Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Dark Mystery
Review: The Hanging Garden is about John Rebus and several investigations concerning (1) a local gang war; (2) the hit and run attack on his daughter; and (3) a person who is possibly a WWII Nazi who has escaped prosecution. Rebus has lots of depth. His problems with alcohol and his family are well documented. He struggles with his problems, as in previous novels. This lends a depth to him. His efforts to determine whether the possible nazi was really a nazi are interesting. The retired nazi is a well-drawn character with lots of quirks to keep the reader guessing about whether he is or is not a nazi. The book is well-plotted and is believable. The writing is solid.
Rating:
Summary: Hanging by every word in the page
Review: This is my first Ian Rankin novel and it will definitely not be my last. John Rebus is a complex character who is battling his own personal demons. He is an Edinburgh Detective Inspector who is a recovering alcoholic and who is trying to reconnect with his daughter, Sammy, after many years of separation.In this novel, Sammy is a victim of a hit-and-run and is currently unconscious in the hospital; a gang war is brewing and seems that the Yakuza might be involved; and an elderly man is being investigated as a Nazi war criminal. Rebus is trying to save Karina, a Bosnian refugee who is working as a prostitute in the streets of Edinburgh. Rankin does an excellent job with characterization giving depth to all the supporting players involved in the story. He focuses on their strengths as well as their weaknesses and does a great job in showing irony on several occasions. The author knows how to structure the story. He makes use of flashbacks without warning the readers. It helps one to appreciate the then as well as the now. The story is not linear and it helps one to understand the motivation of most of the characters. I enjoyed my first John Rebus novel and I hope that all the others are as good as this one.
Rating:
Summary: This is crime writing
Review: This is my first Rebus or Rankin novel and was I blown away. The language is rich and descriptive. One can almost feel the whole gamut of emotions Rebus is experiencing and the struggle he is facing. A great read. The plot is complex and requires attention but you are well rewarded in the end as everything is tied together with a golden thread. The plot: Rebus a cop trying to come to terms with a drinking problem and a failed marriage and trying to control the quickly changing world of organised crime in Edinbrugh. The tentacles of intrigue, plot, sub-plot and double-cross are used to maximum effect and leave you wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and want more.
Rating: 
Summary: Almost too many subplots
Review: This was my first Inspector Rebus book and I enjoyed it. My problem is there are far too many subplots, prostitutes from Russia, Japanese Yakaze, Mr. Pink Eyes, British Intelligence, Strawman, the Mossad, the Rat Line and the hit and run attack on his daughter. It was written for careful reading, do not try to speed read as I usually do. Although complicated I enjoyed the story and took the time to read it carefully. This is not a book to read while sitting by the pool and relaxing.
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