The Complaints

The Complaints (2009) Ian Rankin

Malcolm Fox works in The Complaints, Complaints and Conduct – Professional Standards Unit, the British version of Internal Affairs. They investigate crooked cops, and are usually despised by other cops.

“I hate to say it,” she laughed, “but you do look like a cop. I think it’s the posture, or the way your eyes flit around all the time.”

Fox is finishing up an investigation of Glen Heaton, a crooked cop well-liked by other cops, because he gets things done, and he’s asked to assist in the investigation of a rising young cop–on accusations of possibly being a pedophile.

Fox’s sister is involved with an abuser, and their father is in a retirement home–on Fox’s dime (nursing homes are apparently the same everywhere in the developed world–the more money you shell out yourself, the better your care).

As with the Rebus novels, you get the unglamorous look at a cop’s life.

Max Dearborn winked and, with a certain amount of effort, got back to his feet. He insisted on leaving first. Fox watched him go and speculated as to a future of high blood pressure and diabetes, maybe even the odd coronary.

Breck was studying his watch. “Just relax,” Fox told him.

“Are you on medication?” Breck asked. “Don’t tell me you’re not fretting.”

Unlike Rebus, Fox is straight-edge–a cop that investigates other cops, who is a teetotaler, and who walks the line.

If you are looking for another Rebus book–do not look here. But if you’re interested in cops that investigate other cops, the internal workings of the police, and some organized crime, then you should pick up The Complaints.
Rating: 7.5/10

Published by Reagan Arthur / Back Bay Books

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