Rather be the devil: From the iconic #1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES (Inspector Rebus series, 21) - Softcover

Superbly told, impossible to put down, and laced with Rankin's unmistakeable laconic wit it precisely underlines the treasure that Rebus has become. (DAILY MAIL)

Though it moves at pace, what makes this tale so satisfying is that its protagonists have had time to develop. Rebus's input serves to highlight the benefits of age, experience and keeping a sense of community. (GUARDIAN)

This elegantly crafted and witty thriller proves this old devil still has all the best tunes. (SUNDAY MIRROR)

Rankin is expert at what theorists of realism call the authenticating detail. (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY)

Essential crime-reading. (SAGA)

This is an interesting and enjoyable novel. (LITERARY REVIEW)

Rather Be The Devil is an intricate, evocative Edinburgh mystery that builds to a bloody finale. Retirement may not suit Rebus but it's resulted in yet another brilliant book in Rankin's revived crime series. (CRIME SCENE)

This may be Rebus's 21st outing, but this is a cleverly crafted tale and Ian Rankin's storytelling is as fresh as ever. (IRISH NEWS)

The 21st Rebus novel boasts effortless plotting and a cracking narrative that keeps the reader gripped throughout. (DAILY EXPRESS)

Clever and compelling. (INDEPENDENT i)

Born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. His first Rebus novel was published in 1987, and the Rebus books are now translated into thirty-six languages and are bestsellers worldwide.Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow, and is also a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award. He is the recipient of four CWA Daggers including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005. In 2004, Ian won America's celebrated Edgar Award. He has also been shortlisted for the Anthony Award in the USA, won Denmark's Palle Rosenkrantz Prize, the French Grand Prix du Roman Noir and the Deutscher Krimipreis. Ian Rankin is also the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Abertay, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Hull and the Open University.A contributor to BBC2's Newsnight Review, he also presented his own TV series, Ian Rankin's Evil Thoughts. Rankin is a No.1 bestseller in the UK and has received the OBE for services to literature, opting to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his partner and two sons. www.ianrankin.net Twitter @Beathhigh