Midnight and Blue
Title: Midnight and Blue
Author: Ian Rankin
Pages: 352
Ian Rankin’s latest addition to the Rebus series, Midnight and Blue, is a masterclass in crime fiction, serving as both a nod to the classic detective thrillers and a bold new chapter in the life of one of Edinburgh’s most compelling anti-heroes, John Rebus. The novel, rich in atmosphere and tension, finds the retired detective in unfamiliar—and deeply unsettling—territory: behind bars.
The premise is irresistible. Rebus, the hardened cop who spent a lifetime hunting down Edinburgh’s most dangerous criminals, is now one of them. The novel opens with Rebus incarcerated, a development that immediately hooks the reader and flips the detective genre on its head. How does the hunter fare when he becomes the hunted? Rankin plays with this dynamic superbly, with Rebus forced to navigate the claustrophobic and perilous world of prison, where both inmates and guards are potential enemies—or worse, murderers.
When a grisly murder occurs in a locked cell at midnight, the mystery begins to unravel in true Rankin fashion: slow-burning, intricately plotted, and morally complex. As Rebus digs into the case with the obsessive relentlessness that defines him, readers are reminded of why this series has endured for decades. The brilliance of Midnight and Blue lies in its exploration of Rebus’s vulnerability; without the badge or the legal authority to back him, he must rely solely on his wits, instincts, and sometimes questionable methods.
What truly sets this novel apart is the way Rankin layers tension through the characters who surround Rebus. The ensemble of prisoners and guards is carefully crafted, each with their own secrets and hidden agendas. The result is a labyrinthine puzzle where anyone could be the killer, and no one is to be trusted. Even Rebus, whose sharp mind and gruff exterior have carried him through countless cases, appears shaken in this environment. The metaphorical prison of guilt and past sins that has always lingered around Rebus feels more literal than ever.
Rankin’s prose is as atmospheric as ever, with Edinburgh’s brooding presence casting its shadow over the prison walls. The dialogue is crisp, darkly humorous, and reflective of a city that has shaped both the man and the detective. The pace, while deliberate, builds to a crescendo, with the final act delivering gut-punch revelations that will leave long-time fans reeling.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of Rebus’s morality. Stripped of his former power and position, Rebus remains a flawed yet deeply human character. His quest for justice, though commendable, has always walked a tightrope of moral ambiguity, and in Midnight and Blue, that tightrope becomes literal. With his life in jeopardy and no safety net, Rebus must confront not only the mysteries outside but also the ghosts of his own past.
Midnight and Blue is not just another crime thriller; it’s a poignant reflection on ageing, redemption, and the indelible marks left by a life spent chasing justice. Rankin delivers a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, proving once again why Rebus remains one of the most compelling figures in modern detective fiction.
For fans of the series, this is a must-read, and for newcomers, it serves as a powerful entry point into the dark, intricate world of John Rebus. Rankin’s latest novel cements his place as a master of the genre, delivering a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Author: The Editorial Team
