The Complaints
by Ian Rankin

Release Date: 3rd Sep 2009
Publisher: Orion
ISBN: 978 0 7528 8951 1
RRP: £18.99

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A perfect stand-alone novel from the brilliant Ian Rankin...

The Complaints is Rankin’s first stand-alone novel since the demise of Inspector Rebus, and as with all things new, there is a certain amount of cautious trepidation about whether or not his latest offering will be up to scratch. The good news is: you needn’t worry. Whilst The Complaints is certainly different to the usual policing tack we’re used to getting from Rankin; it is by no means any less intriguing or entertaining.

The Complaints itself is a small section of the police force in Edinburgh dedicated to dealing with internal affairs such as gross misconduct or corrupt coppers. Malcolm Fox, or “Foxy”, is one of a small team within this section known as PSU (Police Standards Unit). Described as a bear of man and having to constantly fight an inner battle against the drink; he is a man with demons and you get the feeling that here is a man who is simply not drowning, rather than a man who can swim. The crux of the plot surrounds dodgy criminals unhappy with the effect the credit crunch is having on their investments in development, with a splash of dead bodies and a fair amount of dubious shenanigans within the police force itself.

Rankin always looked at the psychology of crime and in that respect; The Complaints is no different to his usual fodder. However, it is interesting to see him broaden his horizons a little and branch out into areas of the police that are rarely, if ever, broached in fiction. We have to admit to loving Malcolm Fox too. His down-to-earth nature and brutal self-awareness are entirely endearing; as is watching his character really grow as the novel progresses – from a man seemingly incapable of action, frozen in life; to a man who discovers that life really is all shades of grey and sometimes it takes bending the rules to get justice done.

Rankin can let Rebus rest in peace, safe in the knowledge that he has what it takes to create new characters that we will appreciate and bond with.

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