Ian Rankin - Doors Open

Review by Malcolm Martland, 19 October 2008
Doors open is an event they have in Edinburgh on certain days – The doors of usually closed institutions are opened – one being a depository of the Scottish National Gallery where the bulk of the National Galleries at collection is housed.

But a gallery director, a collector and a banker from 1st Cally (First Caledonian Bank) have a notion to rob the depository on one of the doors open days – but they have a fairly unconvincing ruse to prevent their discovery by substituting the masterpieces by very well painted forgeries.

But for the heist they need some help from thug Chib Calloway and his gang – who is in trouble with the police and his dealers – to whom he owes a huge sum of money.

It all goes pear shaped of course.

Well this is the first Ian Rankin Novel after he dispensed with the services of Inspector Rebus – but sadly the absence of Rebus and his sidekick Siobhan were noticeable – Rebus is the shabby, real ale drinking, chain smoking, brilliant detective who is the foil for Rankin’s intellect.

So summing-up, not a bad plot but not up to usual enjoyment level. Still better than the popular crime writers’ line-up of Cornwell, Reichs, Patterson and Connoly - but that wouldn't be hard! This week I had a book club offer 10 Kathy Reichs books for £10 - £1 a book – slightly more than a packet of crisps in the pub – and only slightly more memorable! Bring back Rebus – that’s what Rankin’s readers want!
Doors Open £18.99 Hardback (not worth 18.99 – it’s less at Amazon or wait for the paperback)