Plot Summary

A Question of Blood

Ian Rankin
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A Question of Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

Ian Rankin

A Question of Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland • 2000s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Ian Rankin's A Question of Blood, Inspector John Rebus investigates a school shooting that left two students and the shooter dead, while also facing scrutiny over a separate murder claim involving an acquaintance. The plot intertwines British Special Forces, Irish paramilitaries, and a drug operation, with Rebus discovering deeper motives and hidden connections that challenge the apparent simplicity of the crime. The book includes descriptions of violence and drug use.

Suspenseful

Dark

Mysterious

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

18,525 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ian Rankin's A Question of Blood offers readers a gripping narrative featuring the complex Detective Inspector John Rebus. Positive reviews commend its intricate plot and deep character development. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters less engaging. Overall, it is a strong addition to the Rebus series with compelling suspense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Question of Blood?

Mystery enthusiasts and fans of gritty crime fiction will relish Ian Rankin’s A Question of Blood. Comparable to Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer and Tana French's In the Woods, this book appeals to readers who seek intricate plots, complex characters, and a brooding, atmospheric setting.

4.3

18,525 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

A Question of Blood features the popular detective character, Inspector John Rebus, who appears in a series of crime novels by Ian Rankin and is known for his love of music and whiskey.

The book incorporates a real-life event, touching on the aftermath of a shooting incident, which provides a realistic backdrop to the fictional investigation.

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Ian Rankin often sets his novels in Edinburgh, Scotland, using the city's unique atmosphere and history to enhance the mystery and depth of his crime stories.

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Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland • 2000s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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