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Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin

February 4, 2014April 2, 2014
Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin
Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin

In Hide and Seek, the second book in the Inspector Rebus series, a young man is discovered dead from an apparent overdose in a shady part of Edinburgh. John Rebus takes on the case, but discovers troubling evidence that points to a murder: the body is found laid out cross-like between two candles, a five-pointed star has been drawn on the wall above, the body is covered in bruises, and an autopsy reveals that the drug used by the victim was laced with rat poison. At the same time, Rebus is enlisted by his boss, Detective Superintendent Watson, to participate in an anti-drug campaign. In this role, Rebus meets several successful businessmen who prove to be far from model citizens.

In Hide and Seek, Ian Rankin further develops the parallel with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.  We are also introduced to recurring characters in the series: Brian Holmes, the Detective Sergeant who helps Rebus solve the case, and Detective Superintendent Watson, their boss. Rebus’ character is still deeply flawed, but he becomes more likable than in Knots & Crosses. Ian Rankin’s writing style has also evolved, and his dark humor is a welcome addition to the story.

Fun facts about the author:

  • Ian Rankin lives in Edinburgh, close to Alexander McCall Smith and JK Rowling.
  • When studying at the University of Edinburgh, the author wrote poems that were published in magazines.
  • Ian Rankin lived in France for 6 years with his wife. His two sons, Jack and Kit, were born there.

About the author and his work: Ian Rankin’s Website

Read a review of the previous book in the Rebus series: Knots & Crosses

If you liked this book you might also like:

Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin
Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin
Does Your Mother Know by Maureen Jennings
Does Your Mother Know by Maureen Jennings
The K Handshape by Maureen Jennings
The K Handshape by Maureen Jennings
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
Ian Rankin Thriller authorbookdrugsedinburghmurderreviewscotland

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Cecile

Cécile Sune was born in Lyon, France, and her obsession with books started when she was 14. Her grandparents had lent her Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and she spent part of the summer indoors reading. Needless to say, her tan didn't really improve that year! It was also around that time that Cécile fell in love with the English language. Several years later, in 1999, Cécile moved to Toronto, Canada, with her cat and 5 suitcases. Her love of reading greatly increased when she discovered that English books were much cheaper than French novels. In 2013, she decided to start a blog to share her passion. Cécile now lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband and their daughter, and works as a freelance translator (CS Revision).

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