🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Ian Rankin
Ian Rankin’s work is now appearing in university literature departments, as modern examples of complex crime fictional works. Rankin makes annual appearances on the BBC’s Newsnight Review. In 2013, Rankin made his play writing debut with, Dark Road, which debut in Lyceum Theatre in September, 2013. In his down time, Rankin has also been spotted in Edinburgh’s Oxford Bar, a bar visited by his fictional detective Inspector Rebus. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, Ian Rankin has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Ian Rankin
Knots and Crosses
Knots and Crosses continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Tooth and Nail / Wolfman
Tooth and Nail / Wolfman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Strip Jack
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Strip Jack, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Black Book
The Black Book is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Mortal Causes
Mortal Causes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Let It Bleed
Let It Bleed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Black and Blue
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Black and Blue, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Hanging Garden
The Hanging Garden is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Dead Souls
A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Souls as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Set in Darkness
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Set in Darkness, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Falls
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with The Falls, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Resurrection Men
Resurrection Men continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Question of Blood
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Question of Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Fleshmarket Alley / Fleshmarket Close
Fleshmarket Alley / Fleshmarket Close continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Naming of the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Naming of the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Exit Music
Exit Music continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Standing in Another Man's Grave
Standing in Another Man's Grave is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Saints of the Shadow Bible
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Saints of the Shadow Bible, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Even Dogs in the Wild
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Even Dogs in the Wild, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Rather Be the Devil
Rather Be the Devil continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
In a House of Lies
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with In a House of Lies, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
A Song for the Dark Times
A Song for the Dark Times is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
A Heart Full of Headstones
A Heart Full of Headstones explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series by Ian Rankin.
Midnight and Blue
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books with Midnight and Blue, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
A Good Hanging
A Good Hanging is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Death is Not the End
A gripping mystery unfolds in Death is Not the End as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
A Good Hanging and Other Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas with A Good Hanging and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Beat Goes On
The Beat Goes On continues the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Long Shadows (Play)
Long Shadows (Play) is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Witch Hunt
Magic takes center stage in Witch Hunt, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Jack Harvey Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Ian Rankin.
Blood Hunt
A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Hunt as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Jack Harvey Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Jack Harvey Books series by Ian Rankin.
The Complaints
The Complaints is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Malcolm Fox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
The Impossible Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Impossible Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Malcolm Fox Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
The Flood
The Flood is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Watchman
Watchman continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Westwind
Westwind continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Doors Open
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Doors Open, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Heights
The Heights is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
A Deep Hole
A Deep Hole is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
A Cool Head
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with A Cool Head, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Meet and Greet
Meet and Greet continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Deathwatch Journal
A gripping mystery unfolds in Deathwatch Journal as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
The Rise
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Rise, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Dark Road
Dark Road is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Beggars Banquet
Beggars Banquet is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Rebus's Scotland
Rebus's Scotland continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dark Entries
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hellblazer Graphic Novels with Dark Entries, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Travelling Companion
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books with The Travelling Companion, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The Travelling Companion
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books with The Travelling Companion, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Murder under the Christmas Tree
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder under the Christmas Tree as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Murder on Christmas Eve
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder on Christmas Eve as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
A Very Murderous Christmas
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Very Murderous Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Murder at Christmas
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder at Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Murder in Midwinter
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Midwinter as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Murder on a Winter's Night
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder on a Winter's Night as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
Murder in the Falling Snow
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in the Falling Snow as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
John Rebus
John Rebus continues the Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Oxford Book of Detective Stories
The investigation intensifies in The Oxford Book of Detective Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
Master's Choice: Mystery Stories by Today's Top Writers and the Masters Who Inspired Them
Master's Choice: Mystery Stories by Today's Top Writers and the Masters Who Inspired Them continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 1
The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 1, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2
The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction
The investigation intensifies in The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
One City
One City is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Dangerous Women
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dangerous Women, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Crime Scenes Revisited: Scottish Popular Fiction
The investigation intensifies in Crime Scenes Revisited: Scottish Popular Fiction, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
The Penguin Book of Crime Stories
The investigation intensifies in The Penguin Book of Crime Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
Ox-Tales: Earth
Ox-Tales: Earth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Crimespotting
The investigation intensifies in Crimespotting, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 8
The investigation intensifies in The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 8, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ian Rankin's creation.
The Best of Barcelona INK
The Best of Barcelona INK continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Killer Cookbook
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killer Cookbook as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters
A gripping mystery unfolds in OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ian Rankin's mastery of suspense.
FaceOff
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with FaceOff, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Jawbreakers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Jawbreakers, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
Ten Year Stretch
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Ten Year Stretch, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
First Edition: Celebrating 21 Years of Goldsboro Books
First Edition: Celebrating 21 Years of Goldsboro Books is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Rankin have come to expect.
Daggers Drawn
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Daggers Drawn, another outstanding contribution from Ian Rankin.
The People's City: One City Trust
The People's City: One City Trust continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ian Rankin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ian Rankin?
Ian Rankin is a bestselling author known for 15 book series containing over 80 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books, Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Jack Harvey Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Ian Rankin series to start with?
For readers new to Ian Rankin's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 25 books. Begin with Knots and Crosses to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Ian Rankin written?
Ian Rankin has written over 80 books across 15 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Ian Rankin books in order?
Yes, reading Ian Rankin's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Ian Rankin write in?
Ian Rankin writes primarily in fiction. With 15 series across 80 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Ian Rankin's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Ian Rankin's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Ian Rankin's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ian Rankin's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Rebus Books series. The first book, Knots and Crosses, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.