Author interview
Author Q&A
'If possible, this is superior to Rankin's 1997 Gold Dagger-winning novel, BLACK & BLUE' Mike Ripley, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH; 'The sheer research and awful social truth of this, Rankin's best novel, would make a solid citizen put it down after page 15, if only it were not as entertaining as a firework display' Frances Fyfield, MAIL ON SUNDAYDetective Inspector John Rebus is buried under a pile of paperwork generated by his investigations into a suspected war criminal. But an escalating dispute between the upstart Tommy Telford and Big Ger Cafferty's gang gives Rebus an escape. Telford is known to have close links with a Newcastle gangster nicknamed Mr Pink Eyes - a Chechen bringing refugees into Britain as prostitutes. When Rebus takes under his wing a distraught Bosnian call girl, it gives him a personal reason to make sure Telford takes the high road back to Paisley. Within days, Rebus's daughter is the victim of an all too professional hit and run and Rebus knows that now there is nothing he wouldn't do to bring down prime suspect Tommy Telford - even if it means cutting a deal with the devil.