Doors Open by Ian Rankin

Doors Open is not Ian Rankin’s usual formula featuring Inspector John Rebus.  It is however set in Edinburgh and crime is at its core.  Three art loving friends meet one day and hatch a plan to steal authentic paintings from Scotland’s National Gallery by substituting forgeries.

Michael MacKenzie is a rich but bored ex-computer geek who sold his software company for a sum that has allowed him a very early retirement.  He develops an interest in paintings and becomes friends with an art professor and a banker that share his interest.  The professor suggests a plan to steal some paintings and replace them with forgeries painted by one of his students.  Such a plan even if successful would yield them valuable paintings they could never show or sell without revealing their guilt.  The caper becomes more complicated when a gangster, Chib Callaway is included to provide the muscle.  While the devious plan is challenging and entertaining for the art lovers, not all the partners share the same appetite for adventure given the seemingly intangible reward for the risk of incarceration. 

The plot line in Doors Open had a reasonable chance to entertain.  However, the author presented it in a very straight forward manner and made the outcome too predictable.  While it’s fun to cheer for the villain at times, a few more twists and turns would have heightened the appeal and entertainment value a bit.  I’ll read more Ian Rankin but probably look for those featuring the John Rebus character.