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  • Rather Be the Devil

  • Inspector Rebus 21
  • By: Ian Rankin
  • Narrated by: James Macpherson
  • Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,244 ratings)
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Rather Be the Devil cover art

Rather Be the Devil

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: James Macpherson
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Summary

What could be better than settling down to listen to an elegantly crafted, intricate mystery thriller fraught with tension and excitement? Set in Edinburgh, Ian Rankin's best-selling Inspector Rebus series makes its return with a dark installment that revisits the haunting unsolved murder of a young woman.

Some cases never leave you.

For John Rebus, 40 years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. She was murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, and Maria's killer has never been found.

Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?

In a tale of twisted power, deep-rooted corruption and bitter rivalries, Rather Be the Devil showcases Rankin and Rebus at their unstoppable best.

©2016 John Rebus Ltd (P)2016 Orion Publishing Group

What listeners say about Rather Be the Devil

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

No Half Measures Here!

Another few hours spent in the company of James Macpherson's silken Edinburgh tones and Ian Rankin's brilliant characters. An unsolved case from Rebus's past is skilfully interwoven with events happening in the current day to set up another quality installment in one of crime fiction's longest running series.

The delicious interactions between Rebus and yes, he's still there, Big Ger Cafferty are an absolute highlight for me. Two men with enmity boiling under the civilised veneer of their conversations. Each of them having to face up to their own mortality in their own characteristic ways.

It's not completely without its problems though. The leeway that Rankin gives the retired Rebus in his involvement with the police investigations probably does go a bit further past the realms of the believable. I'd say more so than Rankin would normally have allowed himself. If you are like me and love the old curmudgeon and his associates you'll likely let it go but if that kind of thing bothers you then warning flags will raise themselves throughout.

For the rest of us, there's just about life in this old dog yet! Though be prepared for a jolt very early on in the story . . . Rebus with a half in his hand! If you can get over that shock the violence and criminality that follows should be a breeze.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Not quite classic Rebus.

Where to start? I enjoyed this (I can't envisage ever not enjoying a Rebus novel). However, these more recent works have a more ensemble feel (the inevitable marginalisation of a retired cop from serious investigations) that to me only serves to accentuate the fact that Clarke and Fox, while personable enough, are dull. The story itself is good, with enough twists and turns to satisfy... Though Cafferty taking Edinburgh back is, on reflection, implausible. All in all it's a good Rebus. I'd describe it as (like siobahn's beloved Hibs) mid table. The only worry for me is: where doe Rankin go from here? Personally I'd love to see a prequel. A young DC Rebus climbing the ranks while his marriage crumbles. What say Ian?

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Rebus and Cafferty are both back!

What a story! Performance Class A. Hope there's more to follow, PLEASE. Rebus, Clark and Fox are all flawed in different ways but make a brilliant team.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

A little less conversation, a little more action p

Another good narration James, but a very weak story. It was like listening to a transcript of a never-ending conversation. Very little actually happens.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Rebus is getting old

but he's still got it. Lots of twists and turns, many evil wee rat bags. Fox and Clarke are there too. How do they manage without Rebus?

James MacPherson is his usual brilliant self with many voices (does anyone else think of Scunner Campbell when they hear Big Ger's voice?).

My husband and I both loved it. Quite a few laughs thrown in. Use a credit. You won't be disappointed.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Thank you Mr Rankin - loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Rather Be the Devil to be better than the print version?

Went straight for the audio

What other book might you compare Rather Be the Devil to, and why?

Incomparable!

What about James Macpherson’s performance did you like?

He brings it to life & maintains the character voices brilliantly. Such a lovely accent

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's not what you'd call a moving book. What I love about Ian Rankin is that his portrayal of violence is bearable. Some writers go over the top with blood & gore to the point of making if too unpleasant! I want to be entertained & kept in suspense not made depressed by the horrors of our world - there's enough of that in the daily news. I hope there's another Rebus in you Mr R.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Series is getting a bit tired

I feel that this series is waning, I find Rebus's bad behaviour and lies quite tedious. Big Ger too gets away with murder and I find that difficult to believe.

Too many things I didn't enjoy while reading this book - I don't think I'll go for any more Ian Rankin books.

Rebus used to be quite 'pithy' and although he bent his rules a bit it seemed to be excusable - but in this book - he was a blatant liar and I really didn't enjoy it.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Having pre-ordered, I was really looking forward to this
Having listened, I'm left feeling a bit flat
Not least because of 'retired' Detective Rebus doing more detecting than everyone else

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Love it! Thanks Mr Rankin absolute classic!

Loved this great read, couldn't stop listening, hmm big Ger might just be a lovable rouge, can't help but like him thanks Mr Rankin total class can't wait for the next one !?

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • AS
  • 13-11-16

First Audio Book

A massive fan of Rankin but this was my first audio book. Fantastic and I have now found a new way of enjoying books.

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3 people found this helpful