In Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, 'death is not the end' could imply that the consequences of death continue to reverberate throughout the story. Deaths often lead to investigations, which in turn unearth secrets, lies, and more complex relationships. Rebus has to deal with the aftermath of deaths, and they are not simply the end of a life but the start of a complex web of events that need to be untangled.
The order of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels can be a bit tricky to determine for someone new to the series. However, beginning with the earlier ones like 'Strip Jack' is a good start. It gives you an initial taste of Rebus's character, his flaws and his determination. As you progress through the series, you'll see how his character evolves over time, like in 'Fleshmarket Close' where he faces new challenges in his investigations.
I'm not aware of any upcoming Ian Rankin Rebus novels at the moment. However, given the popularity of the series, it's quite possible that Rankin may write more in the future. But for now, fans can only wait and hope.
The concept of 'death is not the end' in Ian Rankin's Rebus novels is a multi - faceted one. Deaths in the novels often initiate a series of events that involve not only solving the mystery of the death itself but also uncovering deeper, underlying issues. These can range from the corruption within the police force to the seedy underworld of Edinburgh. Rebus is constantly faced with the fact that a death is not just an isolated event but is connected to a much larger and more complex network of relationships, motives, and secrets. As he delves deeper into the investigations, he realizes that the death has set in motion a sequence of events that will have far - reaching consequences, both for the characters directly involved and for the society at large.
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.
Some of Ian Rankin's highly regarded Rebus novels include 'Knots and Crosses'. It was the first in the series and introduced readers to the complex character of Rebus. Another great one is 'Black and Blue', which is known for its engaging plot and deep exploration of Edinburgh's underworld.
A good way to approach the Rebus novels in order is to first read 'Hide and Seek' after 'Knots and Crosses'. 'Hide and Seek' delves deeper into the relationships Rebus has, both personal and professional. It also starts to expand on the mystery and crime elements that are characteristic of the series.
One of the highly regarded Ian Rankin Rebus novels is 'Black and Blue'. It has a complex plot that delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. The character of Rebus is at his best in this novel, with his dogged detective work and his flawed but endearing personality. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
The most recent Ian Rankin Rebus novel that I know of is 'A Heart Full of Headstones'. It continues the story of Rebus, with his complex character and the gritty Edinburgh setting that Rankin is so good at portraying. There are all the elements fans love - the mystery, the moral dilemmas, and Rebus's unique take on the cases he's involved in.