While in London 2 weeks ago, I picked up the newly released
paperback of the Falls. It is out in hardcover here.
Observations:
1. While it helps a bit to have read the previous novels, it
does stand totally alone.
2. John Rebus remains a great character, many flaws of which
he is aware. He consistently ignores authority (perhaps
different from just not respecting authority), without regard
to personal consequences.
3. Siobhan Clarke has become the major second character.
Rankin focuses on her development and particularly Rebus'
influence on her style. An interesting feature of her subplot
revolves around how she and Ellen Wylie (two women
investigators) interact with the new Chief - Rebus' former
lover Gill Templar. Rankin does a nice job of painting the
struggle that these women perceive striving for success in a
male dominated profession.
4. The mystery is a nice one. There are at least 4 credible
suspects, all of whom get proper exploration. As in most
hardboiled stories, the denouement involves understanding why
as much as understanding who.
5. The writing is delightful. Rankin now writes a longer
novel (in contrast to some recent discussions on this list).
However, it didn't feel long. The investigation has enough
complexity, the story lines enough meat that the pages aren't
filler.
6. I judge The Falls as Rankin's best yet. Impressively, his
works remains free of formula, and he continues to explore
and mature his characters. A wonderful read!
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