Yes, Rankin's plots can sometimes be involved. But that shouldn't detract seriously from the fact that his books are some of the most "lyrically gritty" works around today. He's sort of the Scottish version of Michael Connelly, and there are multiple comparisons that could be made between Harry Bosch and the equally dark, cynical, and stubborn detective John Rebus. I recently read "Black and Blue," and must rank it as one of the most engaging books I have happened across in months.

Ian Rankin has new book out just released last week in the UK...Dead Souls.

I`ve just finished Dead Souls and recommend it. It is a true Rebus book. Plenty of self doubt and if you know your central Scotland its a good trip.

The book is a good yarn with lots of plots and sub plots. If you know your recent Scottish history you can place events which have inspired Ian Rankin in this story. Read it.

Garrison Keillor had Ian Rankin on his program Saturday night. If Garriso likes him I'll give him a try. Is the "Haning Garden" worth the read or is another one better to start.

I´ve just finished my third Inspector Rebus novel, Strip Jack. It was not as good as the two first I read but still interesting.

If you are interestet in Scotland the Inspector Rebus series of Ian Ranking is just what you need to read.

Although I'm pretty sure the Scottish tourist board aren't wildly thrilled with Ian Rankins portrayal of Edinburgh in particular and Scotland in general - I find it fascinating. I love the complex intertwining of subplots in his novels and find Inspector Rebus surprisingly engaging."Black and Blue" is definately one of his best. But has anyone seen the TV adaptations of Rebus? I thought they were terrible!

Well I've finally read my first Ian Rankin. And since I knew I was way behind in the Rebus series I started with "Rebus: The Early Years" which is an omnibus featuring "Knots & Crosses", "Hide & Seek" and "Tooth & Nail". It was quite an exhausting start but it won't be the last I've read from Rankin. I find his writing style very appealing. He writes very succinctly, without wasting a lot of words he still manages to put you in another time and place and lets you get to know the different characters. And I like his characters, they have many dimensions and you feel they might very well exist. Of course I couldn't quite decide whether or not I liked John Rebus. I liked him about every third page but I also had moments when I thoroughly disliked him. And moments when I felt he was a male Scarpetta, feeling superior to his colleagues and not trusting anyone but himself to do things right. I liked his plots as well but even if I say I like Rankin's style of writing it still puts demands on the reader to stay alert and focused since not everything is spelled out but has to be deducted by the reader.

has anybody read a good mystery lately? the kind that really makes you think or that you can really get into the character?

Well, I suppose it depends on what type of books you like. I just finished Cross by James Patterson, who is my current favorite author. I love the short chapters and the relationships between his family and his good friend and fellow officer, John Sampson. In Cross, Alex Cross tracks down the killer of his wife. I suggest you read the earlier works first though.