The Naming of the Dead: An Inspector Rebus Novel Audiobook, by Ian Rankin Play Audiobook Sample

The Naming of the Dead: An Inspector Rebus Novel Audiobook

The Naming of the Dead: An Inspector Rebus Novel Audiobook, by Ian Rankin Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: James McPherson, James Macpherson Publisher: Little, Brown & Company Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 7.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Inspector Rebus Series Release Date: April 2016 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781478914242

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

29

Longest Chapter Length:

60:00 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

05:57 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

29:42 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

35

Other Audiobooks Written by Ian Rankin: > View All...

Publisher Description

The leaders of the free world descend on Scotland for an international conference, and every cop in the country is needed for front-line duty...except one. John Rebus's reputation precedes him, and his bosses don't want him anywhere near Presidents Bush and Putin, which explains why he's manning an abandoned police station when a call comes in. During a preconference dinner at Edinburgh Castle, a delegate has fallen to his death. Accident, suicide, or something altogether more sinister? And is it linked to a grisly find close to the site of the gathering? Are the world's most powerful men at risk from a killer? While the government and secret services attempt to hush the whole thing up, Rebus knows he has only seventy-two hours to find the answers.

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"Ian Rankin takes a hiatus/closes his Rebus series in The Naming of the Dead. Set amidst the G8 summit at Glen Eagles a few years back, Rebus is on the outskirts, facing retirement and watching nearly everyone turn their back on him ... with the possible exception of Shiobhan, who rightly comes into her own in this book. Rankin is a master of setting and character. Edinburgh, Glen Eagles, and the "Clootie Well" seethe with life, and Rebus, Shiobhan and the rest of the cast are the aging, flawed, bruised bunch that just won't give up. I have a hard time recalling any other group of characters that have remained with me long after the book is finished."

— Abby (4 out of 5 stars)

The Naming of the Dead Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.52777777777778 out of 53.52777777777778 out of 53.52777777777778 out of 53.52777777777778 out of 53.52777777777778 out of 5 (3.53)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 26
3 Stars: 24
2 Stars: 8
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — ian beckingham, 2/12/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — William, 5/2/2020
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If you like detectives that don't follow police procedure you'll enjoy John Rebus, a detective with the police in Edinburg, Scotland. Rebus and his partner, Siobhan Clarke investigate the murders of three criminals in which no one really cares if the killer is caught. The investigation takes place during the G8 summit in Edinburg. The ending will absolutely knock your socks off. "

    — Lee, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If you like detectives that don't follow police procedure you'll enjoy John Rebus, a detective with the police in Edinburg, Scotland. Rebus and his partner, Siobhan Clarke investigate the murders of three criminals in which no one really cares if the killer is caught. The investigation takes place during the G8 summit in Edinburg. The ending will absolutely knock your socks off. "

    — Lee, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I L-O-V-E the Rebus books. Maybe because my husband is from Scotland! But they are taut, suspenseful and smart. Rebus pulls you into the story with simply a nod. I read many of these books when home recovering from an illness (on both audio book and printed book) and loved all of them. I love the flawed character of Rebus with both his hard nd soft edges - brilliant. "

    — Maria, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I L-O-V-E the Rebus books. Maybe because my husband is from Scotland! But they are taut, suspenseful and smart. Rebus pulls you into the story with simply a nod. I read many of these books when home recovering from an illness (on both audio book and printed book) and loved all of them. I love the flawed character of Rebus with both his hard nd soft edges - brilliant. "

    — Maria, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A murder (actually several) set amidst the demonstrations and riots of the G8 Summit near Edinburgh in 2005. I gather Rankin novels are often dark, or at least portray a dark image of Edinburgh (this was my first Rankin read) but this one struck me as somewhat lighthearted and tongue in cheek, what with cameo appearances by George Bush (dangerous man on a bicycle) and Bob Geldoff. Nevertheless the plot is intricate and the protagonist iconoclastic and curmudgeonly (do all British police detectives come with major character flaws? e.g. Colin Dexter's Insp. Morse). A good read for fans of crime/mystery fiction. "

    — TheIron, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A murder (actually several) set amidst the demonstrations and riots of the G8 Summit near Edinburgh in 2005. I gather Rankin novels are often dark, or at least portray a dark image of Edinburgh (this was my first Rankin read) but this one struck me as somewhat lighthearted and tongue in cheek, what with cameo appearances by George Bush (dangerous man on a bicycle) and Bob Geldoff. Nevertheless the plot is intricate and the protagonist iconoclastic and curmudgeonly (do all British police detectives come with major character flaws? e.g. Colin Dexter's Insp. Morse). A good read for fans of crime/mystery fiction. "

    — TheIron, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Great story set during the G8 summit in Edinburgh, 2005. "

    — Tessa, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Great story set during the G8 summit in Edinburgh, 2005. "

    — Tessa, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I don't usually read this author, but this story which takes place during a G8 meeting in Edinburgh with the dynamic between the police and the protesters was really well done. "

    — Lee, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I don't usually read this author, but this story which takes place during a G8 meeting in Edinburgh with the dynamic between the police and the protesters was really well done. "

    — Lee, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " not great,lost the plot towards the end.not a real page turner for me "

    — Kate, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " not great,lost the plot towards the end.not a real page turner for me "

    — Kate, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " this penultimate Rebus story has a satisfying conclusion. one of the things that i like about Ian Rankin's writing is that everything isn't always wrapped up in a neat little package. there are messy bits, just like real life. "

    — Naomi, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " this penultimate Rebus story has a satisfying conclusion. one of the things that i like about Ian Rankin's writing is that everything isn't always wrapped up in a neat little package. there are messy bits, just like real life. "

    — Naomi, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Still reading through Rankin's body of work. I don't seem to enjoy the Rebus books as much when they focus on a particular topic, such as immigration reform, or in this case, a world power summit and the corruption of politics. I've probably got about eight more to read and I'm caught up. "

    — False, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Still reading through Rankin's body of work. I don't seem to enjoy the Rebus books as much when they focus on a particular topic, such as immigration reform, or in this case, a world power summit and the corruption of politics. I've probably got about eight more to read and I'm caught up. "

    — False, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rankin goes above the usual greatness here. What with the G8 goings on and such it feels as though Rebus is living in a wider world. "

    — Colin, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rankin goes above the usual greatness here. What with the G8 goings on and such it feels as though Rebus is living in a wider world. "

    — Colin, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Way-y-y-y too many coincidences, but I really enjoyed this meaty character-driven mystery. "

    — Kyra, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Way-y-y-y too many coincidences, but I really enjoyed this meaty character-driven mystery. "

    — Kyra, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I started reading this when it first came out but didn't finish until September 2007. I don't know why I ever put it down. Rankin's writing style is one to be jealous of. "

    — Cherie, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I started reading this when it first came out but didn't finish until September 2007. I don't know why I ever put it down. Rankin's writing style is one to be jealous of. "

    — Cherie, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyed it but not as much as others. "

    — Suzanne, 11/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyed it but not as much as others. "

    — Suzanne, 11/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Read first 100 pages - just couldn't get into it. "

    — Scubabarb, 7/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Read first 100 pages - just couldn't get into it. "

    — Scubabarb, 7/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed it but think it's probably a good thing Rankin retired off Rebus. "

    — Sharron, 7/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed it but think it's probably a good thing Rankin retired off Rebus. "

    — Sharron, 7/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good stuff, expands Siobhan's character a bit. Not quite as riveting as the stunning "Exit Music," but solid Rankin/Rebus and a nice interweaving of stories. "

    — Carol, 5/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good stuff, expands Siobhan's character a bit. Not quite as riveting as the stunning "Exit Music," but solid Rankin/Rebus and a nice interweaving of stories. "

    — Carol, 5/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very edgy, very gritty. Set during the G-8 conference in Edinburgh. "

    — Linda, 1/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very edgy, very gritty. Set during the G-8 conference in Edinburgh. "

    — Linda, 1/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book. It's Inspector Rebus at his best. The plot is paced well, and the characterization is flawless. "

    — Poietes, 11/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book. It's Inspector Rebus at his best. The plot is paced well, and the characterization is flawless. "

    — Poietes, 11/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Yet another great Rankin book, if not a little self conciously scattered with modern reference points! "

    — Neil, 9/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Yet another great Rankin book, if not a little self conciously scattered with modern reference points! "

    — Neil, 9/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rankin on top form again, "

    — Christine, 6/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rankin on top form again, "

    — Christine, 6/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Better connected plot throughout, using the two main characters to thread the story effectively. Gave a good perspective as to what was happening with the G8 at the time and making it relevant to the story. "

    — Emmanuel, 4/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Better connected plot throughout, using the two main characters to thread the story effectively. Gave a good perspective as to what was happening with the G8 at the time and making it relevant to the story. "

    — Emmanuel, 4/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Thinking back the story was good. The characters are good. The plot is good. But for some reason it took me ages to read it. It wasn't entertaining enough to get me hooked. "

    — Kaylol, 3/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Thinking back the story was good. The characters are good. The plot is good. But for some reason it took me ages to read it. It wasn't entertaining enough to get me hooked. "

    — Kaylol, 3/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " He is a great detective writer. His hero Rebus is a character who is all too human and very likeable. "

    — Philip, 2/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " He is a great detective writer. His hero Rebus is a character who is all too human and very likeable. "

    — Philip, 2/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the better detective series writers. Having lived in Edinburgh and Fife, where much of the action takes place, Ian Rankin gives a good feel for the place and people. And of course, Inspector Rebus is such a well-created character. "

    — Simon, 10/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the better detective series writers. Having lived in Edinburgh and Fife, where much of the action takes place, Ian Rankin gives a good feel for the place and people. And of course, Inspector Rebus is such a well-created character. "

    — Simon, 10/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " always a good read. Sometimes the twists were a bit too hard for me to follow and remember which character was which...and I didn't care for the cliffhanger ending "

    — Michelle, 10/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " always a good read. Sometimes the twists were a bit too hard for me to follow and remember which character was which...and I didn't care for the cliffhanger ending "

    — Michelle, 10/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I actually liked this book quite a bit, more so than the other 4 books of his I have read. If you like mysteries it is a good read, set during an international monetary conference. I continue to admire Inspector Rebus's values. "

    — Sandra, 7/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I actually liked this book quite a bit, more so than the other 4 books of his I have read. If you like mysteries it is a good read, set during an international monetary conference. I continue to admire Inspector Rebus's values. "

    — Sandra, 7/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another solid police procedural starring one of my favorite cranky characters -- DI John Rebus. Set during the G8 Summit, some interesting incorporation of politics. "

    — Corinna, 2/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another solid police procedural starring one of my favorite cranky characters -- DI John Rebus. Set during the G8 Summit, some interesting incorporation of politics. "

    — Corinna, 2/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this book it was a birthday gift and I read it almost non stop it's another Rankin masterpiece, I really enjoy the stories with the grumpy cynical DI John Rebus and this book didn't dissapoint. Could have been complicated and then for me boring but it all followed on and flowed so well. "

    — Barbara, 10/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this book it was a birthday gift and I read it almost non stop it's another Rankin masterpiece, I really enjoy the stories with the grumpy cynical DI John Rebus and this book didn't dissapoint. Could have been complicated and then for me boring but it all followed on and flowed so well. "

    — Barbara, 10/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Local and international politics and a side of terrorism invade Scotland...and Rebus is out of the picture. Or is he?Rebus finds new ways to break the rules with his cohort in ... policing... "

    — Kathy, 9/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Local and international politics and a side of terrorism invade Scotland...and Rebus is out of the picture. Or is he?Rebus finds new ways to break the rules with his cohort in ... policing... "

    — Kathy, 9/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyed this a lot. I had actually seen the TV version of this book already, but it didn't spoil the story. As you would expect there are a few more intricacies in the book which the TV show had skipped over. "

    — Rob, 8/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyed this a lot. I had actually seen the TV version of this book already, but it didn't spoil the story. As you would expect there are a few more intricacies in the book which the TV show had skipped over. "

    — Rob, 8/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This book goes on and on and on... You get the picture. I've almost finished it, so I'll plow on to the very end to find who the serial killer is. "

    — Bruce, 8/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This book goes on and on and on... You get the picture. I've almost finished it, so I'll plow on to the very end to find who the serial killer is. "

    — Bruce, 8/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A really intelligent mystery series about a hardened lonely Edinburgh Detective Investigator, John Rebus. This one is particularly good. "

    — Jglhome, 6/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A really intelligent mystery series about a hardened lonely Edinburgh Detective Investigator, John Rebus. This one is particularly good. "

    — Jglhome, 6/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Almost engaging. Normally don't bother finishing a 3 star but since this was set in Edinbourgh... "

    — Susan, 6/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Wow. What an accent the reader had. It was an abridged version and between the accent and possibly missing a bit here and there with the abridgement it wasn't all that good a read. "

    — Ruth, 6/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Almost engaging. Normally don't bother finishing a 3 star but since this was set in Edinbourgh... "

    — Susan, 6/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Wow. What an accent the reader had. It was an abridged version and between the accent and possibly missing a bit here and there with the abridgement it wasn't all that good a read. "

    — Ruth, 6/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Listened. Good recording! I've now "read" the last 2 in the series and wish I had discovered it sooner. Might have to loop back. Complex mystery with some depth. "

    — Joanne, 5/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Listened. Good recording! I've now "read" the last 2 in the series and wish I had discovered it sooner. Might have to loop back. Complex mystery with some depth. "

    — Joanne, 5/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This was a book on CD and I've already forgotten what it was about. "

    — Marianne, 3/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This was a book on CD and I've already forgotten what it was about. "

    — Marianne, 3/30/2010

About Ian Rankin

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.

About the Narrators

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.

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.