and although I did not want the same I was hoping for more from Rebus's last case.
I just hope that it means he will emerge from the Ox for some further stirring up of the Brass at HQ.
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Great final episode
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I have just returned from two weeks in the sun and this book was real sunbed novel. Great plot and fitting end to the Rebus stories. Rebus the detective is a legend now in modern crime and thrillers and it is a shame to retire him.!! I read another book called Soft Target while on the same trip by Conrad Jones, fantastic book from a new Author. Well recommend both these stories. Bye Bye Rebus hello Tank !!
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