The Falls

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Ian Rankin

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Pages: 496 (Paperback)

ISBN: 0752877259

Pub: Orion

Pub date: 2005-09-22

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 8350

Editorial Review:

Success has a price, and the remarkable acclaim (both critical and commercial) that greeted the gritty Edinburgh-set crime novels of Ian Rankin has set the author a considerable problem. How does he maintain the freshness of detail and atmosphere that have made his books such riveting reading? And how does he keep his tough detective DI John Rebus from degenerating into a series of mannerisms? If Raymond Chandler grew tired of Philip Marlowe and Conan Doyle of Holmes, Rankin would have been in good company if he gave up on Rebus. Fortunately, his belief in the character clearly remains as powerful as ever, and The Falls is the most impressive Rebus novel in many a moon. The detective's personal problems--overused of late--are wisely sidelined in order to concentrate on a highly intriguing (and topical) plot.
When a student vanishes in Edinburgh, there is pressure on Rebus to find her, particularly as she is the scion of a family of extremely rich bankers. Needless to say, this is more than just the case of a spoilt rich girl breaking out of the cage of family responsibilities, and a carved wooden doll in a coffin found in her home village leads Rebus to the Internet role-playing game that she was involved in. And when DC Siobhan Clarke, a key member of Rebus' team, tackles the Virtual Quizmaster, Rankin finds himself struggling to save her from the same fate as the missing girl.
Consummate plotting has always been Rankin's trademark, and that skill is put to maximum use here. The balance between developing the characterisation of the ill-assorted team of coppers that Rebus assembles and the labyrinthine twists of the plot is maintained with an iron hand, and Rankin's mordant eye remains as keen as ever:
"You okay, John?" Curt reached out a hand and touched his shoulder. Rebus shook his head slowly, eyes squeezed shut. Curt didn't make it out the first time, so Rebus had to repeat what he said next: "I don't believe in heaven." That was the horror of it. This life was the only one you got. No redemption afterwards, no chance of wiping the slate clean and starting over. Rebus said "There is no justice in the world." "You'd know more about that than I would", Curt replied.

--Barry Forshaw

Reader Reviews:

Intriguing plot (2/2 people found this helpful)

The summary of this thriller is well described by the Amazon.co.uk Reviews above and by most reviewers. This was the first book I read by Mr. Rankin and all I want to say is, it was truly captivating. An edge-of-the-seat book, gripping from page one. I'm looking forward to read some more of his works.

Excellent dramatization (0/0 people found this helpful)

I have not read any Inspector Rebus books,but Bert Coules' dramatization of this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Great story, great characters, acting and music. It was superb.

Next Sherlock? (1/1 people found this helpful)

This was the first novel I had from Ian Rankin. Since then I cannot stop thinking that Inspector Rebus could be our modern Sherlock Holmes. After I got this book I am always looking for more Ins. Rebus stories. I like them very much.

'The Falls' by Ian Rankin. (0/0 people found this helpful)

Amazingly good! This was the 1st novel i had read b Ian Rankin and now i have read a few more since because this one was sooo good! I found it really interesting and it was the first book i'd read set close to where i live so it makes it even more real!I think he has improved over the years because i went back to read his first inspector rubus books and they were not so good.I finished this book the day it was shown on t.v that night so i watched it and it wasn't anywhere near as good as the book, it wasn't even the same story, the only thing that was pratically the same were the names of the characters.

great book, great writer (1/1 people found this helpful)

I love Ian Rankin and i personally think that this is one of his best. If you recently watched the dramatisation of this on ITV with Ken Stott as Rebus then dont worry as there is alot more in the book and definitly well worth reading. Fantastic

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