Having watched all of the TV series, this was the first Rebus novel that I'd actually read. The story itself was quite straightforward, with a male body found in a car in a gulley. Who was it? Why was it there? Why hadn't it been found before?

With Rebus now retired, the case falls to some of his former colleagues including DI Siobhan Clarke. It's not long before Rebus gets himself involved again, sometimes unwelcomingly.

Although the story and resolution are simple, the twists and turns of the book really highlight the processes that the police force have to follow (and the bureaucratic hoops)

I would definitely read another Rebus novel, and I've got plenty to catch up on!

Another great Rebus book - this time investigating the historical disappearance of a private investigator who turns up dead in the boot of a car.

The best thing in these books is the relationships - Rebus/Clarke/Cafferty - they are old friends and enemies, and it is good to read how their lives have developed over the years. As ever, Edinburgh itself is a main character - the gritty side, not the pretty side!

Highly recommended

In A House of Lies by Ian Rankin

Over ten years ago, a private investigator from Edinburgh disappeared and no amount of searching by the police, including John Rebus, could find him. The missing man’s parents did not take this well and have continued to blame the police. And now, out of the blue, a group of children have found his body, concealed in a car dumped in a wood that was thoroughly searched by the police all those years ago. Rebus knows they searched that spot. So why has the body been dumped now? What message is the killer sending? Rebus’ help will be needed as the police untangle this years’ old investigation, uncovering secrets, reopening wounds. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke has been receiving nuisance calls. She’s determined to get to the bottom of why and, when she does, she’ll find another old case to unravel. It seems that the past has a habit of not staying dead.

In a House of Lies is the 22nd novel in Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus series, surely one of the most loved and popular crime series there has ever been. I always look forward to them. John Rebus is an old friend, although these days we must worry for him. He’s unwell. And, retired, he’s missing filling his days with the job. I have dipped in and out of this series over the years and have had no difficulty in catching up. So while In a House of Lies would possibly be enjoyed all the more if you’re reading all of the novels in sequence, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble picking things up if you’re less familiar with Rebus’ story.

Rebus is, of course, retired these days and, for me, this has made the books slightly harder to read in recent years. They hark back to the past. We see the same characters over and over again and they are reminders of Rebus’ past career. They won’t let him go and neither will he leave them alone. Rebus is a cop who likes to know his enemy. There is a good side to this – we’re given such a thorough immersion in Rebus’ world and in the criminal underworld of Edinburgh – but I do wonder how long Rebus’ retirement investigating can go on for, especially now that he’s unwell. Ian Rankin writes brilliantly as always – but I can’t help thinking we’ve been here before. Much as I love Rebus, I think it could be time for him to be allowed to enjoy his retirement in peace.

The good news is that Siobhan Clarke has such a strong role in the latest novel. She’s central to much that goes on and acts independently of Rebus when it suits her. She has a new boss, Sutherland, and I rather liked him. I like the direction that these two are heading in. If Rebus ever is able to put his feet up then I think that Clarke and Sutherland would be worthy successors.

The stories in A House of Lies are very good and they’re intricately plotted. There is so much going on here as we see the perpetrators and victims of crime in all their guises. This is complex plotting and Ian Rankin is such a master at it.

The tension between old-fashioned policing and new restraints and techniques is such an interesting theme of these later novels. Both worlds view the other with suspicion and more than a little sense of competition, especially now that the policing of these older cases is under scrutiny. Rebus bridges these worlds surprisingly well. He represents something to police and criminals alike. He is a legend and the shadow he casts is long.

Other review
Rather Be the Devil

I have read a good number of "Rebus" novels, but was less gripped by this one. I felt, at the end,. that I would rather have seen a dramatised version than read it as a book.. There seemed a great deal of dialogue and sections seemed slow, possibly because it was a cold case.

Even so, it was worth reading - but a film version would be better.

This is the 22nd in the Rebus series and Rebus is ill, he has COPD (emphysema) and is retired,

A body is found in the boot of an abandoned car and it has clearly been there a long time.

DI John Rebus turns up to assist, as he feels he knows who it is. He is working with his friend, Siobhan Clarke and Malcolm Fox.

This has the same atmosphere and pace of other Rebus novels but. Felt this was more of a police procedural about corruption within a Police force and less about the actual crime itself. While it’s still a good read, it felt like the winding down of Rebus and didn’t engage me as much.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

A new John Rebus novel is always a very welcome event and this one does not disappoint. A missing private investigator is found, locked in the boot of a car hidden in the woods with his legs trapped in police issue handcuffs. The original investigation into his disappearance found no trace of him despite a search of the area where he has now been found. Was the first investigation flawed? It is up to DI Siobhan Clarke and her colleagues to dig deep.

There is a complex plot involving shady police officers, the criminal underworld, film producers and, of course the irascible John Rebus who may have been more involved in the first investigation than he would like others to know.

As usual, Ian Rankin has written a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a satisfying story with plenty of atmosphere, dry humour and entertainment. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

I love how Rebus still manages to be a major character and solve crimes even though he's no longer in the Police. As with all the Rankin books I have read, I like the fact that he anticipates the reader will be able to appreciate and follow the thread and clues of his complex and twisty plots and remember the myriad of characters and relationships.

What a hotchpotch of a story, with a maelstrom of plots and counter plots within the police force during an ongoing investigation into a murder when the body is found of a cold case botched missing persons enquiry. Rebus although retired comes under the spot light by those determined to convict him of misdemeanours that occurred during the original case when he was involved in the investigating team headed by an old colleague. Old scores have to be settled and plots foiled, so things can proceed and after many twists and turns justice more or less gets done.

A good solid read as always from Ian Rankin. Rebus is around again after an old case comes back to life. The body of a privet investigator is found and digs up some issues with the case from the pass.
Knowing the characters does make this book an enjoyable read, however it takes nothing away reading it as a stand alone.

I was sent a copy of In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin to read and review by NetGalley.
A very readable book. Not what you would call exciting but quite compelling in its own way. Character led, with the curmudgeonly John Rebus at its core, this novel is a romp through police procedure. With old adversaries being put under the spotlight following the discovery of a private investigator’s body, a decade after the victim went missing, along with allegations of sloppy police work in the original investigation, retired cop Rebus can’t resist getting involved. Lots of twists and turns and a smattering of humour make this a very satisfying read.

Usual type of story from the master of his art, without giving anything away! Rebus is managing his decline with the humour and dry wit you have come to expect from such a formidable character.

An engrossing read with strong characters and gritty truths. The type of book you get through by binge reading in to the night. Typical Rankin really.

Once a fan, always a fan. Long live Rebus despite the breathing issues, hopefully!

'In a 'House of Lies' is a polished police procedural with iconic characters, especially Rebus. Even ailing and in retirement, he remains an intelligent, tenacious detective.

DI Clarke is on the Murder Investigation Team (MIT) investigating a murder of a victim from Rebus' time. Opening this cold case lets out old secrets, and no one is safe especially Rebus. Someone is leaking information to the press, and internal affairs suspect Clarke, who is still smarting from their previous investigation. Corruption, murder and poor policing are all exposed in this fascinating crime novel, and Rebus finds himself with a case that reveals some poignant facts and showcases the best and worst of humanity.

The characters are complex, flawed and realistic, whether they be criminals or police. The tension and suspense increase with each page making it hard to put down. The setting is authentic and the background information cleverly woven into the story, making it an easy standalone read.

Police procedural at its best, whether you are a fan of Rebus or not.

I received a copy of this book from Orion via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Why have I never read any of the Rebus books before? Although police procedurals are not my favourite genre this is so well written and totally gripping. All the time I was reading it I was seeing Ken Stott in my mind's eye and imagining some of the seedier areas of Edinburgh. There are enough twists and turns to keep people guessing and an array of characters. Must read more of these!

Di John Rebus has now retired and is in ill health but this doesn't stop him coming back to help investigate a cold case he was once involved with .Ian Rankin doesn't disappoint with this well written complex story with many secrets and lies and corruption on the force .Very god police procedural and I didn't guess the ending .Many thanks to the publisher ,the Author and NetGalley for my review copy in exchange for an honest review .

Rebus is back again, this time not officially helping, more adding his past experience to an old murder case that becomes live again as the body finally turns up. We have plenty of familiar faces in the book include DI's Clarke and Fox, plus Rebus's nemesis Cafferty.

Plot wise Ian Rankin cleverly mixes two plot threads together, with Rebus popping up at key moments in the book. It is a classic Rebus novel with plenty of plot, pace and the only thing less of this time was musical recommendations coming via Rebus. Still this latest book will delight the many fans of Rankinh and his cretion Rebus. Read and enjoy..

I have a soft spot for Rebus given it was this series that got me interested in reading crime fiction in the first place, and I can't believe we still have new additions to it so many years after it began, not that there is any reason to stop producing a series that is universally popular. This is, in fact, the twenty-second novel to feature Edinburgh-based former Detective Inspector John Rebus of Police Scotland. You often find as a series wears on that the author becomes a little despondent and lacks the oomph that was provided and put into earlier books, but there's no such issue here. Rankin is still very much at the top of his game!

Despite Rebus being practically retired, here he is strongly featuring in 'In A House of Lies' where he assists the police with an intriguing cold case. The plot deals with a missing private investigator who is found and points to police corruption. Much like what is going on in reality, Rebus's old headquarters at Lothian & Borders Police is now defunct and has moved to a centralised location in Gartcosh near Edinburgh. So, to oversee the reinvestigation of the old case DI Siobhan Clarke and Malcolm Fox are parachuted in from the Major Incident Team (MIT). This is a soundly structured, complex and subtly nuanced tale, and each of the characters are superbly drawn but particularly Rebus, Fox and Clarke.

As always, the pace is impeccable, the plot interesting enough that you become immersed quickly and Rebus, even though he is no longer in charge, is still a unique character that knows his own mind, is confident is his abilities, and although he may be a little unconventional we all know that all of the best people always are! However, with his COPD creating havoc in terms of breathing and his issues with alcohol and cigarettes not to mention his age, he now has more important priorities than just police work.

Another wonderful addition to Scottish Noir with plenty of wit and dry humour and an atmosphere few crime writers know how to create! I challenge any crime buff to not enjoy this novel. The multiple strands of the plot are woven together seamlessly by a true master of the genre. I hope both him and Rankin are on top of their game for the foreseeable!

Many thanks to Orion for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

A dead body from an investigation years back turns up in a car and what are the chances that retired DI Rebus will know who he is and about the case? Odds on if you know anything about Rebus from previous experience.
Once he knows about the body, he does his usual of trying to get in on the case and find out what's going on. Mainly to cover his back as he was on the original investigation and also because, as we know with Rebus, he just can't help himself. The current crew investigating do their best to keep him away but you know with Rebus that won't happen don't you. DI Clarke even tries getting him investigating an old case of hers to help keep him out but like a boomerang he just keeps coming back. All his major characters are here with Rebus and involved, DI Clarke, DI Fox, Cafferty, et al, as they search to find the killer they couldn't find years back. What will come out of the woodwork and who will get a bloody nose in this one from the police to others? That is what makes this book so readable and enjoyable.

You know before you read an Ian Rankin novel that it will be well written and keep you enthralled all the way through and it does that and more. He leads you down the many strands he creates in a story and you wonder what will be relevant and not come the final reckoning. Finally he delivers an ending which has kept you guessing from page one....what more can you ask?

This is undoubtedly one of the best novels of this year so don't miss out, make sure you read it.

What a fool I have been to ignore the Rebus series for so long. This is the first that I have read and I now have 21 previous books to catch up with.

Beautifully written, wry, humorous and characters to die for. The plot was multi layered and I was kept guessing all the way through.

My all time favourite, Harry Bosch now has a serious rival for my literary affection!

Despite COPD, enforced lack of alcohol and cigarettes and a new addiction to gum Rebus still has what it takes. This is part cold case, part exploration of the lies and tensions within families and within the police family that Rebus belonged to for so long and can’t quite leave, even though he has to describe himself as an ex copper now.
It is another excellent read. Recommended.

Enjoyed from the start to the finish. Kept me enthralled throughout. Rebus still has it even in retirement with helping of cold cases. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.