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 detective novel is 'The Da Vinci Code'. It involves a lot of puzzles and codes that the protagonist has to decipher, much like in a rebus. Another is 'Sherlock Holmes' series. Holmes is constantly solving mysteries by piecing together various clues which can be seen as a form of rebus - decoding the hidden meaning in the evidence.
'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 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.
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.
There are quite a few. 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is a notable detective novel. It combines elements of mystery with the academic world. Lord Peter Wimsey, the detective in the story, is a very charming and intelligent character. And then there's 'In the Woods' by Tana French, which is a more modern take on the detective novel genre, with a complex psychological exploration along with the mystery-solving.
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.
One of the best rebus novels could be 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It has elements that are like a rebus in the way it weaves together historical facts, symbols, and mystery. The various clues and symbols throughout the book are like pieces of a rebus puzzle that the reader has to put together to understand the full story.
Rebus novels often use pictures, symbols or visual elements to convey parts of the story or certain meanings. For example, a picture of a heart might represent love in the context of the novel. These elements add an extra layer of intrigue and creativity to the storytelling process.