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Set In Darkness

The number one bestselling series that inspired BBC One’s REBUS

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Set In Darkness

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: James Macpherson
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About this listen

 Edinburgh is about to become the home of the first Scottish parliament in 300 years. As political passions run high, DI John Rebus is charged with liaison, thanks to the new parliament being resident in Queensbury House, bang in the middle of his patch. But Queensbury House has its own, dark past.

Legend has it that a young man was roasted there on a spit by a madman. When the fireplace where the youth died is uncovered another more recent murder victim is found. Days later, in the gardens outside, there is another body and Rebus is under pressure to find instant answers.

As the case proceeds, the Inspector finds himself face to face with one of Edinburgh's most notorious criminals...

Read by James Macpherson

(p) 2015 Orion Publishing Group©2000 John Rebus Ltd Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Crime Fiction Scotland

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Critic reviews

Rebus resurgent ... a brilliantly meshed plot which delivers on every count ... Eleventh in the series. Still making waves
No one in Britain writes better crime novels today
Britain's No.1 crime writer
There's no one like Ian Rankin for bringing us right into the world of detectives (Tana French)
No one writes more gripping stories than Rankin ... [Rebus] is a good cop and a masterly creation
Rankin is a phenomenon ... these novels are totally absorbing. Once I start reading one, all else goes by the board till I have finished it
All stars
Most relevant
I felt the book was very good and the delivery was excellent as with the rest of the Rebus series but I just felt the book left too many loose ends unexplained which is a little frustrating for a crime novel. Most things were explained, just a few minor details but I would not let that put you off. It is still yet another great novel in the Rebus series.

Looses Ends

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Would you consider the audio edition of Set In Darkness to be better than the print version?

No, as the story is great, but the narration is awful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The narration was over the top so had to be listened to in small measures. I would have expected Ian Rankin of all people to be against the use of this narrator.

Terrible Narration!

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Ian Rankin is undoubtedly amongst the greatest writers of our times and James Macpherson brings Rebus and his Edinburgh to life in a totally believable way. I have been a fan since Ian Rankin's first book 'Knots & Crosses' and can find no fault in any of the following 24 books. Well done Ian, 'Set in Darkness' is every bit as insightful and engaging as any other book in your wonderful Rebus series.

What a wonderful series

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really liked this Rebus novel. I am going though the series form the beginning and this is my favourite so far, not as much action but a real challenge for the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Siobhan really comes through in this book and shines. Hopefully she becomes a more integral part of the series going forward as she is a good foil to Rebus.

Have you listened to any of James Macpherson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Just through this series and I love his performance. The Scottish accent is great and easy to follow characters.

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

The scenes with Cafferty were most intriguing

More a Mystery than Thriller

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I read most of Rankin’s Rebus books in paper form some time ago but I am now rediscovering them in audio form, enhanced by James Macpherson’s great narrations.

Rankin is an excellent writer and this is another good example

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