Rebus is Back!

Rebus is Back!

After an absence of five years, Hachette NZ announced today the return of “one of the most beguiling characters in the history of crime fiction”(TIMES)- Detective Inspector John Rebus.

Ian Rankin’s new novel, which sees Rebus’ return is entitled Standing in Another Man’s Grave and is published on 8 November 2012.

It is twenty-five years since Rebus first appeared in Knots and Crosses, and five years since he retired.
In Standing in Another Man’s Grave not only is Rebus as stubborn and anarchic as ever, but he finds himself in trouble with Ian Rankin's latest creation, Malcolm Fox of Edinburgh's internal affairs unit. In the meantime his protégée Siobhan has stepped from under his shadow and is forging ahead in her own career.

Since Rebus’ first appearance in 1987 the novels have gained global acclaim, become international bestsellers and won Ian Rankin numerous awards. Rebus has become one of the most significant characters in crime fiction and has “changed the way people imagine Edinburgh”(SCOTSMAN). Rebus’ retirement in 2007 brought a huge outcry from his fans and hit headlines across the UK. His return will be one of the most hotly anticipated literary events of 2012.

Ian Rankin says of the return of Rebus: “I felt there was unfinished business between the two of us. He had never really gone away but was working for Edinburgh's cold case unit. And I knew I had a story that was a perfect fit for him.”

The title of the new book Standing in Another Man’s Grave is inspired by a song by the late Jackie Leven. The Scottish singer/songwriter was much admired by Rankin and the two became friends when they discovered a mutual regard for the other’s work. They toured and recorded a show together ‘Jackie Leven Said’ and were due to appear at a number of events shortly before Leven’s death in autumn 2011. Standing in Another Man’s Grave is dedicated to his memory.

“Jackie was a great guitarist and a fine songwriter with a vein of robust romantic imagery and a voice that could melt granite. He was also a terrific storyteller whose life had provided no end of material. He's still much missed by all of us who knew him,” says Ian.

Standing in Another Man’s Grave is published on 8 November 2012, and Ian Rankin will visit New Zealand for an author tour from November 12 – 15 (more details to come).

www.rebusisback.com

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