Midnight and Blue

An Inspector Rebus Novel

De: Ian Rankin

Narrado por: James Macpherson

John Rebus spent his life as a cop putting Edinburgh's most deadly criminals behind bars. Now having been convicted of a homicide, he's joined them…

A convict is brutally murdered in his locked cell deep in the heart of Scotland’s most infamous prison. Sleeping in a cell across the floor lies John Rebus, the equally notorious detective. Stripped of his badge and estranged from his police family, he is now fighting for his own life—protected by an old nemesis but always one wrong move away from the shank. As new allies and old enemies circle, and the days and nights bleed into each other, even this legendary figure struggles to keep his head.

They say old habits die hard, though. The death stirs Rebus’s deductive—and manipulative—impulses, setting off a domino-chain of scheming criminals, corrupt prison guards and perhaps only one or two good souls who may see it all through.

But how do you find a killer in a place full of them?

©2024 Ian Rankin (P)2024 Mulholland Books

Not for me and not for audio

It was difficult to keep track of the characters. All of them sounded the same. But had great Scottish accents. Though not the authentic accent which would be real tough to follow.

Perhaps its best to read the book. Then you could flip back and recheck who is who

Good story- confusing narration

I liked this story, it’s well written. The challenge I had was with the narration. The voices didn’t change intonation or dialect very much, making it confusing to know which character was actually speaking. Other than that, it’s a good mystery.

Rankin in Top Form!

I had delayed listening this newest Rebus novel because the idea of our hero in prison just seemed too limited and too sad. But it’s neither! Complex and believable plot that takes place in the prison and outside, as Siobhan and Christine pursue an exciting case that intersects with Rebus’s subtle inquiry within the walls. Fox lurks around the edges of both. Really a delightful listen and the narrator is as perfect as always.

Thread Weaving

The slow revelation of connectable dots makes it possible to guess what’s coming, if you’re sharp enough?

Calm, understated, subtle .

It is a well written tale. Set in a prison. Somehow the Scottish dialogue lends a charm

I couldn’t understand the narrator

As a US listener from Pennsylvania, I couldn’t understand much of what the narrator said, particularly when he was doing characters’ voices. I gave up after a few chapters. It seemed like an intriguing book and I’m sure the narrator was great for people used to Scottish accents, but I had no clue what the heck he was saying.

Gripping story

Scottish accent is tough for this American, but the story makes up for it in the end

Better than ever

It’s not easy for an author to maintain a level of excellence, but Ian Rankin finds a way. His go-to characters— Siobhan, Fox, Darryl Christie and the aging Rebus— all grow in compelling, believable ways as new storylines unfold. New characters are introduced organically and effectively.

Life at Saughton Prison, HMP Edinburgh, is described in hauntingly poignant ways, showing the tedium and threats that inmates and guards face daily. The suspense is often palpable. In his acknowledgments Rankin and press interviews briefly describes the research he did, including visits to the prison and conversations with insiders. That research is not wasted on this intelligent, understated and very disciplined author, whose every word is carefully planned, to our benefit.

NOT MY FAVORITE REBUS

Not my favorite Rebus since most of the story takes place inside a prison where Rebus is an inmate, but I'll still take an Ian Rankin story wherever it takes place. Great narration as usual.

Rebus

I really enjoyed this book. I have to admit, I couldn’t get interested in the previous book. This book was everything that I have come to expect from Ian Rankin. I look forward to the next book.