The new Rankin has his most riveting characters in one enthralling story: Rebus as consulting tec’, villain Big Ger Cafferty as attempted murder victim, detective Malcolm Fox is on another assignment and DI Siobhan Clarke holding the ruins.

From the excellent appreciation exclusive to this Scorpion Press edition by top mystery author Stephen Booth:

“The legend continues with this latest novel. Even Dogs in the Wild bring several favourite Rankin characters back together. And, as we’ve come to expect, they’re involved in a story which explores the darkest corners of Scottish society.

The greatest achievement for any novelist must be the creation of characters who take on a life of their own. Some have the potential to live for ever. In this sense, flawed Edinburgh cop John Rebus is a fine contender for the mantle of Sherlock Holmes, a character who has become more famous than his creator.

Loyal readers have never believed that Rebus could retire. It isn’t in his nature. So though he’s no longer a police officer, when Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke asks for his help on a case, it doesn’t take Rebus long to weigh up his options. In an echo of Holmes, Rankin has referred to his character’s new status as that of “consulting detective” “.

Plot outline

Clarke’s been investigating the death of a senior lawyer whose body was found along with a threatening note. On the other side of Edinburgh, Big Ger Cafferty – Rebus’s long-time nemesis – has received an identical note and a bullet through his window. Now it’s up to Clarke and Rebus to connect the dots and stop a killer. Meanwhile, DI Malcolm Fox joins forces with a covert team from Glasgow who are tailing a notorious crime family. There’s something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. It’s a game of dog eat dog – in the city, as in the wild. Even Dogs in the Wild brings back Ian Rankin’s greatest characters in a story exploring the darkest corners of our instincts and desires.

The edition is 55 signed and numbered copies bound in blue leather with matching papered sides and coloured top edge. It carries an appreciation by best selling British mystery writer Stephen Booth.  Orders being taken but due to unforeseen circumstances dispatch has had to be delayed til the start of January 2016.