Exit Music by Ian Rankin

Exit Music is my first Ian Rankin novel but apparently was expected to be his last in a 20 year series featuring his popular Detective John Rebus character.  Rebus is 60 years old, the age of mandatory retirement for policemen in Scotland, and has nine days left of his tenure.  He has a reputation for solving the crime even if it means twisting the rules and thumbing his nose at authority and politics.  Consequently, his superiors greatly anticipate his departure but Rebus, having sacrificed a marriage and all outside interests (except local Edinburgh pubs) for his career, feels the sense of dread and frustration closing in as retirement approaches.

Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke is Rebus’ partner and anticipates his retirement with mixed emotions.  She has learned much from her cantankerous co-worker but his methods embarrass her at times and she will likely be promoted upon his retirement.  A bond has developed between them akin to love but more like mutual tolerance and respect.

So, a week before Rebus’ final day on the job, the team is called to investigate the murder of a dissident Russian poet, Todorov in an Edinburgh parking garage.  While uncovering acquaintances of the poet and their whereabouts before his death, Clarke and Rebus find that a group of wealthy Russians are visiting Scotland looking for investments.  The local bankers and politicians are encouraging their ventures hoping for a cash infusion into the local economy.  A complex web of players and motives, many intertwined, make for a challenging final case for Rebus.  Was this a mugging gone wrong as the politicians hope or was Todorov murdered to silence his outspoken criticism of his countrymen?

A second murder, this time of a possible witness, adds to the mystery.  A larger team of detectives is assigned to determine if the two murders are connected and Clarke is placed in charge.  Rebus discovers that his archenemy, a gangster known as Big Ger Cafferty, is courting the wealthy Russians and may be involved in the crimes. Rebus would love to bring down this local thug who has avoided his legal grasp for years.  But Rebus manages to offend a bank president by his unorthodox style in interrogating the man’s daughter, a person of interest in the case.  This gains him suspension from the department until his retirement.  But a suspension does not keep him from investigating the murders.  Rebus views it as an advantage, not having to waste time reporting progress to his superiors.

Ian Rankin is an exciting discovery for me.  I don’t know how I’ve missed his work for so long.  His no nonsense and sarcastic John Rebus character is likable and relevant…perfect fit in the MRB genre…a Scottish version of Harry Bosch.  Rankin’s story is filled with plots and subplots carefully interwoven with information methodically revealed and cleverly connected in the end.  I see more Ian Rankin reviews ahead.