Fleshmarket Close

That’s right, kiddies, it’s another Uncle Rebus novel. Except this one isn’t about Brer Rabbit (apologies for the pun). Rankin tackles the growing asylum-seekers problem in Scotland and Western Europe in general, here. An immigrant is murdered in Scotland and the usual suspects are well, suspected. But of course, all is not what it seems and Rebus is in the thick of it all, swinging wildly and letting a diamond-hard fist crunch some bones. As we’ve come to expect from Ian, the plot moves you with its usual hypnotic rhythm, all the while illuminating the seamier side of Scotland’s murky streets. We see a softer side of Rebus, a side that lets him actually be attracted to and get close to a female human, albeit one from a contrasting political spectrum. It ends typically, with Rebus choosing his duty over any promise of pleasure and eventual amatory disappointments.

The book meanders through human trafficking, slave labour, illegal-immigrant intimidation, murder and of course, a satisfying climax. The evildoers are put away, Rebus drinks enough to drown a small country and all is well again. Flippancy aside, the book is up to the usual high standards we’ve come to expect from Senor Rankin. An enjoyable read, particularly for fans of hard crime like Ed McBain et al…

ISBN: 0-75285-112-8