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Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin: A review

One of my favorite writers of mysteries for many years has been Ian Rankin. By now, his main character, Inspector John Rebus, feels like an old friend. A rather disreputable but never dull old friend. This is the twenty-fifth Rebus mystery and I've read them all. I'm happy to say that the quality of the writing has not flagged.

Midnight and Blue finds the now former Inspector Rebus in prison, HMP Saughton in Edinburgh. He is serving his sentence alongside gang leader Daryl Christie, who "runs" Trinity Hall where Rebus is housed. Christie has vowed to protect Rebus because he is grateful for his role in the death of Morris Gerald ("Big Ger") Cafferty who long-time readers of the series remember as Rebus' nemesis.

When we meet Rebus this time, he has already spent three months mingling with the general prison population at Saughton and getting to know them. Then, one of his fellow prisoners, a minor thief named Jackie Simpson, is murdered in his cell and the former DCI has a new mystery to solve.

DS Christine Esson and her new partner DI Jason Mulgrew are assigned to investigate the murder, but, for some reason, DI Malcolm Fox, formerly part of the Professional Standards unit but now in Organized Crime, also seems quite interested in the case. We learn that Simpson was one of Fox's snitches, although he doesn't inform the investigating team of that fact. 

While Rebus has been in prison, his former partner DI Siobhan Clarke has visited him regularly. She's now partnered with DS Cameron Colson, a particularly gloomy and irritating character who must be a trial to Clarke's patience. The two of them are currently charged with investigating the disappearance of 14-year-old Jasmine Andrews who left school one day and never made it home. When Fox discovers information that is relevant to the case of the missing girl, in typical Fox fashion, he fails to share it with Clarke or Colson. 

This is a story with many twists and turns, a trademark of the Rebus mystery series.  Even after all these years, Ian Rankin still manages to make the plot of each novel feel fresh and entertaining. And surprising. Every time I thought I had things figured out, some new detail threw me for a loop. It is the mark of this very good writer of mysteries to keep astonishing us with the creativity of his storylines. Long may he continue!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

 
 

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Comments

  1. jabblogDecember 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM

    I haven't read all the Rebus stories but have enjoyed the ones I have. I'm not sure 'enjoyed' is quite the right word, though. A policeman's life in prison is not an easy one.

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersDecember 3, 2024 at 10:43 AM

      Rebus always seems to be in his element no matter where life takes him - and that even includes prison.

      Delete
  2. MysticaDecember 3, 2024 at 7:59 PM

    I may be the odd one out who hasn’t read his books but I’m definitely going to find one asap. Thanks for the review.

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersDecember 3, 2024 at 9:26 PM

      If you like mysteries, I think you' ll enjoy them!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousDecember 8, 2024 at 9:40 AM

      I have enjoyed reading Rebus for many years, although I've not read all of the Rebus books. Ian is a fantastic author. You will enjoy them Mystica.

      Delete
  3. Lark December 4, 2024 at 8:47 AM

    I've heard good things about these mysteries, but have never tried one. It's sometimes intimidating to think about starting a long-running series like this one. At least it is for me. ;D

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersDecember 4, 2024 at 11:09 AM

      I guess I can understand that. In some series I don't think it would matter so much whether or not you read all books and in order, but it's hard for me to imagine reading this one any other way.

      Delete
    2. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzDecember 5, 2024 at 6:29 AM

      Imagine how much work it is to create a complex and intricate mystery for an author! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one so much.

      Delete
    3. Dorothy BordersDecember 5, 2024 at 10:24 AM

      I can imagine how much work it would take. That's probably what stopped me from becoming a novelist!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousDecember 6, 2024 at 10:35 AM

    As an old Beath high pupil who was dragged up in Cowdenbeath I love all of Ians Rebus novels and hope to read this one shortly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Captivated ReaderDecember 6, 2024 at 9:35 PM

    I do not believe I have ever read any of Ian Rankin's novels!! I love a good mystery, so will need to check out one of Rankin's novels in the future.

    "Even after all these years, Ian Rankin still manages to make the plot of each novel feel fresh and entertaining. And surprising." This is quite a testament to Rankin's writing when one considers he has written 25 Rebus mysteries! It must be difficult to keep keep things refreshing and entertaining + surprising too!

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersDecember 6, 2024 at 9:45 PM

      I would certainly encourage you to start with the first in the series, "Knots and Crosses."

      Delete
    2. Captivated ReaderDecember 7, 2024 at 12:45 AM

      Great idea!!

      Delete
  6. thecuecardDecember 11, 2024 at 9:07 AM

    Now I'm wondering why Inspector Rebus is in prison. Hmm. Perhaps that was in Book #24. Glad you liked it.

    ReplyDelete

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