Book Review Standing In Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin

   Standing In Another Man’s Grave

by

Ian Rankin

            In Rankin’s latest Rebus book he manages to combine a fast moving storyline with a powerful sense of Scotland, involving Northern scenery, tourist attraction and even some Scottish Fables.

Rebus, currently working as a civilian on Cold Cases, is considering reapplying to the force.  The only problem is, does the force need his type of investigative skills and would he even pass the medical.  Rebus is being investigated by internal affairs when he discovers a possible link between a current disappearance and the cold cases he is working on.  This brings him to work with his old pal Siobhan Clark, now a DS and to all intents and purposes his boss during the investigation. 

Rebus soon becomes aware of the technological developments that have occurred in his absence and as Siobhan puts it; ‘You're more vinyl, we’re more digital.’  I beg to differ.  John Rebus is not any run of the mill old vinyl:  Uh, uh - He is most certainly Vintage Vinyl, as he proves by using his unorthodox ways to solve the crime.

Rankin, I think drew a lovely parallel between Rebus and his old Saab car.  On the numerous journeys North, Rebus cajoles mollycoddles and praises the car for keeping up with the newer models.  The promise of a full health check on their return to Edinburgh hints a Rebus’ own dreaded medical.

This was thoroughly enjoyable.  I felt could settle down in the passenger seat of this fast moving car, in the knowledge that I was in safe hands and that the goods would be delivered...and, in Rebus’ own irascible way, they certainly were.