Ex-swineherd and viniculturist Rankin writes another winning story featuring Detective Inspector John Rebus, the Don Quixote of the Scottish police. Rebus once again finds himself tilting at windmills as bodies pile up, and the stakes--Rebus' career, political future, and possibly the economic health of Scotland--get higher. The first victims are two kids, potential kidnap suspects whose spectacular and gory leap off a bridge after a high-speed police chase gives even the hardened Rebus nightmares. Then a rapist, recently released from prison, kills himself in front of a district councillor. The two cases seem unrelated until Rebus discovers a tenuous and surprising link--a link that someone wants desperately to hide. Rankin is a genius at finding the perfect blend of curmudgeonly guile, stubborn gruffness, and unsuspecting vulnerability for Rebus, who, despite his many faults, is a refreshing if lonely champion of truth and justice. Rankin also delivers sparkling wit, superb plotting, and a host of surprising twists to keep readers completely, charmingly off balance. Emily Melton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

. . . another top-notch procedural in a brooding series featuring . . . Edinburgh police inspector, John Rebus. -- The New York Times Book Review, Marilyn Stasio --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.