Strip Jack is the fourth Rebus novel, and it seems like Rankin's Inspector Rebus character has finally come together.
Rankin has said that after the success of his previous novels, he decided to clean up the character, devote more to the actual locations in Edinburgh, and make the series as authentic as possible. This one is certainly more Scottish, from food to locations to speech, and it makes a huge difference. Strip Jack has all the elements which make up what will be called by some Tartan Noir.
Rankin has moved from his (fictional) office of the past to the (actual) central police station in Edinburgh. The move has shuffled everyone, but he still has a superior named Watson and a Detective Sergeant named Holmes. They have planned the late night raid of a high class brother in town and discover the press has been tipped off. Amongst the patrons is the local MP Gregor Jack and it becomes headline news. While Gregor Jack is hiding out from the scandal, his wife goes missing, sending Rebus to points north to investigate. Here we meet the farmers and small town folk which really make the novel. It's very Scottish and Rebus' reactions to it all really build the character. It feels like Rankin's intention to highlight the area in his writing is the ticket, Strip Jack is the best of the series.
Another case involves a drowning victim in a local river - when Mrs. Jack turns up drowned as well, is it a copycat killer, or result of her wild, partying lifestyle? This is another plot which uncovers the sins of the rich, the newspaperman who help expose it all, injustice and long standing grudges.
Rebus has a romantic partner as well, adding another dimension to the character. His habits - good and bad - are revealing themselves, and there is a growing humour for word play and nicknames making it the funniest of the series.
This novel seems to have it all - complex relationships both work and private, a mystery where many people could be the culprit and the sights, sounds and tastes of northern Scotland, making it a unique series.
Very well enjoyed and the best Rebus novel so far.
1992 / Paperback / 279 pages
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