This is the first book by Ian Rankin I have read and it has wetted my appetite sufficiently to make me look for more. A well constructed novel it kept up the intrigue with a momentum I enjoyed.

Not one of Ian Rankin's best novels but a good read nevertheless.

The Rebus series of books are so well known among fans of crime fiction.

In this the first book in Rankin's series, we're taken to the dark, dingy underbelly of Edinburgh and into the equally dark trauma-ridden work of Inspector Rebus.

From the graphic descriptions of child murders, to the brilliant central sequence — describing Rubus' disturbing past in the SAS — it's a must read introduction to one of crime writings best known detectives. Highly recommended. Readers of the later books will find an interesting side to Rebus and his city.

This edition contains brilliantly rendered text, including a reflection of the novel and subsequent series it spawned by the author, and the fantastic feature of an appendix containing questions for reading groups. In addition there's photographs of the key locations, maps of the city, and some great black and white photography of Edinburgh and the author that really compliment the story. Nicely done!