Fleshmarket Alley
by Ian Rankin

reviewed by Stasia Dulebohn

This is the first time I’ve read anything by Ian Rankin, and based on this book I’d rate him right up there with my three other favorite British mystery writers: P.D. James, Elizabeth George, and, of course, Agatha Christie.

And I needed a new mystery writer! Agatha hasn’t written anything for quite some time (could be because she’s dead), P.D. James hasn’t had anything new (is she still writing?), and Elizabeth George is still working but I just couldn’t wait any longer for her next book.

So it was with a great deal of pleasure that I was given an advanced reading copy of Fleshmarket Alley to review.

Why do I find British mystery writers so much better than their American counterparts? I know that a lot of people will take umbrage with this comment, but I always enjoy the British authors’ writing styles compared to those in the States (if you agree with this sentiment, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this novel).

I found the story’s complexity, depth, and length (a comfortable 420 pages) a very satisfying read. I don’t know much about detective Rebus, but this book makes me want to read all of Mr. Rankin’s earlier novels based on this character (starting with Knots and Crosses). This is my favorite type of murder mystery; it’s not important who did the dastardly deed, it’s the road to discovery as to why the murder(s) took place that make it a rich reading experience.

I also found this novel especially intriguing because of the political and sociological atmosphere (in Scotland) that surrounds the action and investigation—which gives you a lot to ponder, besides just the murders. I learned a great deal about the Scottish immigration and refugee problem, which made me more aware of issues outside of my own little world; it left me thinking about the book long after I’d finished reading. Isn’t that what reading is all about?

I hope his other books are as satisfying as this one—I plan to read more about detective Rebus. My only complaint is that I wish they’d included a glossary of British/Scottish slang terms. I was a little lost when phrases like “no cheap plonk” and others suddenly appeared. I was able to figure it out in context, but for the average American reader, I’m sure a glossary would be much appreciated. Even so, it added to the flavor of this author’s British roots and his style of writing.

Getting back to my earlier comment about British mystery writers over American mystery writers, the British authors don’t seem to dumb-down their writing to appeal to the masses, while their American counterparts (you know . . . those “A”, “B”, “C”, etc. murder mysteries) tend to be formulaic and repetitious after the third or fourth (or tenth!) book.

If you want a satisfying read and you’ve run out of British authors (like I have), try discovering Ian Rankin. You won’t be disappointed.

Read FWOMP's interview with Ian Rankin!

Stasia Dulebohn is a lab technician/phlebotomist and works at a local blood donor center in Monterey, California. She's also an avid reader---reading over 7-10 novels per month---in her spare time.