A Heart Full of Headstones

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Macpherson

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The Rebus thriller from the iconic number one bestseller. One of the must-listens of the year.

John Rebus had been in court plenty of times, but this was his first time in the dock...

John Rebus stands accused: on trial for a crime that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. Although it's not the first time the legendary detective has taken the law into his own hands, it might be the last.

What drove a good man to cross the line? Or have times changed, and the rules with them

Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke faces Edinburgh's most explosive case in years, as a corrupt cop goes missing after claiming to harbour secrets that could sink the city's police force.

But in this investigation, it seems all roads lead to Rebus - and Clarke's twin loyalties to the public and the police will be tested to their limit.

A reckoning is coming - and John Rebus may be hearing the call for last orders...

©2022 Ian Rankin (P)2022 Orion Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"I loved it hugely! Rebus is one of fiction's greatest creations." (Marian Keyes)

"Phenomenal... The ending is going to floor readers. Everyone is going to be talking about this!" (Mick Herron)

Disappointing

I love the Rebus books but this one’s more dour than most with a contrived ending Would have preferred a rekindling of romance and a lot more black humour. I bought it it because I’ve read all the rest. As a part of a greater whole it’s just ok. But thank you Ian Rankin for the character of John Rebus. Please do him justice !

If this is the final chapter, then Kudos!

First time, I think, I have read a Rebus on release day, such was the anticipation given the teaser.

James McPherson does a fantastic job narrating (for a Weegie) so much so that after finishing A Song for Dark Times, I went back to Knots and Crosses.

There has been much said in other comments about 'too many characters' if this is your first Rebus then I can understand that. Yet if it is that Rankin has created a Rebus Univerese, and if it is this is to be our heroes final installment, then all the nods were welcomed. With the exception of the new criminal crews most of the established characters were there from outing five the Black Book; Cafferty, Clark & the SAAB. All of which were given a very satisfactory resolution, especially the Holmes/Moriarty relationship that had developed since Exit Music .

As a stand alone tale, does it work? Yes, if the new reader ignores what they see as minor or peripheral characters there is the strong dynamic between Clark & Fox. The story of modern policing v traditional and how the public perceive 'getting a result'. A couple of jibes against policing Tweets would have been welcomed to drive home this point.

Redemption! perhaps this ought to be the one word review. What we do, who we effect, what stains remain ?


Like Rankin I grew in Fife and spent my formative years in and around Edinburgh, I know these streets, these bars.

If it is that this is the last, then Mr Rankin take a bow and Thank You!