In a house of lies by Ian Rankin
Inspector Rebus book 22. Orion, 2018. ISBN 9781409176893
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Mystery.
Detectives. Murder, Police corruption. When a missing investigator
is found in the boot of a car, years after he went missing, it is in
an area that was originally searched by the police. This looks bad
for the police and is traumatic for the family. As the investigation
unfolds, it turns out that there are mistakes and lies and Detective
Inspector Siobhan Clarke turns to Rebus for information about the
old case. She needs his help to curb a stalker who didn't believe
that his nephew had murdered his girlfriend and wants the truth
uncovered. But there are lies and cover-ups everywhere and Rebus
could be in a fix.
In a house of lies reads quite well as a stand-alone for
those who are not familiar with the Inspector Rebus series. I have
missed several of the books but could easily pick up on the main
characters who were all well described. Rebus is supposed to be
retired and is suffering from emphysema, but cannot manage to stay
away from any investigation that is going on. His police skills
shine as he uses his in-depth background knowledge of people and
places, cutting through red tape and ignoring threats from cops and
crooks alike. DI Siobhan Clarke stands out as she chases up clues
and withstands intimidation from her colleagues.
Set against the backdrop of an Edinburgh that wouldn't be familiar
to the tourist, Rankin has produced another engrossing murder
mystery that will keep the reader guessing to the final pages. The
restructuring of the modern Police Scotland and the budget cuts
facing the organisation provide an interesting background, as does
the contrast between modern day policing with CCTV, the Internet and
social media and the old policing ways of Rebus.
Everyone is telling lies and everyone has something to hide and the
readers has to weave a way through them all.
In a house of lies is a welcome addition to the series which
fans will be very happy with, and readers new to the series are in
for a treat.
Pat Pledger