The Complaints

From the iconic #1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES

Nobody likes The Complaints - they're the cops who investigate other cops. Complaints and Conduct Department, to give them their full title, but known colloquially as 'the Dark Side', or simply 'The Complaints'. Malcolm Fox works for The Complaints. He's just had a result, and should be feeling good about himself. But he's middle-aged, sour and unwell. He also has a father in a care home and a sister who persists in an abusive relationship.

In the midst of an aggressive Edinburgh winter, the reluctant Fox is given a new task. There's a cop called Jamie Breck, and he's dirty. Problem is, no one can prove it. But as Fox takes on the job, he learns that there's more to Breck than anyone thinks. This knowledge will prove dangerous, especially when murder intervenes.

Read by James Macpherson

(p) 2009 Orion Publishing Group©2009 John Rebus Ltd

Intricate story line, twisting and turning

The narrator is brilliant! He adds to the enjoyment and authenticity of the book. I do miss Rebus, though.

Complaints about The Complaints

I have a few complaints about The Complaints. Ian Rankin's politics are on display throughout the book as he tries to make his detective story a comment on the times. I found this tiresome. I was also uncomfortable with his apparent belief that women who start arguments with their partners deserve a good slap or two. He also is too focused on women as sexual beings. Fox looking at his sister's figure was creepy in the extreme. I use to like Ian Rankin, but after this listen, I probably won't get another