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Rather Be the Devil: From the iconic #1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES (Inspector Rebus series, 21) Hardcover – 3 Nov. 2016

by Ian Rankin (Author)

4.4 19,656 ratings

Book 21 of 25: Inspector Rebus Novels

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Some cases never leave you.

For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria's killer has never been found.

Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?

In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.

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Review

Superbly told, impossible to put down, and laced with Rankin's unmistakeable laconic wit it precisely underlines the treasure that Rebus has become. ― DAILY MAIL

Though it moves at pace, what makes this tale so satisfying is that its protagonists have had time to develop. Rebus's input serves to highlight the benefits of age, experience and keeping a sense of community. ― GUARDIAN

This elegantly crafted and witty thriller proves this old devil still has all the best tunes. ― SUNDAY MIRROR

Rankin is expert at what theorists of realism call the authenticating detail. ― SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY

Essential crime-reading. ― SAGA

This is an interesting and enjoyable novel. ― LITERARY REVIEW

Though it moves at pace, what makes this tale so satisfying is that its protagonists have had time to develop. Rebus's input serves to highlight the benefits of age, experience and keeping a sense of community. ― GUARDIAN

Rather Be The Devil is an intricate, evocative Edinburgh mystery that builds to a bloody finale. Retirement may not suit Rebus but it's resulted in yet another brilliant book in Rankin's revived crime series. ― CRIME SCENE

This may be Rebus's 21st outing, but this is a cleverly crafted tale and Ian Rankin's storytelling is as fresh as ever. ― IRISH NEWS

Superbly told, impossible to put down, and laced with Rankin's unmistakeable laconic wit it precisely underlines the treasure that Rebus has become. ― DAILY MAIL

The 21st Rebus novel boasts effortless plotting and a cracking narrative that keeps the reader gripped throughout. ― DAILY EXPRESS

Clever and compelling. ― INDEPENDENT i

Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best. ― CHALLENGER

Book Description

The brilliant new Rebus novel from the author of No.1 besteller EVEN DOGS IN THE WILD.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orion; 1st edition (3 Nov. 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 140915940X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1409159407
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 23.6 x 2.9 x 16.4 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 34,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 973 in Hard-Boiled Mystery
- 2,126 in Science Fiction Crime & Mystery
- 3,933 in Police Procedurals (Books)

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4.4 19,656 ratings

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Ian Rankin

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Ian James Rankin, OBE, DL, FRSE (born 28 April 1960) is a Scottish crime writer, best known for his Inspector Rebus novels.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia. Photo byTimDuncan (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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19,656 global ratings

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Customers enjoy the book's storyline with its twists and turns. They find the characters well-developed and the blend of personalities perfect. The writing quality is praised as superb and taut. Many describe it as a classic Rebus novel with a modern edge. The pacing is described as strong and well-crafted. However, opinions differ on the plot complexity - some find it believable while others consider it complex.

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Storyline Character development Writing quality Rebus Interest Pacing Plot complexity Readability

472 customers mention ‘Storyline’442 positive30 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the book brilliant with lots of twists and turns that hold their attention from page one to the end. The writing is outstanding, and the plots are complex with at least two characters. The stories are a pleasure to read, with nice moments and character development. Readers mention it's one of the better Ian Rankin/John Rebus books they've read in a while, and leaves them wondering about what's going on and what could happen next.

"Yet another superb book by this author. The continuity of the characters and gripping storylines contains throughout the Rebus series...." Read more

"...All in all, thoroughly enjoyed this book and the four stars reflects the fact I am unfamiliar as ti where this novel rests within the canon." Read more

"...The plot is complex and twisted, with so many sharp edges that keep jabbing at your attention...." Read more

"Goodbook" Read more

89 customers mention ‘Character development’73 positive16 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and their relationships. They appreciate the blend of personalities and how old characters are given new life. The book features a variety of villains, including imaginatively bent ones and straight-shooting ones. Overall, readers find the characters human and interesting.

"Yet another superb book by this author. The continuity of the characters and gripping storylines contains throughout the Rebus series...." Read more

"...Clarke and Fox, is brilliant, full of humour, and the blend of personalities is perfect...." Read more

"...That's one of the true strengths in the series. Rankin's characters feel like real people and as such the nuances of their relationships change..." Read more

"...Rather Be The Devil is full of imaginatively bent villains and surprisingly straight coppers; however, on many levels Rankin avoids painting a black..." Read more

38 customers mention ‘Writing quality’38 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality and find the characters brilliant. They describe the author as a fantastic writer with taut plots that hold their attention.

"Ian Rankin is such a clever writer...." Read more

"I love the Rebus books. The characters are some of the best written around" Read more

"...Rankin is a top class writer with a great deal of experience in this genre. It shows." Read more

"Plot really good with humour at appropriate moments. Well written." Read more

30 customers mention ‘Rebus’26 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book. They find it a classic from the best author in the business. The plots are contemporary and intriguing, with some old favorites included. They say it's a welcome return for the series.

"...In addition to constructing plots which are contemporary and intriguing, he's spent some 30 years growing and developing a number of characters..." Read more

"...He opens the front door and invites you back in, but then gives you a story that surprises and entertains...." Read more

"A brilliant story with lots of twists and turns. As always, Rebus can't let go and stirs up lots of people...." Read more

"...Rebus is on form, I love his one liners, and I'd like to see how Siobhan and Malcolm's friendship continues to develop...." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Interest’17 positive4 negative

Customers find the book engaging with its twists and plot that keep them hooked until the end. They appreciate the well-observed characters and interesting ideas. The complex plotting keeps readers interested, especially the COPD aspect.

"...plot is complex and twisted, with so many sharp edges that keep jabbing at your attention...." Read more

"...In addition to constructing plots which are contemporary and intriguing, he's spent some 30 years growing and developing a number of characters..." Read more

"Ian Rankin is one of the best crime fiction writers yet. He keeps you reading and wanting more and getting more involved chapter by chapter...." Read more

"...I think there were interesting ideas and characters, but too many to tackle in one book." Read more

18 customers mention ‘Pacing’18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-crafted. They describe it as a solid read with a strong cast. The story is fast-paced and riveting, with great clues.

"...the character of John Rebus is very much the main draw amongst a strong cast and it is his lack of social skills that ensured that the book is not..." Read more

"...Rankin always offers robust and plausible plots, which benefit from the use of genuine locations...." Read more

"All I expect from an Ian Rankin Rebus novel: a lot said in a few words conjuring up clear mental images, tight plotting with a twist at the end...." Read more

"A good yarn with the same central cast of goodies and crooks. You don’t need the back story to enjoy this thriller although it does help a little...." Read more

74 customers mention ‘Plot complexity’41 positive33 negative

Customers have different views on the plot complexity. Some find it entertaining and gripping, describing it as a typical Rebus thriller. However, others feel the plot is convoluted and drawn out. The ending seems unclear or set up for more in the series.

"...and second guess who is really doing what, but it is all wrapped up beautifully at the end...." Read more

"...Somehow it never fires up as a story and Rebus doesn’t hold his own centre stage. Altogether, good in parts, but too little sparkle." Read more

"...This is a gripping read with an amazing ending. All fans of crime thrillers will love this exciting book." Read more

"...This is no.21 and not quite a stand alone tale...." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Readability’12 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed views on the book. Some find it an easy and engaging read with a fast pace. Others find the characters unappealing and the story unstructured.

"Another ripping yarn, thanks Mr. Rankin, thank you so very much. I badly need the few hours of escapism you provide...." Read more

"...Whilst the story itself is difficult to put down, I have to say that I thought the character of John Rebus is very much the main draw amongst a..." Read more

"A cracking read. Kept up the pace to the end." Read more

"...I never felt truly engaged, the pace was pedestrian and in the end a bit tedious...." Read more

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Jan. K
Excellent read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 March 2025
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Yet another superb book by this author. The continuity of the characters and gripping storylines contains throughout the Rebus series. The wit, dark humour, and twists make for compulsive reading. Looking forward to more.

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Ian Thumwood
Good plotting and wonderful characters.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2021
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I was always used to be a sceptic when it came to crime novels until I read Reginald Hill's "Dalziel and Pascoe" books which convinced me that writers in this field could be very good. Since then, I have read all of Philip Kerr's excellent "Bernie Gunther" series and Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie which veers into amusing black comedy all of which have much to recommend them. Ian Rankin was someone I was curious to try but had been put off by the unfamiliarity of the Scottish setting and a fear of the use of dialect although I was aware of his excellent reputation.

I have to say that the second sentence in this book effectively plunges you in to a page turner that quickly set aside my reservations and had me hooked. The story relates to the cold case murder of a socialite in an Edinburgh hotel in the 1970s that John Rebus is reviewing and which may or may not have something to do with an attack on the upstart gangland boss Darryl Christie. Although it is necessary to set aside the lijkelihood that a retired detective would be permitted to beome involved in current police investigations, what ensues is a complex plot where truths are slowly revealed until the conclusion which fits nicely in to place and seems logical. Central to the plot is retired crime boss and adversary Big Ger Cafferty who manages to outshine what is effectively a well drafted team of likely looking characters.

Whilst the story itself is difficult to put down, I have to say that I thought the character of John Rebus is very much the main draw amongst a strong cast and it is his lack of social skills that ensured that the book is not too dark and has a degree of humour. Rather than being something of a maverick, Rebus struck me more as someone whose acting on gut instinct had the potential to jeopardise the case he was working on. I found that interesting - not so much a flawed character but someone whose modus operandi was flawed. The author gives his main character some excellent and amusing putdowns. Ian Rankin's skill in writing struck me as being particularly adept at the wonderful dialogue and the interaction amongst the various police officers where the office politics (especially the charccter of Macolm Fox) seemed expertly drawn. Although the ex-rock star was a bit of a cliche (even if he ultimately is responsible for Rebus' most amusing repost) , the ordinariness of the characters struck me as being one of this book's strengths.

This is my first book in the Rebus series and I would guess that there are probably a few others which could turn out to be even better that this one. I had ordered another volume in the series before I had finished this book as I wanted to be reacquainted with the characters. All in all, thoroughly enjoyed this book and the four stars reflects the fact I am unfamiliar as ti where this novel rests within the canon.

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JenMedBookLover
Rebus 21 - what more is there to say
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 November 2016
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Wining and dining Deborah Quant at the Caledonia Hotel, Rebus begins to regale her of the tale of actress Marie Turquand who was found murdered in one of the hotel rooms back in the 1970’s. Fascinated by the facts of the unsolved cold case and in spite of his retirement from the force, Rebus decides to take another look at it. If nothing else it will provide welcome distraction from his ongoing health concerns, ones which he is hiding even from Deborah.

Meanwhile, DI Siobhan Clarke is assigned the case of an attack on Darryl Christie, the young pretender who has stepped in to fill the empty shoes of Big Ger Cafferty. In what seems like a case of escalating violence against Christie and his family, Clarke needs to find the guilty party in an ever growing list of suspects, headed by none other than Cafferty himself. But unfortunately for DI Clarke, someone over in the Serious & Organized Crime team wants a piece of Christie too, and soon Malcom Fox is sent back to Edinburgh to keep an eye on her investigation, forcing a partnership that neither of them is overly thrilled about.

When Rebus begins to make enquiries about the night Marie Turquand was killed, he soon ruffles some feather. When someone closely linked to the Turquand is found murdered, and a suspect in Christie’s assault goes missing, Rebus is soon slap bang back in the middle of both investigations. But nothing is quite as it seems in either case and Rebus and the team will find themselves up against some very dangerous men who will stop at nothing to get payback and stake their claim to the city.

What can you say that hasn’t already been said about this series? When I got the chance to get a preview copy of this, I was ecstatic. All of the Rebus books are pure class, and ‘Rather Be The Devil’ is no exception. Despite no longer being part of the establishment, Rebus doesn’t let it stop him from getting into the middle of the investigations. In fact he seems to take greater liberties, hiding behind his civilian status to get away with things that would be unthinkable if he was still with Police Scotland. And that is part of his absolute charm. He has always skirted around the law while still maintaining an overwhelming sense of justice. Rebus style.

Rankin still captures Rebus’s roguish charm to a tee. His appeal hasn’t diminished with age, if anything he grows on me more with each book, although the side effects of a life lived hard are starting to show through. He’s getting older, perhaps slowing down a little and showing his age. Years of drinking and smoking are taking their toll and he feels his body slowly letting him down. And yet his mind is sharp as a tack and nothing passes him by. His laid back demeanour hides the true passion that you know brims just below the surface and it’s always a joy when it slips out, even if for just the shortest time. It is, after all, his canny nature which is part of his greatest appeal.

‘Rather Be The Devil’ has everything you want from a Rebus novel and then some. The dynamic between the team, Rebus, Clarke and Fox, is brilliant, full of humour, and the blend of personalities is perfect. As for Rebus and Big Ger, the two continue to circle around one another, a certain kind of respect and understanding of each other which still sees them on two different sides of the same coin.

It sucked me in right from the off and if I hadn’t had to go to work, I would have whizzed through this in a day. The plot is complex and twisted, with so many sharp edges that keep jabbing at your attention. There isn’t a single wasted page, every passage adding another dimension to a delightfully crisp plot. You will guess and second guess who is really doing what, but it is all wrapped up beautifully at the end. And for once it is not just Rebus who finds himself in a compromised position.

If you are a fan of the Rebus series, this will not disappoint. Rebus may be getting older, but I’m hoping that having been granted a temporary reprieve, that he will be around for a good while yet. Edinburgh wouldn’t be the same without him.

An undeniably classic Rebus tale. 5 stars.

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Lyn
Good Author
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2025
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Goodbook

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Steve M
A worn-out Rebus saves the day, but barely figures throughout
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2024
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Rebus has become almost irrelevant as a new generation takes over and Rebus is retired and on the margins. Gang leaders fight and people die, but the pace only really hots up towards the end. There is a complex web of a cold case merging with money fraud and a Russian gangster. Somehow it never fires up as a story and Rebus doesn’t hold his own centre stage. Altogether, good in parts, but too little sparkle.

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Ottimo
Reviewed in Italy on 2 August 2019
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Acquistato per un regalo e me acquisterò altei.

Molto soddisfatta, come sempre quando acquisto libri su amazon, per la spedizione (arrivato intonso e puntuale) e per il risparmio rispetto alle librerie.

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Newbie
Not same as many previous Rankins
Reviewed in India on 15 October 2017
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My favorite author but am seriously doubting whether editing takes place in the Kindle version. My first book on Kindle and it didnt have the same feel as reading a paperback.

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David Gilman
David G
Reviewed in Brazil on 7 August 2018
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Good but relies on old Rebus and should have more action.

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Roger Bloom
The best detective series ever
Reviewed in Canada on 12 July 2023
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I met Ian Rankin once in the Ox pub, when a group of us were in Scotland golfing. I bought my first Rankin novel at the airport in London,and enjoyed it so much that I've read everything he's written. My only.complaint is that he's let Denis get so.old too fast, and he may be gone before I'm ready for it. For every one who has not read Rankin, correct you're mistake.

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Jose Ignacio
Exceeded my initial expectations
Reviewed in Spain on 19 January 2017
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John Rebus finds himself still uncomfortable with the idea that he is now retired and has not been able to find what he’s going to do with the rest of his life. Besides his health is affected by his past excesses. He has given up smoking and drinking. One evening, while dinning in the restaurant of The Caledonian Hotel with his girlfriend, the pathologist Deborah Quant, he remembers that in that same hotel, nearly forty years ago, Maria Turquand was strangled in her room while waiting for her lover. It happens that, at the time, a famous rock star was staying in the same hotel with his entourage. But it was not possible to charge anyone and the murder remains unsolved thus far. However Rebus, despite being retired , takes an interest into this matter. Meanwhile, Siobhan Clarke and Malcolm Fox find themselves investigating a same case, even though Fox is now stationed at the new Scottish Crime Campus in Gartcosh. The thing is that Darryl Christie, a promising and ambitious young gangster, has been severely beaten in front of the door to his house. Everyone believes Big Ger Cafferty is somehow involved in this. Almost simultaneously, a renowned investment banker has been missing for several days. Rather be the Devil will allow the three of them, Rebus, Clark and Fox, to gather together again to investigate several cases that, in a sense, will eventually become interrelated.

I’ve been very much looking forward to this new instalment in the Rebus series and I must admit that Rather be the Devil has exceeded all my expectations. As always the plot is very well crafted and has managed to grab the attention of this reader; the story is nicely told and turns out to be entertaining and interesting at the same time; all the main characters are well developed and are shown highly credible. And, last but not least, it has a strong sense of place. I found remarkable how Ian Rankin has been able to keep the reader’s interest on his main character alive, and how, as time goes by, John Rebus has become more human. I would like to add I eagerly await a new Rebus novel. In the meantime I hope to find the time to read the rest of the books in the series I have not yet read.

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Rather Be the Devil: From the iconic #1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES (Inspector Rebus series, 21) Hardcover – 3 Nov. 2016

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read

4.0 out of 5 stars Good plotting and wonderful characters.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rebus 21 - what more is there to say

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Author

3.0 out of 5 stars A worn-out Rebus saves the day, but barely figures throughout

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo

5.0 out of 5 stars Not same as many previous Rankins

4.0 out of 5 stars David G

5.0 out of 5 stars The best detective series ever

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded my initial expectations

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Excellent read

Good plotting and wonderful characters.

Rebus 21 - what more is there to say

Good Author

A worn-out Rebus saves the day, but barely figures throughout

Ottimo

Not same as many previous Rankins

David G

The best detective series ever

Exceeded my initial expectations