Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM
The Falls
Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada HC
Ian Rankin
Class/Genre: Mystery Police Procedural
Series: John Rebus # 13
Orion; 2001; £16.99 (English pounds); 479pp
Classification: Adult fiction (police procedural)
Ian Rankin brings Rebus back once again, this time searching for the daughter of a wealthy and influential banker. Has she simply run away or is there more to it? Rebus finds the trail leading to an internet role-playing game, and DC Siobhan Clarke is put in charge of this tack. However, is she old and wise enough to be able to take on the Quizmaster?
In my opinion, Ian Rankin has yet to write a bad book and this is no exception. 'The Falls' is a fast-paced, enjoyable and for the most part, technically accurate thriller. There are a couple of things that do not ring true on the computer side, but they do not detract from the novel as a whole, and I doubt that they would be noticed by someone with little internet knowledge.
It is interesting to note that in this novel Rankin builds a lot more on the character of Siobhan Clarke. I wonder if he is readying himself for when it is time for Rebus to go the way of the Farmer, and needs someone to take over. For me, the books will not be the same without John Rebus, should that be the case.
For the coffins and the RPG game, Rankin put in all sorts of clues. Although the reader was unlikely to be able to solve them individually, it made incredibly interesting reading and the mix of Edinburgh's history with the police procedural aspect was very enjoyable.
Once again, Rankin has written a great novel that is sure to join the best sellers for a long time.
Luke Croll - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM
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