In a House of Lies

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Macpherson

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A new investigation threatens to unearth skeletons from Rebus' past in this "must-read" (Tana French) mystery.

Rebus' retirement is disrupted once again when skeletal remains are identified as a private investigator who went missing more than a decade earlier. The remains, found in a rusted car in the East Lothian woods, not far from Edinburgh, quickly turn into a cold-case murder investigation. Rebus' old friend Siobhan Clarke is assigned to the case, but neither of them could have predicted what buried secrets the investigation will uncover.

Rebus remembers the original case - a shady land deal - all too well. After the investigation stalled, the family of the missing man complained that there was a police cover-up. As Clarke and her team investigate the cold-case murder, she soon learns a different side of her mentor, a side he would prefer to keep in the past.

A gripping story of corruption and consequences, this new novel demonstrates that Rankin and Rebus are still at the top of their game.

©2018 Ian Rankin (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"This is absolutely wonderful. Clever, gripping, a fabulous read." (Kate Mosse)

"In a House of Lies shows how investigations of historic crimes are currently shaping our world and who the casualties are. Thrillingly told, with the best cast in contemporary crime, Rankin is one of the most significant social commentators of our time. Just read the book. It says it better than I can." (Denise Mina)

"Loved In a House Of Lies. How does Rebus keep on getting better and better? Ian Rankin is a genius." (Lee Child)

Interesting Story Line

The story line was excellent, but I had a hard time following it because of the reader's thick Scots accent. I'm considering reading another of Ian Rankin's Rebus books instead of listening to it to see whether I like it.

Can't Stop Listening Noir-ish Rankin At His Best

We find out in this dark, humorous tangle of puzzles that Rebus may have retired from Scotland Police, but he hasn't quit the beat. Nor have his powers and toughness deserted him. Ian Rankin gives us intertwined story lines, driven by long stewing personal grudges, epic professional rivalries, and of-the-moment social pressures.Favorite characters from the series (both the good and the up to no good) play pivotal roles as justice is served...or is it? Rankin lets each reader/listener make that judgment. The narrator is superb. He does an astonishing job of conjuring up the ages, regional accents, socio-economic status, and genders of the characters.

Complicated

Not the best Rebus novel ever, but very good. It involves two old cases, with the crimes all in the past. That makes for a somewhat less exciting story than we are used to from Rankin. Still, it’s very enjoyable and I never want to see the series end!

I'M A SCOT, JIM, NOT A NARRATOR

The reader is either too authentic ir not authenticated c enough, depending on whether you are a Scot.My great grandfather was, so I can understand 80% or so For an audio book to be a success, the reader needs notI'M A SCOT, NOT to have to struggle to understand the words that were written We all lnew Scotty on Sttar Trek was a Scot We still coukd understand what he said

Excellent tale and performance

Rankin peoples a criminal investigation and all its politicking with complex characters, nuanced views on justice and society, and vivid portrayals of the landscape in and around Edinburgh. James Macpherson of Taggart fame gives a dramatic reading with an accent strong enough that I sometimes had to listen a few extra times to make out the words.

Old hand but never misses a beat

The plots are intricate and Edinburgh alive for the reader but it is the carefully drawn characters who win the day.

Another fine Rebus yarn

Especially enjoyed the narrator's Scottish accent. Made the book much more enjoyable than just reading it myself.

and especially good book in the series

really enjoy this book it's interesting how they author is trying to at least include his main character of the years in the story it's got to be difficult when he's retired. good performance still difficult in the audio to get the differentiation that would make it easier to follow but I know that's a difficult task

3

I have chosen Ian Rankin titles
in the past. This one disappointed me. It is very good,
well written It is a plumey study of police officers involved in a cold case- then and now - with politics, jockeying, crime boss pals and some new
clues. I lost interest in all the talking, my problem because I wanted current sleuthing only. I did listen all the way through and it did get better and toward the end was very satisfying. if you like Ian Rankin's works, give it a try.

Good Rankin as always, but dragged a bit

I love Rebus stories and this one is good. My only complaint was that it was just too long. Would have been much more enjoyable with a solid 3 hours or so taken out. Listening in 30 minute pieces as is usual for me with books and the car, it was hard to follow at times. That said, I liked it, but would suggest a bit tighter editing for future reads. The performance was spot on, great work by James Macpherson doing a variety of voices.