In a House of Lies

In a House of Lies marks the 22nd entry in Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series. The discovery of a body in an abandoned car leads to the reopening of a mishandled missing persons case from 2006. Former Inspector Rebus, now retired and dealing with COPD, becomes involved in the investigation alongside Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke and Detective Inspector Malcolm Fox. The case connects to both police corruption and Rebus's old nemesis 'Big Ger' Cafferty, while Clarke faces harassment over a separate investigation. The novel explores the intersection of past and present crimes in Edinburgh, incorporating elements of police procedure, internal affairs investigations, and real estate development. The story moves between the original 2006 investigation and its present-day consequences. The book examines themes of institutional corruption, loyalty, and the role of modern media in law enforcement, while questioning how past actions continue to influence the present.

Readers call this a solid addition to the Rebus series, though not among the strongest entries. The cold case plot and interactions between Rebus and Malcolm Fox resonate with longtime fans. Liked: - Complex police corruption storyline - Sharp dialogue between characters - Edinburgh setting details - Balance of past and present investigations - Rebus remains compelling despite aging Disliked: - Slower pacing than earlier books - Too many characters and subplots to track - Some find Rebus's role too limited - Resolution feels rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (16,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (3,200+ ratings) Book Depository: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) Reader comment: "The plot threads weave together well, but I missed the energy of earlier Rebus books. Still worth reading for the character interactions." - Goodreads reviewer Many readers note this works as a standalone but rewards those familiar with the series' history.

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🔍 The book is the 22nd installment in Ian Rankin's acclaimed Inspector Rebus series, which has been running since 1987. 📍 Edinburgh's real-life police force moved their headquarters from Fettes Avenue to Drylaw in 2019, a transition that Rankin incorporates into the novel's backdrop. 🎬 The Rebus series has been adapted for television three times, with different actors (Ken Stott, John Hannah, and Brian Cox) portraying the detective. 🏆 Ian Rankin was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for his contributions to literature, and in 2015 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 📚 The character of John Rebus was originally meant to die in the first book, but Rankin changed his mind and created one of crime fiction's most enduring detectives.