What are some popular rebus detective novels?

'The Falls' is also highly regarded. It involves a serial killer case and Rebus's tenacious investigation. The novel delves deep into the psyche of the characters, both the killer and Rebus himself. The dark and gritty nature of the story is typical of the series, making it a must - read for fans of detective novels.

One classic is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson solving complex mysteries.

One popular rebus crime novel is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines mystery elements with historical and intellectual depth. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot full of twists and turns. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson also stands out, with its dark and engaging mystery.

One well - known rebus novel is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It contains various puzzles and symbolic elements that are like rebuses throughout the story.

Probably 'Exit Music'. It's a very popular one as it ties up some loose ends in Rebus's story in a very satisfying way.

Agatha Christie is another well - known author. She wrote numerous detective novels with memorable characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her works often have complex puzzles for the reader to solve.

In rebus detective novels, the plot is usually centered around decoding some form of encrypted message or symbol. This could be a series of pictures, anagrams, or other types of word - play. In contrast, regular detective novels may have a more linear approach to solving the crime. They might start with a murder, then follow the detective as they interview suspects and gather evidence in a more traditional way. Rebus detective novels require the reader to be more actively involved in deciphering the clues, as they are often presented in a more abstract way compared to regular detective novels.

There is also Siobhan Clarke, who often works alongside Rebus. She brings a different perspective to the investigations and has her own strengths as a detective. Their relationship, which is sometimes tense and other times collaborative, is an interesting aspect of the novels.

A lesser - known rebus novel might be 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. The unique formatting of the text, with footnotes that seem to lead to other footnotes, and the use of different fonts and page layouts all create a rebus - like experience. The story itself is also full of puzzles and strange elements that make the reader work hard to piece together the narrative, much like solving a complex rebus.

Well, in Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, one characteristic is the intricate plotting. The stories keep you guessing until the end. Regarding the 'long shadows' part, it might imply that the past actions of characters, like Rebus's own past mistakes or the history of the city, constantly influence the current investigations. And the setting of Edinburgh is almost like another character, with its alleys and different social strata adding depth to the novels.