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.
Ian Rankin, a New York Times bestselling author, is the recipient of an Edgar Award, a Gold Dagger for fiction, and a Chandler-Fulbright Fellowship.
James MacPherson, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is a Scottish actor best known for his role as Detective Michael Jardine in the STV drama Taggart, as well as his portrayal of Hugh Hamilton in BBC Radio 4’s hit drama series Citizens.