Set in Darkness

Set in Darkness, the eleventh novel in Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series, plunges Detective Inspector John Rebus into a complex web of crime against the backdrop of Edinburgh preparing for the re-establishment of its parliament. As the city buzzes with political anticipation, a grim discovery is made at Queensberry House, a building slated to become part of the new parliament: a mummified body found bricked up in an old fireplace. This discovery is soon compounded by the murder of an ambitious politician on the parliament's grounds and the suspicious suicide of a homeless man who inexplicably possessed a large sum of money. Rebus, initially assigned to security liaison duties for the new parliament, finds himself investigating these seemingly disparate incidents, which he suspects are intricately connected to the city's undercurrents of greed and ambition. The novel masterfully intertwines these plot threads, exploring themes of corruption, hidden secrets, and the collision of Edinburgh's past and present, particularly in the context of devolution and new money. Alongside Rebus, his capable colleague DC Siobhan Clarke investigates the homeless man's suicide, uncovering links that draw her into Rebus's increasingly dangerous pursuit of the truth. The reappearance of Rebus's formidable nemesis, Big Ger Cafferty, adds another layer of menace and complexity, as the investigation delves into long-buried crimes and the dark dealings of Edinburgh's criminal element. What makes "Set in Darkness" compelling is Rankin's signature blend of intricate plotting, atmospheric setting, and compelling character development. The novel is lauded for its ability to weave multiple storylines seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of suspense that unfolds with naturalistic links between the cases. Edinburgh itself functions as a vital character, its historic streets and burgeoning political landscape providing a vivid stage for the unfolding drama. Rebus's cynical outlook and his distrust of the political establishment, coupled with his often unconventional methods, make him a captivating protagonist navigating a morally ambiguous world where wealth and power cast long shadows. The novel's exploration of societal darkness beneath a progressive facade, combined with its tight pacing and surprising conclusion, solidifies its status as a standout in the crime fiction genre.

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