The Complaints

Malcolm Fox serves in Edinburgh's police Complaints department, a special unit that investigates other officers. Working in "The Complaints" makes him deeply unpopular with fellow officers, but Fox believes in rooting out corruption and maintaining high standards. Fox finds himself caught between two complex investigations - one involving a fellow detective suspected of participating in an online crime ring, and another concerning his sister's recently deceased partner. As both cases begin to overlap, Fox must navigate increasingly dangerous territory while questioning who can be trusted. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of 2009 Edinburgh during a period of financial crisis and property market collapse. The story takes place over a precise three-week period in February, following Rankin's characteristic style of tight chronological structure. The novel explores themes of loyalty, institutional corruption, and moral compromise while questioning whether those who police others can maintain their own integrity when faced with personal stakes.

Readers found this to be a solid police procedural that successfully launches a new series character after Rankin's Rebus novels. Many noted that protagonist Malcolm Fox offers a fresh perspective as an internal affairs investigator rather than a traditional detective. Readers appreciated: - Complex characters and relationships between cops - Realistic portrayal of Edinburgh's neighborhoods and politics - Methodical pacing that builds tension - Fox's more reserved personality compared to Rebus Common criticisms: - Slower start than Rebus novels - Less action and more bureaucratic detail - Some found Fox too mild-mannered - Plot complexity made it hard to follow at times Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (8,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (650+ ratings) "A thoughtful look at police culture from the other side," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Others noted it "requires patience" but "rewards careful reading." Several readers mentioned struggling to warm up to Fox initially but becoming invested by the end.

The Inspector Rebus Series by Ian Rankin A detective series set in Edinburgh following a rule-breaking police inspector who navigates corruption and crime in the same gritty streets as The Complaints.

The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith A police procedural set in 1950s Soviet Union focuses on a detective investigating corruption within law enforcement while dealing with internal affairs.

The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow A sprawling crime epic follows DEA agent Art Keller through decades of police work, institutional corruption, and complex loyalties.

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman A police procedural centers on a cold case investigation that unveils layers of deception within the law enforcement system.

The Guards by Ken Bruen A noir crime novel set in Ireland follows a disgraced former police officer who exposes corruption while working as a private investigator.

🔍 Edinburgh's police Professional Standards Unit (The Complaints) is the real-life inspiration for the novel and is locally known as "The Dark Side" among officers. 🏆 The Complaints (2009) marked Ian Rankin's first major series after retiring his famous Detective Inspector John Rebus character in 2007. 📊 The book's setting during the 2009 financial crisis reflects a real period when Edinburgh's banking sector, once Scotland's economic pride, faced severe challenges and public scrutiny. 🎭 Malcolm Fox's character was deliberately written as an opposite to Rebus - teetotal, by-the-book, and working from the other side of police investigations. 🎬 In 2012, the novel was optioned for a television adaptation by Screenworks, though it hasn't yet been produced.