©2007 John Rebus Limited; (P)2007 W F Howes Ltd.
"A book with this many plot elements risks becoming amorphous and overcomplicated. But Mr. Rankin doesn't get lost that way. In his backhanded, reluctant way Rebus winds up uniting all the book's loose ends, and seeing how he accomplishes this is a pleasure. Besides, The Naming of the Dead isn't really about its detective plot. It's about Rebus's taking stock, not only of his own past but also of the world around him." (The New York Times)
"pefectly Complex"
Ian Rankin and Rebus at their best. The complex stories and characters draw you in. International intrigue, flawed characters, drink, local justice, the bending of rules, disapproving superiors ... it's all here. An MP's murder (or was it?) leads you down the path to a serial murderer, politics, money, lovers, power, and fine descriptions of Scotland. The narrator is brilliant.
"Excellent novel"
Complex, topical, riveting, and psychologically sophisticated - I think this is Rankin's best yet. I was thoroughly impressed by this novel. As soon as I finished listening to it I started it all over again. What a wonderful writer!
trying to see the world with my ears
"rebus and rankin at their best"
This is probably not a good first Rebus novel, but if you already love him, you'll love seeing the trappings of the G8 Summit playing out in the streets of Edinburgh though his cynical eyes and intuitive guts. A couple of the authority figures are a bit over the top caricaitures (but that's probably how Rebus would expereince them!). Rankin's Rebus series starts strong, and then after a few weaker offerings offers solid, entertaining and even thought provoking listens, all well-written for mysteries/police procedurals like this one. This is not high art, but it is a solid 5 start listen. The narrator for this Rebus delivers a good blend of Sots English - not over the top, not too Anglo.
"Not so good"
Good reliable story and character but it was all over the place and 14 hours of rambling was resolved in the last hour.