Meanwhile, in Edinbugh, Rebus's high-strung partner Siobhan Clarke begins investigating the murder of an art dealer. At first, Detective Sergeant Clarke assumes it is a run-of-the-mill murder, until subtle connections to Rebus's case begin to appear. Now, Rebus must warily join Siobhan in her investigation from a distance, while trying to keep a step ahead of his colleagues and superiors at retraining school. At first, the two cases appear to have very little in common, but slowly, the pieces become clear and the cases become one, one big case that the usually subdued, thoughtful Rebus never saw coming.

Rebus is at times a brooding man, yet is always thinking, mulling things over in his mind, drawing inferences from everything he absorbs from his environment. He seems much older and more serious than the men in his group, but this retraining may be the thing that will revive a tired inspector and give him new perspective. Siobhan Clarke is slowly developing into an intuitive investigator and good foil for Rebus.

The plots slowly dance around each other, coming together for a time and then going off in separate directions once again. The plot is so ambitious and engaging that when the quick, bloody resolution occurs it is almost too fast and there is very little time given resolution to let everything settle into place.

As always, Rebus is a top-notch investigator who never fails to surprise with his quick wit or thoughtful insight. The plot requires attention and careful reading, but will well be worth the effort. Another strong entry into a popular series.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry