A Question of Blood
An Inspector Rebus Novel
By Ian Rankin

     Rebus is recovering in hospital as the story opens. His partner Siobhan (Shi-vawn) fears she's the cause of Rebus’ injuries and the reason the man stalking her is now dead. Their boss attempts to investigate the situation when Detective Inspector Bobbie Hogan calls requesting Rebus’ help with a school shooting. The shooter is ex-SAS (Special Air Service). Hogan believes friends of the shooter will open up to "someone who has been down the same road." Siobhan goes along as a driver because of Rebus' injuries. As Rebus and Hogan work the case, Rebus senses something about the shooting but, like Hogan said, they're just housekeeping, cleaning up the mess. There is no mystery. Or is there? Leave it to Rebus to find out more than everyone's bargaining for.

     After discovering a victim in the shooting case is distantly related to him, Rebus turns inward and dwells on his family—his estranged wife, grown daughter, and missing brother. Rebus is a brooding character, and this case has him sulking even more. Some readers may find the continual inward moping monotonous. This reader hopes to see Rebus conquer his demons and pull his life together. On the positive side, Rebus is good at what he does—it’s the strength of his character and why readers come back. He understands the criminal mind, he has a sixth sense about the cases, and he has no problem crossing the line when needed.

     I am fascinated by foreign police procedurals. The Inspector Rebus series is one I've followed off and on for sometime. Rebus is tough; the Scottish atmosphere is stark and often times emotionally cold. The cases are typical with the exception of the occasional Rankin twist. And this is what makes the series fascinating—you never know, and following Rebus all the way through a case or personal dilemma is the only way to find out. Ian Rankin spins a copper tale that leaves readers wanting more. I highly recommend the series.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Resurrection Men #13 [book] [audio]
Question of Blood #14 [book] [audio]
Naming of the Dead #16 [audio] [book]
Exit Music #17 [audio]
Saints of the Shadow Bible #19 [audio]
Standing in Another Man's Grave #20 [audio]
The Beat Goes On [audio] (short stories)
Impossible Dead [book] (Malcom Fox #2)
Rather Be the Devil #21 [audio]