The Impossible Dead

DI Malcolm Fox is a member of 'the Complaints' - what the Americans call 'the Rat Squad' - investigating police misbehaviour in Edinburgh and its environs.

In this story, he and his team are called in to interview the colleagues of a bent cop in Kirkcaldy, but very soon there are murders (both new and old) to be investigated.

Although this is only the second in the series, I think Ian Rankin has come up with a worthy successor to Rebus. Fox is a recovering alcoholic (what fictional policeman isn't?) with both domestic (but not the usual) and work related problems which cleverly interact with his investigations. He is a realistic and sympathetic character and it is also interesting that the 'good' cop - the one the reader identifies with - is regarded by many of his colleagues as 'bad'.

Both books in the series are expertly narrated by Peter Forbes.beta inappVoteInfo

Chose this because of the special offer but so glad I did. The plot was a very absorbing one, and I was taken with the light it threw on the police operations; this is my first Rankin novel as detective novels are not usually my book of choice. The narrator was first class, and I liked the differences he achieved in both the voices of the main characters and their particular Scottish accents. The interplay between the three main cops was particularly enjoyable and amusing. I think there's another Inspector Fox story available and look forward to listening to this.

I have looked forward to this book since the first in the series came out. To be honest it was a slow starter, but it becomes another excellent Fox book.

As usual Ian Rankin lives up to all expectetion. Fox is a great pithy character anyone who enjoyed the Rebus novels will enjoy this

Great story, great reader. Rankin's prose is plain but somehow lyrical. The second book to feature Malcolm Fox of 'The Complaints'. I enjoyed it even more than the first one, if only because the characters are now familiar. (It was hard letting go of Rebus.) Builds on the first story without rehashing the same ground. Can be read as a stand-alone. The action sequences are particularly exciting in a down-to-earth fashion. Foxie is no Jason Bourne, he is a flawed but decent man, an excellent policeman and willing to bend the rules to get to the truth and stop the bad guys. And still find time to visit his ailing father in hospital.

I really liked The Impossible Dead, but what intrigues me most is whether Fox will now make the move to CID or remain in 'the complaints' for his next outing. Rebus became an ensemble piece, and I guess that they are a hard or almost impossible act to follow. We don't quite have that yet with Fox and his crew, but we have to remember that it took Mr Rankin a while to develop the now familiar Siobhan Clarke, Gill Templar, Morris Cafferty and so on. Deep down we all wanted Rebus to never retire, but we have to give credit for the bravery of the author to give him up. I wasn't particularly fond of the art heist book, but I am looking forward to the next instalment of Malcolm Fox.

And one more thought, am I the only one who would like to read more of Miles Flint (bad name) from the Watchman novel?

I had so much enjoyed The Complaints and was therefore relishing listening to this title, but I was hugely disappointed. It was well-written and effectively read, but hey, can a listener/reader honestly be expected to believe in such a preposterous plot? The "stunts" the lead character got involved in were beyond incredulous, I am tempted to say laughable, or am I mistaken in believing that modern police officers are much more accountable to their superiors than this man appears to be? I think I'm probably the only dissenting voice in the avalanche of praise which seems to be being heaped on this book and I can only hope that the next one in the series will reflect greater reality.

I loved The Complaints and this is a worthy successor. An excellent example of Rankin's twisted mind - just when you think you've sussed it he throws another spanner in the works. Peter Forbes is yet again the best person to read this. Each character is clearly defined and he draws you into the story. First Class!

Scottish press reported that Ian Rankin was somewhat apprehensive that this book would receive critical reviews..... No need to worry.... certainly held up the "Rebus Reputation" although centred around DI Fox, it was a great story with "Rebus OVERTONES!" Really enjoyable... The narrator is really good with a great voice

I have read and listened to all of Ian Rankins books and they are great. Just thought this was a little tired and lacked spark. The narrator sounded a little bored. Still good just not your best. Ill still listen/read all your future books but get yourself out of the rut please.


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