Ian Rankin’s Midnight and Blue once again proves why he reigns supreme as the master of Scottish Noir. John Rebus finds himself in an unthinkable position—on the inside of a prison, surrounded by the very criminals he spent his life locking away.
The story’s premise—a locked-room murder in a prison—is a tantalizing puzzle that only Rankin could craft with such precision and depth. Every character, from inmates to guards, carries a shadowy secret, making the stakes impossibly high. Rebus, stripped of his badge and safety net, is more compelling than ever as he navigates treacherous alliances and dangerous enemies.
What’s particularly exciting is the expanded roles of Siobhan Clarke and Christine Essom. These characters add new dimensions to the narrative, hinting at a promising future for the franchise. Rankin skillfully balances the old and the new, maintaining the essence of Rebus while evolving the story in fresh and unexpected ways.
With its taut pacing, vivid descriptions of Edinburgh’s darker side, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final page, Midnight and Blue is a tour de force. Rankin delivers another unforgettable chapter in the Rebus saga, proving that old habits—and legendary detectives—truly die hard. An absolute must-read for fans and newcomers alike!