Black And Blue - Ian Rankin

Rankin and Rebus, low odds..

Low odds, because it's always a winning concept.

John rebus, the half alcoholic, half outcast, much hated DI is back.
He doesn't give a toss about procedure, he is insubordinate, he constantly walks a tightrope between being fired and being let off the hook.
This time, he is not only the target of the common scorn and reprimands, but also physically, as he wanders off alone in shady neighborhoods.
A serial killer stalks Aberdeen. The case has nothing to do with Edinburgh, so it should be no business of Rebus's. Yet, there are similarities to another, older serial killer's work, a killer supposed to be locked away and long since deceased.The local rags have already picked up this and both they and the brass want to know about the old inquiries, the collar and evidence of the killer's guilt. As the arresting officer has committed suicide, only one cop is still to be interrogated.. Rebus.
Meanwhile, he is off trying to discern three major cases from each other, or is it possible they are somehow connected ?
As he goes out on a limb to follow his hunches, some very dangerous people gets wind of his coming,information leaking from within the police itself. Who he can trust seems a gamble. And then, an old evil awakens...

Rebus has come to a turning point in his career, and his life!
He suddenly understands how easy it is to keep a blind eye to protocol, how easy his powers could be misused. He suddenly realizes that maybe he doesn't want to be a drunkard any more. After a sudden panic attack he changes direction, tries to sober up.
John Rebus is a self consuming fire which keeps the reader absorbed. Slow progress, , ...
Rankin carefully stirs his hot pot of confused leads,unholy alliances,dirty cops and painstakingly slow progress to a perfect serving.
Enjoy! I did.