Hide and Seek

Detective Inspector John Rebus investigates what appears to be a routine drug overdose in an Edinburgh squat, but strange details at the scene suggest something more sinister - the body positioned like a crucifixion, candles, and an enigmatic pentagram on the wall. The investigation leads Rebus through Edinburgh's criminal underworld as he pursues leads about the victim's final days and a mysterious private club called Hyde's where illegal boxing matches take place. The case becomes increasingly complex as Rebus encounters resistance from powerful figures and institutions, forcing him to navigate both street-level crime and high-society corruption. This dark police procedural explores themes of duality in human nature and the stark contrast between Edinburgh's respectable facade and its criminal underbelly, drawing inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Readers highlight this as one of the darker entries in the Rebus series, with heavier themes of drug addiction and Edinburgh's social issues. Many note it marks a shift toward more complex character development for Rebus. Readers appreciated: - The detailed portrayal of Edinburgh's criminal underworld - Strong secondary characters, particularly the victim's family - Tight pacing in the second half - Rebus's personal struggles feeling authentic Common criticisms: - Slow start in first 50-60 pages - Some plot threads left unresolved - Limited police procedure compared to other books in series Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (16,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Reader quote: "The darkness feels earned rather than gratuitous. You see why Rebus drinks." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted this book rewards patience, with the emotional payoff in later chapters making up for the slower opening sections.

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🔍 The novel's Edinburgh setting draws heavily from the city's historical Jekyll and Hyde connection - author Robert Louis Stevenson's famous tale of duality was also set there. 🏛️ Ian Rankin wrote Hide and Seek while living in a flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont district, an area that features prominently in the novel's geography. 📚 The book's title is a deliberate reference to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Hide and Seek with Death," showing Rankin's literary influences and the novel's deeper themes. 🎭 Detective Inspector Rebus gets his surname from a type of picture puzzle, reflecting both the character's complex nature and the intricate mysteries he solves. 🌟 Hide and Seek (1991) is the second book in the Inspector Rebus series, which now spans 24 novels and has been adapted for television multiple times.