Set in Darkness

Ian Rankin

Queensbury House, last used as a hospital, is being renovated to house the newly re-established Scots Parliament. Inspector Rebus has been assigned as part of the liaison team to oversee the work, much to his dismay. But when a 20-year-old body is found in a boarded up fireplace, the work becomes interesting.

A few days later, a potential Parliament member is killed on the premises. Then a homeless man jumps to his death. Why does he have 400,000 pounds in the bank? Although the cases are disconnected, Rebus intuitively believes they are related. To add to the confusion, there are two rapists watching women in singles clubs. There is a stalker. We also can't forget the policeman assigned to Rebus who is a political climber. Rebus and his people are investigating unrelated cases that seem to tie together.

This novel has many twists, turns, and red herrings. There is an aging supermodel who is intrigued by Rebus. The underground "boss" is released from jail and wants to resume his control of the mob of Edinborough. He returns to taunt his old nemisis, Rebus. Different members of Rebus' team are endangered until Rebus finds himself facing certain death.

Set in Darkness is a psychologically gripping novel. It would take an very astute reader to keep up until the truth is finally discovered. When Rebus finally does get through to the truth, there is nothing he can do.

Knots and Crosses
Hide and Seek
Tooth and Nail
Strip Jack
A Good Hanging
The Black Book
Mortal Causes
Let It Bleed
Black and Blue
The Hanging Garden
Dead Souls
Death is Not the End
Set in Darkness
The Falls
Resurrection Man
A Question of Blood
Fleshmarket Alley