Standing in Another Man's Grave

The number one bestselling series that inspired BBC One’s REBUS

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Macpherson

A series of seemingly random disappearances - stretching back to the millennium.
A mother determined to find the truth.
A retired cop desperate to get his old life back...

It's been some time since Rebus was forced to retire, and he now works as a civilian in a cold-case unit. So when a long-dead case bursts back to life, he can't resist the opportunity to get his feet under the CID desk once more. But Rebus is as stubborn and anarchic as ever, and he quickly finds himself in deep with pretty much everyone, including DI Siobhan Clarke.

All Rebus wants to do is uncover the truth. The big question is: can he be the man he once was and still stay on the right side of the law?

Read by James Macpherson

(p) 2012 Orion Publishing Group©2012 John Rebus Ltd

great

I just liked it all - good for walks. plot was interesting, seemed plausible and I could grasp it all without having to screw my brain up and wish I had a book so I could flick a few "pages" back to the last listen. really liked the performer's voice and subtle character differentiations.

Rankin fans' fantasy fulfilled

Any avid Rankin reader must wonder what would happen in a universe where Rebus and Fox coexist. Rankin manages what most writers attempting similar cross-overs don't do well: he permits them to meet in a credible way. However intriguing that is, it's a minor part of the story. They cross paths in a typical Rebus case.

I had missed the announcement that a new Rebus was in press, so this appearance on Audible delighted me and set up great expectations, especially after the classic Exit Music. While Standing…Grave is a welcome, credible and solid return for Rebus, the novel doesn't rank as one the best on the series. But Rebus is back, still ageing in real time and dealing with his demons. And it sounds like he's here to stay for further detection of crime and complacency. If this is a first Rebus novel for you, start with an earlier one to better appreciate ongoing elements like debate on Scottish nationalism and complicated relationships with Siobhan Clarke, Big Ger Cafferty, authority figures and mortality.

Happily, happily, "in this geographical region", this time we get narrator James Mcpherson for an unabridged Rebus. If your ear isn't used to a Scottish burr, take some time to adjust because he seems to me the perfect voice for Rebus - not an intellectual detective, but a clever, wiley, gritty, witty one.

Rebus is not the kind of protagonist I usually like, but Rankin creates him and his Edinburgh with some kind of addictive writer's magic. McCall Smith does Dr Jekyll; Rankin, Mr Hyde (on the road to redemption).

A mystery with character

What really stands out in this latest Rebus novel is the variety of characters among the detectives and the criminals. A common theme in both groups is the old guard being replaced by the new. But Ian Rankin doesn't waste his words or your time overdoing the personal details; he gets on with telling an intriguing story. Unlike lesser writers, he doesn't contrive a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter, but there are enough twists and turns to keep you baffled. I've only read one of the previous Rebus novels, so don't worry if this is your first encounter with Inspector Rebus. You don't need to read all the other sfirst, but I guarantee you'll want to read more of them once you've tried this one. The Scottish accent took a little getting used to, but it was appropriate. So bear with it, and it will repay your effort.

A great listen - not that rapped in the way it end

What did you love best about Standing in Another Man's Grave?

it was a great story, well told and well narrated. i always enjoy the depth of the character that Rankin puts together and the dialog between them is exceptional

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No but it didn't need to

What about James Macpherson’s performance did you like?

i did

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had to drive 1500km in 3 days in the Australian outback so it was great company. It got me from Charleville to Cunnamulla going a long way round.

It did the job nicely thank you.

Rebus still has my vote

Nor as action oriented as in his younger days, but wile and wit are still there. Hoping for more...still one of my favorites.