Rather Be the Devil

This may be Rebus's 21st outing, but this is a cleverly crafted tale and Ian Rankin's storytelling is as fresh as ever.

This elegantly crafted and witty thriller proves this old devil still has all the best tunes.

The 21st Rebus novel boasts effortless plotting and a cracking narrative that keeps the reader gripped throughout.

This is an interesting and enjoyable novel.

Clever and compelling.

Essential crime-reading.

Rather Be The Devil is an intricate, evocative Edinburgh mystery that builds to a bloody finale. Retirement may not suit Rebus but it's resulted in yet another brilliant book in Rankin's revived crime series.

Rankin is expert at what theorists of realism call the authenticating detail.

Though it moves at pace, what makes this tale so satisfying is that its protagonists have had time to develop. Rebus's input serves to highlight the benefits of age, experience and keeping a sense of community.

Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.

Superbly told, impossible to put down, and laced with Rankin's unmistakeable laconic wit it precisely underlines the treasure that Rebus has become.