After Rebus retired as a Scotland detective, he did civilian work for a Cold Case Unit. When that was completed, he reapplied to CID. He's now back on the force, but in a lower position. Rebus is a rare breed of cop in today's world; a loose cannon who's like a bloodhound. Once he gets a scent, he works it till the end, even though he has terrible people skills and only a basic knowledge of computers.
While investigating an accident, Rebus hears about the reopening of a case his previous department at Summerhall handled over 30 years ago involving the Saints of the Shadow Bible. Something like this inquiry could jeopardize his return to the force, so Rebus decides that if he must, he'll assist Malcolm Fox, the internal affairs officer looking into the case. But there are plenty of retired cops from Summerhall who want to keep the past buried and aren't happy with Rebus' involvement. Will he be able to do what's right without endangering his reputation -- or his life?
Ian Rankin's SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE is an intensely suspenseful police procedural thriller with a fine assembly of complex characters. He keeps readers' interests with a deft handling of plot progression to an effective ending.
Rebus is back on the force, albeit with a demotion and a
chip on his shoulder. He is investigating a car accident
when news arrives that a case from 30 years ago is being
reopened. Rebus's team from those days is suspected of
helping a murderer escape justice to further their own ends.
Malcolm Fox, in what will be his last case as an internal
affairs cop, is tasked with finding out the truth. Past and
present are about to collide in shocking and murderous
fashion. What does Rebus have to hide? And whose side is he
really on? His colleagues back then called themselves "The
Saints," and swore a bond on something called the Shadow
Bible. But times have changed and the crimes of the past
may not stay hidden much longer -- and may also play a role
in the present, as Scotland gears up for a referendum on
independence.
Allegiances are being formed, enemies made, and huge
questions asked. Who are the saints and who the sinners?
And can the one ever become the other?
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