Publishers Weekly
10/29/2018
The discovery of the body of Stuart Bloom, who went missing in 2008, in his car trunk in an isolated wooded area drives Edgar finalist Rankin’s intricate 24th Rebus novel (after 2017’s Rather Be the Devil). Bloom’s ankles being secured with police handcuffs raises questions about the original, possibly corrupt police investigation into the man’s disappearance. Semiretired copper John Rebus isn’t afraid to step on official toes as he assists Det. Insp. Siobhan Clarke, Det. Insp. Malcolm Fox, and the other members of Police Scotland’s Major Crime Division in their efforts to find Bloom’s killer. Their attention focuses on low-budget film producer Jackie Ness, who shot a movie called Zombies v Bravehearts in 2008 on the land where the car was found and in which Bloom served as an extra. Meanwhile, Rebus reopens the case of 17-year-old Ellis Meilke, who was sent to prison for the stabbing murder of his girlfriend. In both cases, the path to justice involves making some hard ethical choices. Rankin remains a master of the contemporary police procedural. Author tour. Agent: Dominick Abel, Dominick Abel Literary. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
"There's no one like Ian Rankin for bringing us right into the world of detectives. For anyone who's fascinated by the inner workings of that world, and all its tricky, brutal, expert ruthlessness, In A House of Lies is a must-read."—Tana French
"Loved In A House Of Lies. How does Rebus keep on getting better and better? Ian Rankin is a genius."—Lee Child
"Rankin remains the most consistent practitioner of finely crafted, richly detailed, literary crime novels being produced today. He's always been at the top of his game, and this latest is no exception."—Linwood Barclay
"In A House of Lies shows how investigations of historic crimes are currently shaping our world and who the casualties are. Thrillingly told, with the best cast in contemporary crime, Rankin is one of the most significant social commentators of our time. Just read the book. It says it better than I can."—Denise Mina
"Definitely not to be missed. Ian's at the top of his form here, and no reader will go away disappointed."—Peter Robinson
"In A House of Lies is Ian Rankin's Latest and Greatest. It is stunning. I didn't sleep for three nights reading it."—Jilly Cooper
"This is absolutely wonderful. Clever, gripping, a fabulous read."—Kate Mosse
JANUARY 2019 - AudioFile
A new Rebus mystery narrated by James Macpherson, with his Scottish brogue and impeccable pacing, is always a satisfying experience. The gang’s all here: Detective Inspector John Rebus is gruff, witty, and out of breath, thanks to emphysema; Siobhan Clarke is more measured, with crisp English undertones; and Malcolm Fox is a straight arrow, thoughtful and desperate to be part of the team. In this installment a body in a car is found by kids playing in the woods; the dead man has been missing for years. The new investigation appears to highlight the ineptitude, or even corruption, of the police (including Rebus) at the time the man went missing. Macpherson handles the twisty plot with ease, and since the crime boss, Big Ger Cafferty, is somehow involved, he gets to growl and snarl, too. A.B. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
