"As he tries to tie up some loose ends before retirement, a murder case intrudes. A dissident Russian poet has been found dead in what looks like a mugging gone wrong. By apparent coincidence a high-level delegation of Russian businessmen is in town, keen to bring business to Scotland. The politicians and bankers who run Edinburgh are determined that the case should be closed quickly and clinically.

But the further they dig, the more Rebus and his colleague DS Clarke become convinced that they are dealing with something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Meantime, a brutal and premeditated assault on a local gangster sees Rebus in the frame. Has the Inspector taken a step too far in tying up those loose ends? Only a few days shy of the end to his long, inglorious career, will Rebus even make it that far?"

Setting up a bookray for this book. It's on its way.

Going to:
Sherlockfan (NZ)
Chicklitfan (NZ)
Edwardstreet (NZ)(Currently here)
Winterspread (NZ)

Thanks Captainsdoxy for taking this book to the meet-up last night. (And what a great meet-up that was.)

After attending a talk evening with Ian Rankin, and having enjoyed his books over the years, I was really keen to read "Exit Music".

Ian spoke at length about his surprise when friends he had made within the police world informed him that, in line with "real" policemen, Rebus would face compulsory retirement shortly. Because the Rebus stories are written in real time with the regular characters aging through the 20 years this series covers authenticity required Rebus to retire also. Many people in the audience that evening tried with trick questions to gather clues to what would happen next but these queries were parried with skill.

What will Rebus do next? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way in which Ian Rankin portrayed the unusual circumstances in which Rebus found himself, with compulsory retirement around the next corner, was masterly.

How long will we have to wait until we see what plans Rankin has?

During the talk he had in Wellington he indicated that when characters were not working into a story as he initially intended he would simply kill them off. Surely he can't have that fate in mind for Rebus. With the previous almost one book per year maybe we'll hear from him soon.

Taking the book to Mac's Brewery Bar tonight for Chicklitfan.

Collected at the meetup last night from Sherlock Fan. Plan to read this month and then bring to next meetup as EdwardStreet (NZ) is interested in reading it next.

Really enjoyed this British Crime novel - read over a 24 hour time period over Easter. Don't usually read this genre and first one by this author but I'm keen to read more now. He's written quite a few so I'll check out my local library. Found the characters believable and honest and the plot travelled along at a fast past till the end. Felt a bit let down when the book was finished as it was the best book I've read all hear. Will pass on to Edward Street at the next meetup if not before.

Released tomorrow night (8/04/2008 5.30pm BX time) at Mac's Bar & Brewery, Wakefield Street in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand

RELEASE NOTES:

Not a wild Release but taking it to meet-up tonight for the next person on the Bookring EdwardStreet

Thoroughly enjoyed and have been looking for this author for a long time, alas Rebus has now retired, I need to go back to his early days

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending to captainsdoxy's desk

sent

Passed to me by Captain's Doxy - will read and pass on as requested.

Great stuff from Ian Rankin as usual - just sorry it's the last one because I'd really love to know what happened next!

Passing on in the ray.

Received this morning. Thanks. Looking forward to reading although I have a few books to finish off first.