Scottish author Ian Rankin on his favourite books and why he’s a ‘frustrated rock star’
The writer of the Inspector Rebus novels talks about his new book Midnight and Blue, being an author, and books that have given him pleasure
Ian Rankin is the bestselling author of the Inspector Rebus mysteries and other books. A multiple award winner, the novelist, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, has been knighted and made an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to literature.
Early one morning while travelling in Paris recently, Rankin answered questions and shared a wealth of book recommendations.
Please tell readers about your new Rebus novel, Midnight and Blue.
Midnight and Blue sees retired police officer John Rebus imprisoned for murder. He is surrounded by people who mistrust him, hate him, wish harm on him. But when a seemingly impossible crime takes place in a locked cell Rebus is best placed to solve it before the prison erupts.
How challenging is it to deal with changing technology as you write your books?
Technology does give me headaches. Cellphones and surveillance have to be taken into account. Scientific methods of crime-solving evolve rapidly. Vehicles have trackers et cetera.
