John Rebus is out of retirement and back on the force (though demoted to detective sergeant) in Saints of the Shadow Bible, Ian Rankin's 19th novel featuring the Scottish police officer. A change in the double jeopardy laws leads to the re-opening of a 30-year-old murder case tied to Rebus's former unit, the self-styled "Saints." Malcolm Fox is investigating a possible cover-up in the case, and Rebus soon finds himself pulled between his loyalty to his old colleagues and uncovering the truth.
Meanwhile, Rebus is also investigating a suspicious car accident that may have ties to the Scottish Independence Movement and the death of a high-ranking politician. When his research leads him back to one of the former Saints, Rebus is more determined than ever to solve both his current case and the old one.
Despite the longevity of this series, Rankin shows no signs of losing steam with John Rebus. Rebus's sense of humor, devotion to his job and sense of isolation consistently enhance his character and provide a peek into his psyche. In Saints of the Shadow Bible, his interaction with Malcolm Fox works to build empathy for both characters, as fans discover a side of Fox not seen before.
Rankin's gift with dialogue, his wit and raw examination of human nature continue to intensify, resulting in a resonant reading experience for both seasoned series devotees and new Rebus recruits. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts