When a former soldier and recluse murders two 17-year-old students at a posh Edinburgh boarding school, Inspector John Rebus immediately suspects there is more to the case than meets the eye.
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"I always enjoy Rebus novels but this one is particularly gripping. I found the characters compelling, in this particular book there is a lot of depth to even the incidental characters. The twists in the storyline are well managed and Rankin's writing is top notch as usual. Highly recommended."
— Jen (4 out of 5 stars)
“A Question of Blood confirms Mr. Rankin’s place as part of the nouveau-noir pantheon.”
— New York Times“Ian Rankin’s brilliant series featuring Detective John Rebus is the kind of blistering police procedural that gives the genre a good name.”
— Entertainment Weekly“[A Question of Blood] can certainly bear comparison with the best of today’s American crime writing.”
— Washington Post“Ian Rankin just keeps getting better and better.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer" I'm on a crime reading spree at the moment and this one I found difficult to put down! "
— Carolyn, 2/15/2014" Mystery + Arson + Drinking + Scottish People = Not Bad "
— Mike, 2/8/2014" Reviewed in PW. "
— Tim, 1/14/2014" I'm looking forward to seeing what Rebus can get into next. "
— Sherry, 1/9/2014" good once I got into it, took a couple of tries. Going to read the rest of the series. "
— Frances, 1/3/2014" Entertaining book with a good plot. "
— Danielle, 12/8/2013" Better-than-average mystery, but with too many loose ends and something of a Hollywood idea of what's credible, not quite typical Rankin. "
— Dennis, 11/30/2013" A killer book. A little loose, but a story that is purely believable even if the motive is a little difficult to grasp. I can only imagine how cool Scotland is and how great a place it would be to pub hop with John Rebus. "
— Jerry, 11/28/2013" This book is seriously bloated. It could be reduced to a third of its size. Even at that, the story is not that interesting, and the subplot is annoying. While interviewing a shooting victim, he takes some of the kid's painkillers! What cop would do that? "
— Mystery, 11/1/2013" A good, old fashion mystery. I am enjoying this book and am looking at the online library system to order more in the series. I like mysteries that take place in London, maybe it reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. :-) "
— Elaine, 10/24/2013" Great suspenseful read. I liked the way things often took a turn to the unexpected. Rebus' problems with alcohol and authority are beautifully worked out. "
— Rene, 8/14/2013" I love the relationship between Rebus and Siobhan, both intensley defensive and protective of the other. A Question of Blood is another great read although I did guess the ending pretty early on this time. "
— Lili, 6/3/2013" Trusty Rebus. Comfy read as you know what to expect and don't guess what the end of the plot is going to be. "
— Stacy, 11/29/2012" My first listen of an Inspector Rebus book, although I think I've read others a long time ago. This one was good although a bit more drawn out than necessary. I will read or listen to more of this series. "
— Linda, 11/13/2012" Rankin has just joined the ranks of one of my favorites... "
— Michelle, 10/18/2012" This book was excellent. One of the best by Rankin that I've read so far in the Rebus series. The plot was well developed, interesting, and with a great pace. Detective Rebus almost seems to jump out from the pages thanks to Rankin's ability to make him so alive "
— Ricardo, 10/6/2012" Inspector Rebus. I don't usually figure out the endings to Rankin's books, but did on this one. Still, the writing is excellent and he manages to bring all the plot lines together without a contrived feeling to the ending. "
— Lisa, 8/25/2012" Not one of his better ones "
— Colin, 8/3/2012" What can you say except pacy, gritty and an all round good read. "
— David, 5/11/2012" I know Ian Rankin is a prolific writer but this is the first book of his that I've read. Even though the main characters are complicated interesting and the plot keeps the story moving I found it rather depressing-- no one seems happy. "
— Patricia, 10/3/2011" Excellent - one of the best in the series... "
— Roxane, 4/28/2011" this was my first ian rankin but got to say it didnt really catch me. it was a good read but thats it, nothing special.... "
— Steffi, 2/16/2011" This is my first Inspector Rebus book...I love the live, witty dialogues! "
— badger, 1/10/2011" Mystery + Arson + Drinking + Scottish People = Not Bad "
— Mike, 1/3/2011" Among the strongest in the series. "
— Michael, 12/11/2010" It was not the page turner I thought it would be at least for me but the last part was worth reading the book for! "
— Kaylol, 12/9/2010" I actually give between a 4 and a 5 but I am so hooked on Inspector Rebus<br/>I err on the side of generosity. Love this character. "
— Linda, 10/18/2010" Excellent - one of the best in the series... "
— Roxane, 8/14/2010" What can you say except pacy, gritty and an all round good read. "
— David, 8/5/2010" Detective Inspector John Rebus and Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke break most of the rules (thank heaven) as they crisscross their way around Edinburgh and, of course, catch the bad guys. "
— Rebecca, 6/6/2010" I couldnt complete it. I lost it midway.. Probably not my type of book But it kept me engaged till the point I read. "
— Mahesh, 4/18/2010" Enjoyable but far too easy to guess. "
— Frank, 2/10/2010" Rankin is consistently good. <br/>I enjoyed the part where the less-than-smart Bob is introduced to The Wind in the Willows, his first book. "
— Eunira, 1/18/2010Ian Rankin, a New York Times bestselling author, is the recipient of an Edgar Award, a Gold Dagger for fiction, and a Chandler-Fulbright Fellowship.