We have updated our Privacy Policy Please take a moment to review it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the terms of our updated Privacy Policy.

Some cases never leave you.

For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria’s killer has never been found.

Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?

In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.

What's Inside

Read More Read Less

Reviews

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
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
Rankin is expert at what theorists of realism call the authenticating detail.
SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY
Essential crime-reading.
SAGA
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
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
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
Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.
CHALLENGER