Rather Be the Devil cover art

Rather Be the Devil

Inspector Rebus 21

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Rather Be the Devil

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: James Macpherson
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About this listen

What could be better than settling down to listen to an elegantly crafted, intricate mystery thriller fraught with tension and excitement? Set in Edinburgh, Ian Rankin's best-selling Inspector Rebus series makes its return with a dark installment that revisits the haunting unsolved murder of a young woman.

Some cases never leave you.

For John Rebus, 40 years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. She was murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, and Maria's killer has never been found.

Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?

In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.

©2016 John Rebus Ltd (P)2016 Orion Publishing Group Crime Crime Fiction Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Genre Fiction Modern Detectives Mystery Police Procedural Private Investigators Thriller Thriller & Suspense Urban Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant  
Not quite as good as the early books in the series, less discriptions, rebus is getting physically older and obviously no longer a cop, makes it slightly less joined up. But good read overall

Not bad

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Some 40 years ago a beautiful young woman was found murdered I the Caledonian Hotel, Rebus recalled as he took Deborah Quant,the police pathologist and his lady friend there for dinner. He remembered it well: a young policeman then, he'd been pulled off the case to his dismay and it had never been solved. Retired now, and with health concerns he was trying to hide, he gets his younger former associate, DI Siobhon Clark to pull files for him as he noses his way through the underworld of Edinburgh crime. And, after another retired cop is killed, and a local thug is beaten up, Fox also returns, completing the investigative trio.

The combination of atmospheric location and realistically portrayed, very human characters has always made Rankin's Rebus books so engrossing. Throw in solid crime stories, too, and every book from the series becomes unmissable. Whilst all of the books are essentially stand alone, this title is definitely improved by having previous acquaintance with the characters, especially given the large number of names drawn into the crime cross currents. But as the book progresses, a solid picture web emerges of the Edinburgh mostly unseen by the tourists. Brilliant.

Rather be the Devil is narrated by James Macpherson, whose use of numerlus, individualized Scottish accents for most of the protagonists not only helped identify each one but added to their personalities. His reading is excellent, emotionally involved with the story, different nuances and good modulation building a solid sound tapestry. A fine performance.
Rebus is older now but still the detective even without his warrant card.
Recommended to all crime solving and police procedural fans, especially those who enjoy the atmosphere of place and realistic inhabitants.

"You're a lucky man, Rebus."

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A well written and well read story. Very enjoyable but I must try Val Mcdermitt

Another gripping Rebus story

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Really good stories all intermingled. Characters are believable and the old favorites are true to form.

Gripping right to the end.

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Rebus is far from retired. Slowly evolving investigation set in Edinburgh. Gripping story. Great read.

Great story

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I absolutely love all the Rebus novels but this one has made one error that I can’t ignore because I’m an anorak when it comes to detail. The novelist Maxine Dromgoole has asked Rebus to get her a meeting with Big Ger Cafferty s she wants to write a book about him. Big Ger is very flattered to think anyone wouldn’t e want to read about him but - in the novel The Naming of the Dead the journalist Marie Henderson co-writes a book all about Big Ger and he is the co-writer!! Other than that the Book was brilliant and once again narrated superbly by James McPherson. I cannot wait to read the two new Rebus novels promised for later this year.

Sorry to point out an error

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What a story! Performance Class A. Hope there's more to follow, PLEASE. Rebus, Clark and Fox are all flawed in different ways but make a brilliant team.

Rebus and Cafferty are both back!

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This is a fantastic story, beautifully narrated by MacPherson. I have only one criticism, which is that DI Clarke's English isn't. English, I mean. I wish he could get this right as everything else is so very good.

All Rebus fans should get this.

Get this

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Another excellent story. I like the way other characters are involved. Also love the dog

Rebus rules

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Another dramatic storyline full of twists and turns with intertwining plots from past and present. Loved every minute. Excellent narrator, brilliant author.

Loved it!

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