Standing in Another Man's Grave

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Macpherson

John Rebus returns to investigate the disappearances of three women from the same road over ten years.

For the last decade, Nina Hazlitt has been ready to hear the worst about her daughter's disappearance. But with no sightings, no body, and no suspect, the police investigation ground to a halt long ago, and Nina's pleas to the cold case department have led her nowhere.

Until she meets the newest member of the team: former Detective John Rebus.

Rebus has never shied away from lost causes - one of the many ways he managed to antagonize his bosses when he was on the force. Now he's back as a retired civilian, reviewing abandoned files. Necessary work, but it's not exactly scratching the itch he feels to be in the heart of the action.

Two more women have gone missing from the same road where Sally Hazlitt was last seen. Unlike his skeptical colleagues, Rebus can sense a connection - but pursuing it leads him into the crosshairs of adversaries both old and new.

Rebus may have missed the thrill of the hunt, but he's up against a powerful enemy who's got even less to lose.

On the twentieth anniversary of Ian Rankin's first American publication comes a novel bursting with the vitality and suspense that made its author one of crime fiction's most dazzling stars. Standing in Another Man's Grave is the triumphant return of John Rebus, and a riveting story of sin, redemption, and revenge.

OK but not great

I had a hard time at first with the accent but that is definitely my fault. The storyline was okay, it did drag on a little. Not sure that I would recommend it to anyone but it wasn't a horrible book.

Another strong Ian Rankin

Good characters, believable plot, solid writing. Narration good. Really like the novel.
Ian Rankin is always worth reading.

Return to solid form

A very solid "Rebus" story, confirming Ian Rankin very much back to form after the somewhat disappointing Malcolm Fox books. A well constructed plot, with some interesting new villains emerging - seeds for future stories? - and two well-past-their prime main characters including of course Rebus himself. He's the scruffy character steeped in IPA and cigarettes, in his element in the thick bluish smoke haze of bar rooms in old British pubs. James Macpherson's narration is superb, although some may find the Scottish brogue a little thick - I thought it was 5 stars.

Accent No Problem

I have to admit that I'm only a few hours into the book, so my review may be updated if the book changes dramatically. So far it is fine. I'm headed to Scotland in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to prepare myself with a few hours listening to the accent and perhaps getting a whiff of Scottish culture thorough an easy listen. I was a bit concerned given the reviews that suggest the accent of the reader is difficult to understand. It seems quite clear to me - try listening to the dialogue of the movie, "Trainspotting" if you want a real challenge! I can't guarantee you'll love the story, but I wouldn't worry about understanding the narration.

Rebus gets better and better

Sure he is older but his instincts and worldview are unchanged. Rankin has a winner here and I hope he keeps it up.