Black and BlueBlack and Blue
Score Modern
What it's about
Already tackling a murder in Edinburgh, Inspector John Rebus is drawn into the hunt for a copycat serial killer called 'Bible Johnny' who is striking in Aberdeen, and must keep his wits about him amid the media circus surrounding the case.
Why it's worth reading
It was an Edgar Award finalist. It's often called the novel where Ian Rankin's Rebus series came into its own.
You'll love it if you liked
Resurrection Men
In a Dry Season
Saints of the Shadow BibleGood to know
It's a mid-series Rebus novel but works on its own.
By the numbers
- Readers61 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics21 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller7 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #309 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #996 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1843 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping
More by Ian Rankin
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Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
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The Martian
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Quick answers
Is Black and Blue worth reading?
Yes. It was an Edgar Award finalist. It ranks #1,843 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 65.2 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Black and Blue about?
Already tackling a murder in Edinburgh, Inspector John Rebus is drawn into the hunt for a copycat serial killer called 'Bible Johnny' who is striking in Aberdeen, and must keep his wits about him amid the media circus surrounding the case.
How long does it take to read Black and Blue?
About 10 hours (394 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Black and Blue?
If you liked it, try Resurrection Men by Ian Rankin, In a Dry Season by Peter Robinson or Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin.