Book Review: Resurrection Men

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Resurrection Men     Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC
Ian Rankin
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: John Rebus # 14
Little, Brown, Feb 2003, $19.95, 448 pp.

Though he knows he should never have displayed his anger by tossing the coffee cup in front of his boss DCS Gill Templar, Edinburgh Inspector John Rebus finds the remedy for his short temper quite embarrassing. Gill has enrolled John in the Scottish Police College along side several other RESURRECTION MEN. The superiors of those attending this syllabus hope that some of these rogue officers learn teamwork. However, the assignment that the class works on together leaves John wondering if he is set up to take a hit or is he really to go undercover and find out whether his fellow disgraced pupils are on the take.

Meanwhile Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke discovers that her investigation of the art dealer's murder that led to the coffee cup incident is tied to Rebus's investigation as well as a strange connection to a crime boss. John and Siobhan soon see their cases merging and join the ranks to solve both of them.

It is ionic that this solid Rebus police procedural is well written but not quite at the great level of most of the previous novels in the series, yet is one of the better sub-genre entries. RESURRECTION MEN proves how talented Ian Rankin is as Rebus fans will appreciate the effort and newcomers will search for other novels by the author. Rebus remains an ornery delight as his regret for tossing the mug is not having done it in private. Though the second half of the story line seems wordy, the rank and file will relish an entertainingly vigorous investigative novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner