The Falls

By Ian Rankin, Orion, 2001.
Cover photograph Ross Gillespie & Tricia Malley.

I must be one of the last people on earth to read an Ian Rankin book – but I have now entered his dark, bleak world, and there is no turning back. The Falls is where I started in his vast catalogue – recommended by a fellow Scot, who commented that by this stage Rankin’s characters and plots have more fully developed.

The protagonist of this series is Rebus, a rebellious detective in the Lothian and Borders Police Force. Even from reading this one book, it’s obvious that there is a lot of history involving Rebus, his colleagues, and superiors. The plot in The Falls involves a missing female student, some little replica coffins that have been found, and an internet game. I was drawn into the story and found myself reading till late at night to find out what had happened – perhaps not the best time to be reading a story about murder!

The first thing that warmed me to Rankin was his accurate, in-depth descriptions of the geography of Edinburgh. Having lived there for several years, I could picture the action as it unfolded in its twisting historic streets. The characters were also effectively portrayed, in a believable and compelling way.

I obviously don’t want to tell you more about the story, since it is a mystery novel after all. Suffice to say to say that I was hooked in and kept guessing till the end, heart pounding as the final scenes were played out.

I have already started my next Rankin book! - Richard

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