• Standing in Another Man's Grave

  • A Rebus Novel
  • By: Ian Rankin
  • Narrated by: James Macpherson
  • Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (149 ratings)

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Standing in Another Man's Grave  By  cover art

Standing in Another Man's Grave

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: James Macpherson
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Publisher's summary

Its 25 years since John Rebus appeared on the scene, and 5 years since he retired. But 2012 sees his return in Standing in Another Man’s Grave. Not only is Rebus as stubborn and anarchic as ever, but he finds himself in trouble with Rankin's latest creation, Malcolm Fox of Edinburgh's internal affairs unit. Added to which, Rebus may be about to derail the career of his ex-colleague Siobhan Clarke, while himself being permanently derailed by mob boss and old adversary Big Ger Cafferty. But all Rebus wants to do is discover the truth about a series of seemingly unconnected disappearances stretching back to the millennium.

The problem being, no one else wants to go there - and that includes Rebus's fellow officers. Not that any of that is going to stop Rebus. Not even when his own life and the careers of those around him are on the line.

James MacPherson played DCI Jardine in Taggart for 16 years, and has acted on stage in plays as diverse as The Taming of the Shrew and ART by Yasmina Reza. He has presented a regular books programme for Radio Scotland - for which he has interviewed Ian Rankin. He won a Spoken Word Gold Award for his reading of

Strip Jack, a Crimefest Audible UK Sounds of Crime Award for Doors Open and has narrated all the Ian Rankin Rebus books. James lives in Glasgow.

©2012 John Rebus Ltd (P)2012 Orion Publishing Group

What listeners say about Standing in Another Man's Grave

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Rankin fans' fantasy fulfilled

Any avid Rankin reader must wonder what would happen in a universe where Rebus and Fox coexist. Rankin manages what most writers attempting similar cross-overs don't do well: he permits them to meet in a credible way. However intriguing that is, it's a minor part of the story. They cross paths in a typical Rebus case.

I had missed the announcement that a new Rebus was in press, so this appearance on Audible delighted me and set up great expectations, especially after the classic Exit Music. While Standing…Grave is a welcome, credible and solid return for Rebus, the novel doesn't rank as one the best on the series. But Rebus is back, still ageing in real time and dealing with his demons. And it sounds like he's here to stay for further detection of crime and complacency. If this is a first Rebus novel for you, start with an earlier one to better appreciate ongoing elements like debate on Scottish nationalism and complicated relationships with Siobhan Clarke, Big Ger Cafferty, authority figures and mortality.

Happily, happily, "in this geographical region", this time we get narrator James Mcpherson for an unabridged Rebus. If your ear isn't used to a Scottish burr, take some time to adjust because he seems to me the perfect voice for Rebus - not an intellectual detective, but a clever, wiley, gritty, witty one.

Rebus is not the kind of protagonist I usually like, but Rankin creates him and his Edinburgh with some kind of addictive writer's magic. McCall Smith does Dr Jekyll; Rankin, Mr Hyde (on the road to redemption).

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A great listen - not that rapped in the way it end

What did you love best about Standing in Another Man's Grave?

it was a great story, well told and well narrated. i always enjoy the depth of the character that Rankin puts together and the dialog between them is exceptional

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No but it didn't need to

What about James Macpherson’s performance did you like?

i did

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had to drive 1500km in 3 days in the Australian outback so it was great company. It got me from Charleville to Cunnamulla going a long way round.

It did the job nicely thank you.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Has Rebus lost his twinkle?

James Macpherson is reading an unabridged Rankin. Yes!

Rebus is back with us. Yes!

The unsolved units are not new and have been employed by lots of other crime writers.
Same old Same old. No!

While the Unsolved Unit forms a backdrop for this story, what stands out is how retirement has altered Rebus's lifestyle.
Could this be a mature Rebus? A more self reflecting Rebus? Has he lost his twinkle? And, are his relationships with Big Cafferty and Siobhan Clarke altered?

Can we hope for more Rebus from Rankin and Macpherson?

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A mystery with character

What really stands out in this latest Rebus novel is the variety of characters among the detectives and the criminals. A common theme in both groups is the old guard being replaced by the new. But Ian Rankin doesn't waste his words or your time overdoing the personal details; he gets on with telling an intriguing story. Unlike lesser writers, he doesn't contrive a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter, but there are enough twists and turns to keep you baffled. I've only read one of the previous Rebus novels, so don't worry if this is your first encounter with Inspector Rebus. You don't need to read all the other sfirst, but I guarantee you'll want to read more of them once you've tried this one. The Scottish accent took a little getting used to, but it was appropriate. So bear with it, and it will repay your effort.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Rebus still has my vote

Nor as action oriented as in his younger days, but wile and wit are still there. Hoping for more...still one of my favorites.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great

I just liked it all - good for walks. plot was interesting, seemed plausible and I could grasp it all without having to screw my brain up and wish I had a book so I could flick a few "pages" back to the last listen. really liked the performer's voice and subtle character differentiations.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

Would you consider the audio edition of Standing in Another Man's Grave to be better than the print version?

I much prefer the audible version. I took it every where so I did not need to interrupt flow.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A great reading

Thoroughly enjoyed this reading. The pace was perfect and the story entertaining. Off to source another similar title right away!

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