Knots and Crosses

by Ian Rankin
Knots and Crosses cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9169
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780754075448
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Knots and Crosses,' Ian Rankin introduces readers to Detective John Rebus, a complex and compelling protagonist who must confront a series of chilling murders that hit close to home. The novel delves into Rebus's personal struggles and professional challenges as he navigates the dark underbelly of Edinburgh. /n/n Rankin's intricate plotting and vivid character development make this a standout in the crime genre, with Rebus's sharp wit and relentless determination driving the narrative forward. The book is the first in the highly acclaimed Inspector Rebus series, setting the stage for a long-running exploration of crime and justice.

Reviews
Crime Fiction Critic · 2022-11-28
mixed 2.50

The plot is intricate but fails to fully ignite. The serial killer storyline feels overwrought and unrealistic.

The reviewer finds the plot labyrinthine and intricate but feels it lacks the spark to fully ignite. They criticize the serial killer storyline as overwrought and unrealistic, noting that it doesn't quite deliver the expected thrill. Despite these flaws, the reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in character development and atmosphere, making it a mixed but interesting read.

Quick quotes

    It's a labyrinthine tale of Edinburgh cops tracking a vicious serial killer who preys on young girls.

    The plot smolders but never quite catches fire.

    The serial killer storyline seemed overwrought and unrealistic.

Fiction Fan Blog · 2022-06-29
engaging 4.00

The writing is strong, capturing Edinburgh's contrasts effectively. The character development and plot are engaging, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer praises Ian Rankin's ability to evoke Edinburgh's contrasts, highlighting the city's wealth and poverty, power dynamics, and the atmosphere. They find the character development and plot engaging, making it a compelling read despite some pacing issues. The reviewer appreciates Rankin's writing style and the tension he builds throughout the story.

Quick quotes

    Rankin could already evoke Edinburgh in all its contrasts of wealth and poverty, the powerful and the powerless.

    The quality of the writing is already here.

    The character development and plot are engaging.

Rhapsody in Books · 2010-04-03
compelling 3.50

The book maintains tension and interesting characterization, making it a late-night read. It lacks the pace of a typical thriller but keeps the reader engaged.

The reviewer notes that while the book doesn't have the fast-paced excitement of a typical thriller, it maintains sufficient tension and interesting characterization to keep the reader engaged. They appreciate the late-night reading experience it provides, highlighting the book's ability to captivate despite its slower pace. The reviewer finds the characters and plot compelling enough to make it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    While this book does not have the pace of a “thriller,” there is sufficient tension and interesting characterization to keep you reading until late at night.

    The book maintains a steady tension that keeps the reader engaged.

    The characters are compelling and well-developed.

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