The Hanging Garden

The Hanging Garden (1998) Ian Rankin

The story starts in the middle, moves back to the beginning, and then moves forward again. So we discover quite quickly that Rebus is in the middle of an investigation of a possible WWII war crime, a war is breaking out between the organized crime groups, and Rebus’ daughter is the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

He has also–as is his penchant–gotten personally involved with his cases. And on top of everything, Rebus is also struggling to remain sober, which, with the investigation(s) at hand, remains a difficult task.

I really like Rebus. I know I’ve said that before, but I really like him.

Would I like him in person? Probably not. His abrasive and oblivious to those who love him, and yet, he has his priorities. He believes in justice, and although he is incapable of showing it in any way that makes sense to others, he loves his daughter.

Do I like this Rebus story? Another resounding yes. Rebus gets obsessed with this cases, but that is part of what makes him so good at his job. He is also walking a very fine line with regard to his associations with the various organized crime figures in Edinburgh, especially Ger Cafferty, who he put behind bars, yet who is still running his crime family from behind bars.

It’s very interesting, Rebus’ relationship with Cafferty. Cafferty is behind bars because Rebus put him there, and yet the continue to have some manner of a working relationship, and Rebus turns a blind eye to things like Cafferty having a cell phone, and even brings Cafferty liquor as a bribe of sorts–perhaps as a way of keeping himself out of deeper and more dangerous debt.

If you have not read an Inspector Rebus book, you could certainly start here without any previous knowledge of his history. And yet, knowing what Rebus went through to get where he is, his sobriety is far more important knowing that past.
Rating: 8/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• American Gods » »
• « « Agatha H and the Airship City