A Song for the Dark Times (Inspector Rebus #23)

It is extraordinary that Ian Rankin wrote his 23rd John Rebus book just before the dark times fell. The time of the Covid19 pandemic. I have read every book, and 3 or4 years ago was supposed to be Rebus’s swan song, but Ian Rankin missed him too much, as did we all. Even in retirement, Rebus loves a good mystery, a murder here and there. Rebus was one of the most unconventional detectives to work In Edinburgh’s murder crime squad. He solved many cases, and rarely with the stated conventional methods. But he was respected, even by Cafferty, the local boss of crime. In this book there are two murders to solve. One is his daughter’s live in fella, and the other a wealthy young college student. Rebus had his murder, and his old sidekick DC Siobhan Clarke, was involved with the college student’s murder inquiry. Sometimes the inquiry overlapped.most often not. It is the wits and knowledge that enhance the detectives cases. Siobhan learned the ropes well working with Rebus, and she was ahead of the game. She was also romantically involved with the DCI leading the case. As things proceed, they each bring the story close to the vest, but they get it done. John Rebus has been touched by time, and his COPD slows him down, but not too much. He knows what to do and when. It is difficult for him to work under someone else’s lead, but he does it. He interferes, but in the end, his experience is needed. Rebus is almost back… Recommended. prisrob 10-15-2020

Having been a fan of Ian Rankin and his Inspector Rebus series, I was anxious to read the newest novel. On page two, Rankin refers to the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, this should have been an omen. Ironically, I stopped reading Child years ago as the writing became lazy and the books repetitive. Sad to say, this novel falls into the same trap. While the prose still is above that of most detective novels, the story was predictable and dragged. Not only does Rankin fall under the Reacher curse, but he emulates Michael Connelly by describing all the twists and turns, highways and byways, as Rebus drives from point a to point b. As in any novel that does this, the story then drags. Usually, the characters in Rankin’s novels draw me deeper into the story. Unfortunately, in this novel, the characters I have enjoyed are one dimensional and dull. Even the normally interesting Cafferty is bland. This one gets three stars, and I hope the next one gets us back to the standard we have come to enjoy.

It\’s time to hang up Rebus. If this were the first book you read, you\’d never pick up another one in the series. Rebus is not that interesting anymore, just old and annoying. We empathize more with the active police officers whose turf and procedures he has invaded as he investigates the murder of someone near and dear. His daughter is just outright annoying and it\’s hard to have sympathy for her. Shuttling back between his case and the murder Siobhan is investigating in Edinburgh promotes confusion rather than interest because the characters are just not that interesting. I love Rankin\’s books, but it\’s time to put this series to bed.

It is a remarkable book and a great read. A plot which moves seamlessly between two murders, a host of fascinating characters – including the usual suspects – and John Rebus showing the world that medical condition and health notwithstanding , he still has what it takes. Very much looking forward to the next instalment.

Am half way through the book but am plodding to finish it. The story line, murder, but a lot of financial shenanigans to cope with is way too complicated and not very interesting. Characters are bit of a pain. And so is Rebus. He was a better read in earlier novels. Here he just gets in the way. And Big Ger should finally be laid to rest. Better luck next time.

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