It’s been a long time since I could say I didn’t have at least one project on the go, but this was to be that year. Haggard threatens to name names if he's prosecuted, and this would GREATLY embarrass Police Scotland.

Firstly, when you have a character like John Rebus who is a good money earner for Rankin and his publisher it is a difficult decision to kill him off in some way. The story had pace, it had to being a novella; but I felt I went through a full novel in Gish’s investigation. John Rebus stands accused: on trial for a crime that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.Rankin wove a very intricate tale about these residents which set this armchair detective in many different directions very quickly. It's not the first time the legendary detective has taken the law into his own hands, though it might be the last. Clarke finds herself on an inquiry involving a police officer facing charges of domestic abuse against his wife, the suspended officer, Haggard, is part of the notorious Tynecastle police station with its long history of brutality and corruption. Retired Scottish detective John Rebus is nearly seventy, suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a bit overweight.

The opening scene has former detective John Rebus in Court, but this time he is in the dock facing a lengthy prison term. John Rebus stands accused: the once legendary detective is on trial, facing the rest of his life behind bars. The slimy ex-Complaints officer has risen up the ranks and now seems to have the ear of the Assistant Chief Constable. When Rebus was on the police force, he had a reputation for skirting the edge of ethics and legality, all in the service of justice (in Rebus's mind). An outstanding creation' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH It is August in Edinburgh and the Festival is in full swing.As Edinburgh grapples with COVID, the jury is in a hotel, viewing proceedings via video link; everyone in court is masked, save the Judge and an ailing Rebus, whose mask is in a pocket with his inhaler. Two years later, in 2007, he appeared in a few additional shows under his name, including Ian Rankin Investigates Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Ian Rankin’s Hidden Edinburgh. I only joined the Rebus fan club about five years ago and this is my thirteenth visit to this Tartan crime noir story. Crime boss Big Ger Cafferty continues to make his presence felt, despite being in a wheelchair after being shot, as he asks Rebus to locate a former employee of his, ostensibly so that he can express his remorse. I was going to add films to that, but I don’t think I’ve been to the cinema much this year – not sure why.