If you’re a fan of gritty crime novels, few authors deliver as consistently as Ian Rankin. Best known for his Inspector Rebus series, Rankin’s books plunge readers into the dark, atmospheric streets of Edinburgh, weaving intricate plots with unforgettable characters. Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, this guide lists Ian Rankin’s books in order, focusing on the iconic Rebus series and his standalone novels, ensuring you can dive into his world seamlessly.
Why Read Ian Rankin’s Books?
Ian Rankin’s novels are a masterclass in crime fiction. His protagonist, Detective Inspector John Rebus, is a flawed, compelling figure navigating complex cases and personal demons. Rankin’s Edinburgh is practically a character itself—grimy, vibrant, and full of secrets. With over 30 years of writing, Rankin’s bibliography is extensive, but don’t worry—we’ve organized it for you.
This guide is perfect for:
- New readers wondering where to start.
- Fans wanting to revisit the Rebus series in order.
- Anyone curious about Rankin’s standalone works or other series.
Let’s explore Ian Rankin’s books in publication order, focusing on the Rebus series, other series, and standalone novels.
List of Ian Rankin Books In Order of release
Below is a complete list of Ian Rankin’s books in order of publication, including the Inspector Rebus series, Malcolm Fox series, standalone novels, Jack Harvey novels, and short story collections.
| Year | Title | Series/Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Flood | Standalone Novel |
| 1987 | Knots and Crosses | Inspector Rebus #1 |
| 1988 | Watchman | Standalone Novel |
| 1990 | Westwind | Standalone Novel |
| 1991 | Hide and Seek | Inspector Rebus #2 |
| 1992 | Tooth and Nail | Inspector Rebus #3 |
| 1992 | Strip Jack | Inspector Rebus #4 |
| 1992 | A Good Hanging and Other Stories | Short Story Collection |
| 1993 | The Black Book | Inspector Rebus #5 |
| 1993 | Witch Hunt (as Jack Harvey) | Standalone Novel |
| 1994 | Mortal Causes | Inspector Rebus #6 |
| 1994 | Bleeding Hearts (as Jack Harvey) | Standalone Novel |
| 1995 | Let It Bleed | Inspector Rebus #7 |
| 1995 | Blood Hunt (as Jack Harvey) | Standalone Novel |
| 1997 | Black and Blue | Inspector Rebus #8 |
| 1998 | The Hanging Garden | Inspector Rebus #9 |
| 1999 | Dead Souls | Inspector Rebus #10 |
| 2000 | Set in Darkness | Inspector Rebus #11 |
| 2001 | The Falls | Inspector Rebus #12 |
| 2002 | Resurrection Men | Inspector Rebus #13 |
| 2002 | Beggars Banquet | Short Story Collection |
| 2003 | A Question of Blood | Inspector Rebus #14 |
| 2004 | Fleshmarket Close | Inspector Rebus #15 |
| 2006 | The Naming of the Dead | Inspector Rebus #16 |
| 2007 | Exit Music | Inspector Rebus #17 |
| 2008 | Doors Open | Standalone Novel |
| 2009 | The Complaints | Malcolm Fox #1 |
| 2009 | Dark Entries | Standalone Graphic Novel |
| 2009 | A Cool Head | Standalone Novella |
| 2011 | The Impossible Dead | Malcolm Fox #2 |
| 2012 | Standing in Another Man’s Grave | Inspector Rebus #18 |
| 2013 | Saints of the Shadow Bible | Inspector Rebus #19 |
| 2014 | The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories | Short Story Collection |
| 2015 | Even Dogs in the Wild | Inspector Rebus #20 |
| 2016 | Rather Be the Devil | Inspector Rebus #21 |
| 2018 | In a House of Lies | Inspector Rebus #22 |
| 2020 | A Song for the Dark Times | Inspector Rebus #23 |
| 2021 | The Dark Remains | Standalone Novel (Rebus Prequel, co-written with William McIlvanney) |
| 2024 | Midnight and Blue | Inspector Rebus #24 |
Inspector Rebus Series in Order
The Inspector Rebus series is Rankin’s flagship, following the tough, morally complex John Rebus as he solves crimes in Edinburgh. Here’s the complete list in publication order, with brief descriptions to hook you without spoilers:
- Knots and Crosses (1987)
The novel that introduced John Rebus. A serial killer stalks Edinburgh, and Rebus must confront his past to crack the case. A gripping start to the series. - Hide and Seek (1991)
Rebus investigates a suspicious death in a squat, uncovering a web of corruption. The Edinburgh setting shines here. - Tooth and Nail (1992)
Rebus heads to London to hunt a serial killer nicknamed “The Wolfman.” A tense, fast-paced entry. - Strip Jack (1992)
A politician’s scandal leads Rebus into a murky world of power and betrayal. Political intrigue meets gritty crime. - The Black Book (1993)
A colleague’s assault pulls Rebus into a cold case tied to a fire. One of Rankin’s darker, more intricate plots. - Mortal Causes (1994)
A brutal murder during the Edinburgh Festival exposes sectarian tensions. Rebus navigates a volatile backdrop. - Let It Bleed (1995)
A double suicide and a missing person case lead Rebus to high-level corruption. A fan favorite for its depth. - Black and Blue (1997)
Rebus chases a serial killer while grappling with a copycat murderer. This award-winning novel is a series highlight. - The Hanging Garden (1998)
Rebus tackles organized crime and a potential war criminal. A deeply personal case for our detective. - Dead Souls (1999)
A released convict and a missing teen push Rebus to his limits. The emotional stakes are high. - Set in Darkness (2000)
A murder at the Scottish Parliament’s construction site uncovers political conspiracies. Classic Rebus. - The Falls (2001)
A missing student and a creepy doll lead Rebus into a chilling investigation. Rankin’s storytelling excels here. - Resurrection Men (2002)
Rebus is sent to a retraining program for rogue cops, but a cold case pulls him back in. A clever twist on the formula. - A Question of Blood (2003)
A school shooting and a suspicious fire hit close to home for Rebus. Intense and emotional. - Fleshmarket Close (2004)
Rebus investigates a murder in Edinburgh’s underbelly, tackling immigration and human trafficking. Socially relevant and gripping. - The Naming of the Dead (2006)
Set during the G8 summit, Rebus juggles a serial killer and a high-profile death. A complex, politically charged entry. - Exit Music (2007)
Rebus faces retirement while solving a Russian poet’s murder. A poignant “end” to the original series arc. - Standing in Another Man’s Grave (2012)
Rebus returns, working cold cases and linking them to a new disappearance. A triumphant comeback. - Saints of the Shadow Bible (2013)
Rebus reopens a 30-year-old case while mentoring Siobhan Clarke. Loyalty and justice collide. - Even Dogs in the Wild (2015)
Rebus, now retired, consults on a murder with ties to organized crime. Siobhan and Malcolm Fox shine too. - Rather Be the Devil (2016)
Rebus revisits a cold case while facing health issues and old enemies. A reflective, intense read. - In a House of Lies (2018)
A body in a car trunk reopens a case, with Rebus and Clarke navigating modern policing. Timely and sharp. - A Song for the Dark Times (2020)
Rebus investigates a family friend’s murder while Clarke tackles a related case. A strong late-series entry. - Midnight and Blue (2024)
Rebus, now retired, faces new challenges in Edinburgh’s criminal underworld. The latest gripping installment.
Reading Tip for Rebus Fans
Start with Knots and Crosses for the full Rebus experience, but if you want a standalone taste, Black and Blue or The Falls are excellent entry points. Each book works independently, though reading in order deepens the character arcs.
Malcolm Fox Series in Order
Rankin’s Malcolm Fox series focuses on a detective in the Complaints, Edinburgh’s internal affairs unit. Fox later crosses over with Rebus. Here’s the order:
- The Complaints (2009)
Fox investigates a corrupt cop while facing personal threats. A fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s police world. - The Impossible Dead (2011)
Fox’s investigation into a small-town cop spirals into a conspiracy. A strong follow-up with historical ties.
Standalone Novels and Other Works
Rankin’s standalone novels and other series offer variety, from psychological thrillers to lighter mysteries. Here’s the full list in publication order:
- The Flood (1986)
Rankin’s debut, a dark coming-of-age tale set in a Scottish mining town. Not a crime novel but haunting. - Watchman (1988)
A spy thriller about a disgraced operative. A departure from Rankin’s usual crime focus. - Westwind (1990)
A techno-thriller involving satellites and espionage. Rare and early Rankin. - Doors Open (2008)
A heist thriller about an art theft gone wrong. Fast-paced and fun. - Dark Entries (2009)
A graphic novel featuring occult detective John Constantine. A unique Rankin venture. - A Cool Head (2009)
A short novella about a botched robbery. Perfect for a quick read. - The Dark Remains (2021)
A prequel to the Rebus series, co-written with William McIlvanney, exploring a young Rebus. A must for fans.
Jack Harvey Novels (Pseudonym)
Rankin wrote three thrillers under the pseudonym Jack Harvey:
- Witch Hunt (1993)
A terrorist hunt across Europe. Action-packed and suspenseful. - Bleeding Hearts (1994)
A hitman’s story intertwines with a conspiracy. Fast and thrilling. - Blood Hunt (1995)
A journalist seeks justice for his brother’s death. A gritty, standalone gem.
Short Story Collections
Rankin’s short stories often feature Rebus or other characters. Key collections include:
- A Good Hanging and Other Stories (1992)
Twelve Rebus short stories, perfect for quick dives into his world. - Beggars Banquet (2002)
A mix of Rebus and non-Rebus stories, showcasing Rankin’s range. - The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories (2014)
A comprehensive collection of all Rebus short stories. A treasure for fans.
Where to Start with Ian Rankin
- For new readers: Start with Knots and Crosses (Rebus #1) or Black and Blue (Rebus #8) for a standalone experience.
- For crime fans: Try The Complaints for a different angle on Rankin’s Edinburgh.
- For thriller lovers: Check out Doors Open or the Jack Harvey novels.
- For short reads: Dive into A Good Hanging for bite-sized Rebus mysteries.
Why Ian Rankin’s Books Are Timeless
Rankin’s ability to blend gritty realism, complex characters, and Edinburgh’s atmosphere makes his books endlessly re-readable. The Rebus series evolves with the character—aging, retiring, and adapting to modern Scotland—while standalone novels showcase Rankin’s versatility. His awards, including the Edgar Award for Black and Blue, cement his status as a crime fiction legend.
Where to Buy Ian Rankin’s Books
You can find Ian Rankin’s books at:
- Amazon: Kindle, paperback, and audiobooks.
- Bookshop.org: Support independent bookstores.
- Local libraries: Many offer e-books and physical copies.
- Secondhand bookstores: Great for finding early editions.
Final Thoughts
Ian Rankin’s books, especially the Rebus series, are a must-read for crime fiction fans. With this guide, you can follow Rebus’s journey through Edinburgh’s underbelly or explore Rankin’s standalone gems. Start with Knots and Crosses or jump into a later Rebus novel—either way, you’re in for a thrilling ride.
Have a favorite Rankin book or curious about where to start? Let us know in the comments, and happy reading!
