Ian Rankin: The Complete Short Stories (2005)

by Ian Rankin

Series: Inspector Rebus (Complete Short Story Collection (not all Rebus))

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132	3	219,327	(3.67)	4
Ian Rankin has amassed an incredible portfolio of short stories, which all share the best qualities of his phenomenally popular novels. Now his two critically acclaimed short story collections - A GOOD HANGING and BEGGARS BANQUET - come together in one volume, along with ATONEMENT - a new Rebus story, written especially for this collection. A GOOD HANGING - Twelve Inspector Rebus mysteries, including the hanging of a student during the Edinburgh Festival, a gruesome arson attack, and the apparent witnessing of a miracle. Step off the tourist trail and into the macabre heart of Rebus's Edinburgh. BEGGARS BANQUET - Ranging from suburban murders to the sinister workings of a serial killer's mind, here are twenty-one tales all bearing the hallmark of great crime writing. Included are seven Inspector Rebus mysteries, and the Dagger award-winning story 'Herbert in Motion'. ATONEMENT - When Rebus comes to the aid of an old friend, he uncovers some hard-to-swallow truths about life, and death, at a local home for the elderly.… (more)

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If this anthology were a coffee, it would be a short cappuccino: satisfying and deliciously frothy but, post-consumption, something nags that you should have gone for the venti - with double espresso shot.

Symptomatic of short stories, perhaps, and maybe thus unfair to even raise it, but you intuit something's missing. I guess you're immediately sated with the ephemeral frothy choccie but sub-consciously yearn for the indulgent caffeine kick of greater sub-plots and character development.

I also found several of the stories to be a little predictable. Not a criticism as it doesn't detract from the enjoyability at all. A few more twists and surprises wouldn't go amiss, that's all.

Summing up: most competent and a great introduction to the world of Rebus et al, as it was for me. Now, Mr Rankin, please go on to show me your best barista skills and OD me on caffeine. (

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memark | Aug 4, 2008 |

All the stories here are highly accomplished technically, and each of them explores a new idea, be it point of view, twists, location, character, etc... A first class introduction to the craft of short story writing. Beggars Banquet is the stronger collection. (

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frank_oconnor | Jul 30, 2008 |

This collection combines two of Rankin's short story publications and adds a new Inspector Rebus story. It was my introduction to Rankin and I liked what I read. Unpretentious, easy to read, full of suspense and many a good twist, all but one of 36 stories appealed to me. A definite recommend. (

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Cecilturtle | Nov 21, 2007 |

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Inspector Rebus (Complete Short Story Collection (not all Rebus))

Contains

A Good Hanging and Other Stories by Ian Rankin

Beggar's Banquet by Ian Rankin

Death is Not the End by Ian Rankin (indirect)

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Canonical title

Ian Rankin: The Complete Short Stories

Original title

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Original publication date

2005

People/Characters

John Rebus

Important places

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

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Epigraph

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Disambiguation notice

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Original language

English

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▾Book descriptions

Ian Rankin has amassed an incredible portfolio of short stories, which all share the best qualities of his phenomenally popular novels. Now his two critically acclaimed short story collections - A GOOD HANGING and BEGGARS BANQUET - come together in one volume, along with ATONEMENT - a new Rebus story, written especially for this collection. A GOOD HANGING - Twelve Inspector Rebus mysteries, including the hanging of a student during the Edinburgh Festival, a gruesome arson attack, and the apparent witnessing of a miracle. Step off the tourist trail and into the macabre heart of Rebus's Edinburgh. BEGGARS BANQUET - Ranging from suburban murders to the sinister workings of a serial killer's mind, here are twenty-one tales all bearing the hallmark of great crime writing. Included are seven Inspector Rebus mysteries, and the Dagger award-winning story 'Herbert in Motion'. ATONEMENT - When Rebus comes to the aid of an old friend, he uncovers some hard-to-swallow truths about life, and death, at a local home for the elderly.

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