The Naming of the Dead

An Inspector Rebus Novel

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Gale

The leaders of the free world descend on Scotland for an international conference, and every cop in the country is needed for front-line duty...except one. John Rebus' reputation precedes him, and his bosses don't want him anywhere near Presidents Bush and Putin, which explains why he's manning an abandoned police station when a call comes in. During a pre-conference dinner at Edinburgh Castle, a delegate has fallen to his death. Accident, suicide, or something altogether more sinister? While the government and secret services attempt to hush the whole thing up, Rebus knows he has only seventy-two hours to find the answers.

Rebus to the max

A great addition to the Rebus canon, "The Naming of the Dead," is full of the usual nihilistic musings on the futility of our modern existence and refusal to give in to the expectations of others. This is at the same time a meditation on the meaning of our responsibilities to family, full of startling twists and turns. Great read by the narrator. First rate entertainment.

Wonderful narrator, gripping tale

Until now, I've only read Ian Rankin's books, rather than listened to them. I've been waiting to get the latest Inspector Rebus novel from the library, but a 12-hour solo road trip was looming and I needed some audio material. I decided to take a chance, despite the fact that the book is abridged. I'm glad I did. It was a perfect "listen" in the car. The narrator is brilliant. He captures the characters without caricaturing them. Very entertaining and engaging.

Good book, Sound problems

As usual Ranking has written an excellent police mystery. It is well performed and worth the investment of the credit/$. However, the sound quality is not good. Technically, it sounds as if this is a dubbing at too high an output volume with consequent clipping.

Rankin remains the best

Rankin is just a fabulous writer, and this book is great.

Excellent Listen

Terrific listen. Narration excellent.