Let It Bleed

Let it Bleed (1996) Ian Rankin

The book starts with a car chase–a chase Rebus wants no part of–that leads to the death by suicide of the two teenagers they were chasing. This is followed by the death of an ex-con who just got out of prison. Neither suicide makes any sense to Rebus, and the powers that be are pushing him to stop his investigation.

It was fascinating the things Rebus dug up–and how the secrets he finds will do neither him nor anyone else any good if he uncovers them. Essentially, Rebus is a good example of no good deed going unpunished. yet it’s also depressing to see him go up against the status quo and attempt to right wrongs–even though Rebus himself steps over the line time and again.

In the stories Rebus always manages–just barely–to remain likable. But he does care about righting wrongs, and he doesn’t care who (including himself) gets hurt in the process.
Rating: 8/10

Published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks

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