Book Review: A Question of Blood

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

A Question of Blood     Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB
Ian Rankin
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: John Rebus # 15

Rankin's popular protagonist John Rebus returns, and Rankin skillfully keeps the reader wondering about Rebus' involvement in less than honorable events. As the book opens he is resting in hospital with severe burns on both hands. He is adamantly reticent about the circumstances which led to the burns. Although eventually the reader does learn the truth, it's nearly the close of the book before Rankin explains.

Raising the suspicion of all the other characters is the fact that a lowlife of the area, who has been stalking and harassing Rebus' partner Siobhan Clarke, has died in a fire. He had been bound to a chair, and left alone in his apartment to watch a pan on the stove overheat and spread flames and smoke. Nearly everyone of Rebus' acquaintance regards him as capable of this murder, and Rebus' reticence does little if anything to persuade them otherwise.

Running parallel to the suspicion hanging over Rebus is an investigation into a school shooting in which two students and the gunman have died. A third student has survived, and the responsibility for the investigation bounces between several agencies and levels of investigation. Rebus and Clarke must handle their frustration at the shifting centers of command, deal with invasive press inquiries, the outraged protest of the father of the surviving student, and the subtle but puzzling realities of their own relationship.

A good introduction for those not yet familiar with Rankin's popular character, and a must read for existing fans.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM