Listen free for 30 days
-
Rather Be the Devil
- Inspector Rebus 21
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Series: Inspector Rebus, Book 21
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
People who bought this also bought...
-
Knots and Crosses
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
'And in Edinburgh of all places. I mean, you never think of that sort of thing happening in Edinburgh, do you...?' 'That sort of thing' is the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls. And now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer.
-
-
An uncertain beginning
- By Simon on 02-09-15
-
In a House of Lies
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A missing private investigator is found locked in a car hidden deep in the woods. Worse still - both for his family and the police - the body was in an area that had already been searched 10 years ago. Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is part of a new inquiry, combing through the mistakes of the original case. There were always suspicions over how the investigation was handled, and now - after a decade without answers - it's time for the truth.
-
-
Changing of the Guard?
- By Simon on 13-10-18
-
The Beat Goes On
- The Complete Rebus Short Stories
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson, Ian Rankin
- Length: 20 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the years, Ian Rankin has amassed an incredible portfolio of short stories. Published in crime magazines, composed for events, broadcast on radio, they all share the best qualities of his phenomenally popular Rebus novels. Brought together for the first time, and including brand-new material, this is the ultimate Rebus short-story collection and a must-have book for crime lovers and for Ian's millions of fans alike. No Rankin aficionado can go without it.
-
-
A satisfying collection...
- By FictionFan on 13-11-14
-
The Complaints
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nobody likes The Complaints - they're the cops who investigate other cops. Complaints and Conduct Department, to give them their full title, but known colloquially as 'the Dark Side', or simply 'The Complaints'. Malcolm Fox works for The Complaints. He's just had a result, and should be feeling good about himself. But he's middle-aged, sour and unwell.
-
-
Brilliant introduction to Malcolm Fox
- By Helen on 25-01-15
-
Witch Hunt
- Jack Harvey, Book 1
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Nicola Walker
- Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Interpol have tried and failed to find her. Now the combined forces of Scotland Yard and MI5 must try the impossible to prevent a major international incident. For Dominic Elder, Witch is his passion, his obsession. And being retired is no bar to his willingness to restart the hunt. MI5 know that the man who wrote the Witch file is the key to catching their quarry. But the truth isn't easy to spot.
-
-
Bewitching !
- By Frances G on 31-03-08
-
Doors Open
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mike Mackenzie is a self-made man with too much time on his hands and a bit of the devil in his soul. He is looking for something to liven up the days and perhaps give new meaning to his existence. A chance encounter at an art auction offers him the opportunity to do just that as he settles on a plot to commit a "perfect crime".
-
-
Doors open
- By Margaret McHardy on 13-04-20
-
Knots and Crosses
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
'And in Edinburgh of all places. I mean, you never think of that sort of thing happening in Edinburgh, do you...?' 'That sort of thing' is the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls. And now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer.
-
-
An uncertain beginning
- By Simon on 02-09-15
-
In a House of Lies
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A missing private investigator is found locked in a car hidden deep in the woods. Worse still - both for his family and the police - the body was in an area that had already been searched 10 years ago. Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is part of a new inquiry, combing through the mistakes of the original case. There were always suspicions over how the investigation was handled, and now - after a decade without answers - it's time for the truth.
-
-
Changing of the Guard?
- By Simon on 13-10-18
-
The Beat Goes On
- The Complete Rebus Short Stories
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson, Ian Rankin
- Length: 20 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the years, Ian Rankin has amassed an incredible portfolio of short stories. Published in crime magazines, composed for events, broadcast on radio, they all share the best qualities of his phenomenally popular Rebus novels. Brought together for the first time, and including brand-new material, this is the ultimate Rebus short-story collection and a must-have book for crime lovers and for Ian's millions of fans alike. No Rankin aficionado can go without it.
-
-
A satisfying collection...
- By FictionFan on 13-11-14
-
The Complaints
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nobody likes The Complaints - they're the cops who investigate other cops. Complaints and Conduct Department, to give them their full title, but known colloquially as 'the Dark Side', or simply 'The Complaints'. Malcolm Fox works for The Complaints. He's just had a result, and should be feeling good about himself. But he's middle-aged, sour and unwell.
-
-
Brilliant introduction to Malcolm Fox
- By Helen on 25-01-15
-
Witch Hunt
- Jack Harvey, Book 1
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Nicola Walker
- Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Interpol have tried and failed to find her. Now the combined forces of Scotland Yard and MI5 must try the impossible to prevent a major international incident. For Dominic Elder, Witch is his passion, his obsession. And being retired is no bar to his willingness to restart the hunt. MI5 know that the man who wrote the Witch file is the key to catching their quarry. But the truth isn't easy to spot.
-
-
Bewitching !
- By Frances G on 31-03-08
-
Doors Open
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: James Macpherson
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mike Mackenzie is a self-made man with too much time on his hands and a bit of the devil in his soul. He is looking for something to liven up the days and perhaps give new meaning to his existence. A chance encounter at an art auction offers him the opportunity to do just that as he settles on a plot to commit a "perfect crime".
-
-
Doors open
- By Margaret McHardy on 13-04-20
-
Blood Hunt
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Steven Pacey
- Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It begins with a phone call. Gordon Reeve's brother has been found dead in his car in San Diego. The car was locked from the inside, a gun was in his hand. In the US to identify the body Gordon realises that his brother has been murdered. What's more, it's soon obvious that his own life is in danger. Once back in Scotland he finds out his home has been bugged by professionals. But Reeve is a professional too. Ex-SAS, he was half of a two-man unit with someone he came to fear, then to hate.
-
-
Detailed and absorbing
- By Lindsay on 15-06-11
-
Bleeding Hearts
- Jack Harvey, Book 2
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Jamie Glover
- Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A TV reporter is murdered with a single bullet wound to the heart. The twist in the tale is that, this time, it's the man who fired the bullet who's asking all the questions. Michael Weston wants to know why the police were on his tail so quickly. His first task is to find the writer of his pay cheque, the second is to make sure he doesn't get caught.
-
-
Cracking Ian Rankin
- By Marie Murphy on 04-04-12
-
Knots and Crosses
- Inspector Rebus, Book 1
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Bill Paterson
- Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls, now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own daughter spirited away by his estranged wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer. Then, the messages begin: knotted string and matchstick crosses taunt Rebus with a puzzle only he can solve.
-
-
Fab!!
- By Tracey on 15-08-07
-
Watchman
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Tom Cotcher
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bombs are exploding in the streets of London, but life seems to have planted more subtle booby-traps for Miles Flint. Miles is a spy. His job is to watch and to listen, then to report back to his superiors, nothing more. The job, affording glimpses into the most private lives of his victims, appeals to Miles. He doesn't lust after promotion, and he doesn't want action.
-
-
Not Rebus , But also not a bad story.
- By Gary Mackenzie on 10-12-15
-
Westwind
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Europe, 1990. As the US begins to pull out its troops in a tide of isolationism, Britain is torn between its loyalties to the USA and its continental neighbours. In America, a space shuttle crashes on landing, killing all but one of the crew on-board: a British man named Mike Dreyfuss, who will become vilified by the US press and protesters. Halfway across the world, Martin Hepton, an English ground control technician watches as they lose contact with the most advanced satellite in Europe.
-
-
What a disappointment.
- By Felixstones on 05-03-20
-
The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1
- By: Michael Connelly
- Narrated by: Dick Hill
- Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For maverick LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal...because the murdered man was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who had fought side by side with him in a hellish underground war. Now Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam.
-
-
First in the Harry Bosch series
- By chris on 09-08-10
-
Bloody January
- Harry McCoy Thriller, Book 1
- By: Alan Parks
- Narrated by: Andrew McIntosh
- Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a teenage boy shoots a young woman dead in the middle of a busy Glasgow street and then commits suicide, Detective Harry McCoy is sure of one thing. It wasn't a random act of violence. McCoy uses his underworld network to lead the investigation but soon runs up against a secret society led by Glasgow's wealthiest family, the Dunlops. McCoy's boss doesn't want him to investigate. The Dunlops seem untouchable. But McCoy has other ideas....
-
-
Good Story but...
- By Sarah on 29-08-18
-
The Flood
- By: Ian Rankin
- Narrated by: Chris Reilly, Ian Rankin
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Features an Introduction read by Ian Rankin. Mary Miller had always been an outcast. Burnt in a chemical mix as a young girl, sympathy for her quickly faded when the young man who pushed her in died in a mining accident just two days later. From then on she was regarded with a mixture of suspicion and fascination by her God-fearing community. Now, years later, she is a single mother, caught up in a faltering affair with a local teacher. Her son, Sandy, has fallen in love with a strange homeless girl.
-
-
His worst book ever!
- By Brenda on 06-05-17
-
Still Life
- By: Val McDermid
- Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
- Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On a freezing winter morning, fishermen pull a body from the sea. It is quickly discovered that the dead man was the prime suspect in a decade-old investigation, when a prominent civil servant disappeared without trace. DCI Karen Pirie was the last detective to review the file and is drawn into a sinister world of betrayal and dark secrets. But Karen is already grappling with another case, one with even more questions and fewer answers. A skeleton has been discovered in an abandoned camper van and all clues point to a killer who never faced justice - a killer who is still out there.
-
-
The Best Yet.
- By Sadé 66 on 25-08-20
-
A Place of Execution
- By: Val McDermid
- Narrated by: Paddy Glynn
- Length: 14 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the Peak District village of Scarsdale, 13-year-old girls didn’t just run away. So when Alison Carter vanished in the winter of '63, everyone knew it was a murder. Catherine Heathcote remembers the case well - a child herself when Alison vanished. Now a journalist, she persuades DI George Bennett to speak of the hunt for Alison. But when a fresh lead emerges, Bennett tries to stop the story - plunging Catherine into a world of buried secrets and revelations.
-
-
'Nice'
- By Kathleen M Moon on 18-12-15
-
Cover Her Face
- By: P. D. James
- Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An Adam Dalgliesh mystery. Cover Her Face is P. D. James' debut novel, the first Adam Dalgliesh mystery, and a thrilling work of crime fiction set in the English countryside, from the best-selling author of Death Comes to Pemberley and Children of Men. From P. D. James, one of the masters of British crime fiction, comes the debut novel that introduced Scotland Yard detective Adam Dalgliesh.
-
-
it's early
- By Mr David Newton on 18-06-17
-
A Silent Death
- By: Peter May
- Narrated by: Peter Forbes
- Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Spain, 2020. When expat fugitive Jack Cleland watches his girlfriend die, gunned down in a pursuit involving officer Cristina Sanchez Pradell, he promises to exact his revenge by destroying the policewoman. Cristina's aunt Ana has been deaf-blind for the entirety of her adult life: the victim of a rare condition named Usher Syndrome. Ana is the centre of Cristina's world - and of Cleland's cruel plan. John Mackenzie - an ingenious yet irascible Glaswegian investigator - is seconded to aid the Spanish authorities in their manhunt.
-
-
May - A Force That Is With Us!
- By Simon on 11-01-20
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.
More from the same
What listeners say about Rather Be the Devil
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Will
- 21-11-16
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?
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Simon
- 04-11-16
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.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- mollyeyre
- 23-04-17
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.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Stan d'Up
- 13-02-17
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
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- simon gower
- 16-11-16
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 !?
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is life in the old dog yet
What made the experience of listening to Rather Be the Devil the most enjoyable?
James Macpherson has always been synonymous with Rebus' audiobooks and without his dulcet tones it would be a different experience.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Rather Be the Devil?
A good book does not have just one memorable moment, but a gripping story and Rather be the Devil is a prime example of this.
Which character – as performed by James Macpherson – was your favourite?
After 21 books the title character would have to be the answer, although the development of Malcolm Fox and Rebus' recent love interest made the story different to others before it.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Most crime books worth their salt are impossible to listen to in one sitting because they are too long. However, the characterisation in the Rebus books did lead me to listening to it late at night, risking falling asleep to finish it.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Caroline Adams
- 06-11-16
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.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- M. Gosney
- 21-11-16
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.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dee Murray
- 14-11-16
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.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ms GM
- 14-11-16
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.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- George Fogden
- 27-11-16
Mr Rankin at his best
Where does Rather Be the Devil rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is vintage Rebus, nothing has been lost on this one
Who was your favorite character and why?
Rebus, of course
What does James Macpherson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Understanding the accent
Any additional comments?
Ask Mr. Rankin for more of the same please. I see Cafferty is back so I expect some more in the near future.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Simon
- 24-11-16
Never fails to entertain, Rebus is as good as ever
If you could sum up Rather Be the Devil in three words, what would they be?
Like an old friend
What did you like best about this story?
Character relationships
What does James Macpherson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Brings out the characters own personalities.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Yes but it would be a spoiler to write about it, although Hank Marvin will suffice.
Any additional comments?
After 20 previous books, with not even a slightly 'iffy' one amongst them, this book shines. Rebus is on form and every bit as good as he's always been, albeit slightly less edgy than his younger days, he still packs a punch! highly recommended! Patrica Cornwell could well learn some lessons about her character's appeal from this!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ryan Read
- 16-10-19
lad's, it's Rebus
Another great book in the series and credit to Rankin for keeping it interesting.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- amw
- 14-01-17
Very consistent Rankin
Always very consistent, engaging and painfully well written. Worth 5 stars but saving one for in case.n
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Doha Punk
- 14-01-17
Another great Rebus novel
Took me a couple of chapters to warm to the narrator and then the voices he used for some of the well know characters didn't gel with what I thought they would be.
But that is my preferences, great story by Rankin.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Edie
- 03-12-16
great book
The only complaint i have with this book is thst sometimes i found it very hsrd to determine who was talkingng because the voices of Fox and Rebus are almost indistinguishable.