The Falls - Ian Rankin

Classic Rebus

Revolving around the disappearance of a university student, Rankin's tightly structured plot encompasses a genuine historical mystery (doll's coffins left on Arthur's Seat) and internet role-playing. Although Rebus doesn't believe that Philippa Balfour will be found alive, Rankin stretches out the tension and his attention to procedural detail is masterly. There are the usual red herrings, cleverly concealed details that you don't appreciate until the strands are tied up and romances between Clarke and Grant and Rebus and Jean Burchill, a museum curator and friend of Gill Templer.

Rankin maintains a realism to his depiction of the police force, particularly the retirement of DCS 'Farmer' Watson and promotion of Gill Templer, who is keen to impose her own regime on St Leonard's. Templer and Rebus's history makes for some fascinating scenes, underscored by Templer's concern about his drinking, but Rankin expands on this to show Templer's relationship with her female staff, particularly Ellen Gates, who she humiliates for her ambition, and her attempts to sponsor Clarke. Templer is an interesting character in her own right, and I look forward to seeing how Rankin handles her in the subsequent books. Watson's retirement also forces Rebus to focus on his own future, aware that he rapidly approaching the mandatory retirement age, giving him even more depth.

Although Rebus and Clarke are kept separate through this case, Rankin balances their strands perfectly, drawing out Rebus's intuition and Clarke's dedication. They each want to do things their own way, but Clarke is more politically savvy than Rebus and seems to care more about the consequences of their operations. Rebus is partnered with Gates for most of his strand and it's interesting to see how he behaves with a new colleague and how she reacts to what Templer did to her.

I managed to guess one of the outcomes to the book, but the other surprised me, which is always the mark of a novelist on top of his game. If I had a gripe, it was with the depiction of journalist Steve Holly, who seems to fall into the classic cliche of uncaring reporter who'd screw over anyone to get a story. While this didn't spoil the story, I hope that Rankin won't bring him back in subsequent works as I don't see he adds anything other than a desire to see him get what he deserves.

Intriguing plot

The summary of this thriller is well described by the Amazon.co.uk Reviews above and by most reviewers. This was the first book I read by Mr. Rankin and all I want to say is, it was truly captivating. An edge-of-the-seat book, gripping from page one. I'm looking forward to read some more of his works.

Excellent dramatization

I have not read any Inspector Rebus books,but Bert Coules' dramatization of this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Great story, great characters, acting and music. It was superb.

Next Sherlock?

This was the first novel I had from Ian Rankin. Since then I cannot stop thinking that Inspector Rebus could be our modern Sherlock Holmes. After I got this book I am always looking for more Ins. Rebus stories. I like them very much.

'The Falls' by Ian Rankin.

Amazingly good! This was the 1st novel i had read b Ian Rankin and now i have read a few more since because this one was sooo good! I found it really interesting and it was the first book i'd read set close to where i live so it makes it even more real!I think he has improved over the years because i went back to read his first inspector rubus books and they were not so good.I finished this book the day it was shown on t.v that night so i watched it and it wasn't anywhere near as good as the book, it wasn't even the same story, the only thing that was pratically the same were the names of the characters.