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Book Nook: Rather Be the Devil, by Ian Rankin

Thirty years ago the Scottish novelist Ian Rankin published the first book in his crime series that features the Edinburgh cop John Rebus. A few years ago Rankin tried to retire his ageing sleuth but Rebus and the many fans of these books would not go along with the plan. So even though Rebus continues to age in real time Rankin brought him back to work some cold cases.
 

In "Rather Be the Devil," his latest book, we find Rebus butting heads once again with his long-time nemesis, the ageing Edinburgh crime boss, "Big Ger" Cafferty. Both Rebus and Cafferty are staring down mortality in this one. Rebus has some unknown medical issues that must be scaring him badly; he has stopped smoking and severely curtailed his drinking. Rebus can be rather cranky even when he has his smokes and his single malts. In this one he's one rather austere curmudgeon.

Ian revealed that he's taking this year off to celebrate the 30th anniversary of John Rebus in the United Kingdom. There are many events planned. I'm so pleased that Rebus came back to us. These are fabulous novels. Ian Rankin is one my favorite guests.

The Book Nook on WYSO is made possible by five local library systems in southwest Ohio:  the Greene County Public LibraryWashington-Centerville Public LibraryClark County Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, and Wright Memorial Public Library.

Vick Mickunas introduced the Book Nook author interview program for WYSO in 1994. Over the years he has produced more than 1500 interviews with writers, musicians, poets, politicians, and celebrities. Listen to the Book Nook with Vick Mickunas for intimate conversations about books with the writers who create them. Vick Mickunas reviews books for the Dayton Daily News and the Springfield News Sun.