A Heart Full of Headstones

by Ian Rankin
A Heart Full of Headstones cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 9168
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316473750
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-10-18
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In Ian Rankin's gripping novel, John Rebus, a seasoned detective, finds himself on trial for a crime that could land him in prison for life. The story delves into the complexities of Rebus's character, exploring what drove a respected officer to cross the line. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is assigned to the city's most explosive case in years: the disappearance of a notorious cop with a history of misconduct. Her investigation leads her to uncover a web of corruption that implicates her superiors and her mentor, Rebus. As Clarke digs deeper, she realizes that Rebus may not have her best interests at heart, complicating her mission and putting her in grave danger. The novel is a thrilling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

Reviews
Jen Meds Book Reviews · Jen Meds · 2022-12-15
engaging 4.00

The cliffhanger ending was perfect and kept the reader engaged, but it might frustrate those who dislike such endings. The book's pacing and suspense were well-executed.

This reviewer loved the way the book ended with a cliffhanger, which they felt was the perfect way to keep readers hooked. They appreciated the suspense and pacing throughout the story, making it an engaging read. However, they acknowledged that this style might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more resolved conclusion. The characters and plot twists were praised for their ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Quick quotes

    If you don't like cliffhangers then this book is going to drive you crazy, but for me it was the perfect way to end the book, and to keep us all hooked.

    The pacing and suspense were well-executed, making it a thrilling read.

    The characters and plot twists were praised for their ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Crime Fiction Critic · Crime Fiction Critic · 2022-10-21
dark 4.50

The book is a dark, gritty, and engrossing tale that crime thriller fans will enjoy. The reviewer enjoyed it so much that they immediately wanted to read more.

This reviewer found the book to be a dark and gritty tale that perfectly fits the crime thriller genre. They were engrossed from start to finish and appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters. The reviewer enjoyed it so much that they were eager to dive into more of Ian Rankin's work. The book's atmosphere and pacing were highlighted as key elements that made the reading experience particularly enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    A Heart Full of Headstones is a dark, gritty, and engrossing tale that fans of crime thrillers will enjoy.

    I enjoyed it so much I've already started looking for more books by Ian Rankin.

    The depth and complexity of the characters were particularly appreciated.

The Scotsman · The Scotsman · 2022-10-14
engaging 4.00

Rankin's writing is always fluent and engaging, with a knack for throwing in unexpected twists. The book is no different, even if some elements feel familiar.

This reviewer praised Ian Rankin's consistent ability to write in a fluent and engaging manner. They appreciated the unexpected twists and turns that Rankin is known for, which kept the story interesting. While the reviewer acknowledged that some elements of the book might feel familiar to longtime fans, they still found it to be a compelling read. The book's ability to keep the reader guessing was highlighted as a particular strength.

Quick quotes

    Rankin is always fluent, always engaging, always ready to throw a spanner in the works towards the end.

    This is no different, even if the plot feels familiar at times.

    The book's ability to keep the reader guessing was highlighted as a particular strength.

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