Title: Set in Darkness
Author: Ian Rankin
First published January 1, 2000
448 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312977894 (ISBN10: 0312977891)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Amidst the buzz of impending political change in Edinburgh, Detective John Rebus finds himself at the center of a murder investigation. When a prominent figure is found dead in a seemingly impossible scenario, Rebus is thrown into a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to tear apart the fabric of the city.
As he delves deeper into the case, more bodies surface, each connected to the other in unexpected ways. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, Rebus must navigate through the darkest corners of the city to uncover the truth and put an end to the madness.
But when power and money are at play, the line between good and evil becomes blurred, and Rebus must confront his own demons to uncover the truth. Set in Darkness is a gripping thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Ian Rankin, also known as Jack Harvey, was born in the Kingdom of Fife back in 1960. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982 but instead of focusing on his PhD in Scottish literature, he spent three years writing novels.
In 1987, he published his first Rebus novel which has now been translated into 22 languages and is a bestseller in multiple continents.
Ian Rankin is a distinguished writer, having been elected a Hawthornden Fellow and winning the Chandler-Fulbright Award. He has also received honorary degrees from Abertay, St Andrews, and Edinburgh universities.
He has won two Dagger Awards for the best short story of the year and the Gold Dagger for Fiction.
In addition to his writing, Rankin has contributed to BBC2’s and presented his own TV series, on Channel 4 in 2002. Recently, he received the OBE for his tremendous contributions to literature and chose to accept the award in his hometown of Edinburgh where he resides with his partner and two sons.
Editoral Review
Set in Darkness, by Ian Rankin, is a thrilling crime novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. First published on January 1, 2000, this book is part of the Inspector Rebus series, and follows Detective Inspector John Rebus as he investigates a series of murders in Edinburgh, Scotland.
While this book can be read as a standalone, readers who have followed the series will appreciate the return of familiar characters and the evolution of their relationships. Ian Rankin is an award-winning Scottish author who has published over 20 crime novels.
With Set in Darkness, he showcases his talent for creating complex characters and a tense, atmospheric setting that transports readers to the heart of Edinburgh. Rankin’s writing is straightforward and engaging, with a keen eye for detail that brings the city to life.
The plot of Set in Darkness revolves around the murder of a newly elected Member of Parliament, who is found dead in an abandoned building with ritualistic symbols drawn around his body. As Rebus and his team delve deeper into the case, they discover a web of corruption and secrets that threaten to unravel the fabric of Edinburgh’s society.
The stakes get higher when a second murder is committed, and Rebus is forced to confront his own demons and the limits of his moral compass. The characters in Set in Darkness are complex and realistic, with their own motivations and flaws.
Rebus is a flawed hero, struggling with alcoholism and a complicated love life, but his dedication to justice and his tenacity make him a compelling protagonist. The supporting cast, including his colleagues and suspects, are equally well-drawn and add depth to the story.
Rankin does an excellent job of exploiting the setting of Edinburgh, using the city’s history and landmarks to enhance the plot and provide insight into its characters. From the gothic architecture of the Parliament building to the seedy underbelly of its alleyways, Edinburgh is just as much a character as its human inhabitants.
The pace of the book is steady, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged without feeling overwhelmed. While the plot may seem predictable at times, Rankin’s skillful writing and attention to detail keep the reader invested in the outcome.
One potential criticism of Set in Darkness is that it can be dense and slow-moving at times. Some readers may find the narrative too meandering, with too much focus on the internal struggles of its characters instead of the action of the plot.
However, for fans of character-driven crime novels, this may not be an issue. Overall, Set in Darkness is a well-crafted crime novel that showcases Ian Rankin’s talent for creating realistic characters and compelling plots.
While it may not be the fastest-paced book in the genre, it will appeal to readers who appreciate a well-developed setting and character-driven storytelling. I would recommend this book to fans of the Inspector Rebus series, as well as those who enjoy crime novels with a Scottish twist.
I give Set in Darkness a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
