Or that Ruth Rendell’s Wexford is about 85. Right – no one notices PD James’ Adam Dalgliesh is 102 now. He said: “He was absolutely horrified, suggesting instead I just stop the clock. Grave Consequences: The latest Rebus novel by Ian Rankin Like the BBC documentary, Rankin’s Preston appearance proved fascinating, the writer quickly at ease with his sell-out audience, chatting away about his books, craft, characters, inspirations and love of music, with a fair few amusing tangents thrown in.įollowing a brief plug for ITV’s Doors Open (ITV, Boxing Day, 9pm), he told the back story to Standing in Another Man’s Grave and his decision to bring John Rebus out of retirement, explaining his publisher’s initial worry when he realised he was pensioning him off, after a call from one of Rankin’s police contacts explaining how he had to go at age 60. in the council chamber followed by a signing session and more questions and answers from his adoring North-West public. What’s more, I’m impressed by any author putting in regular leg work to meet and greet readers, as was the case on Rankin’s appearance at County Hall, Preston, an hour with the mic.

That was followed by the tour, and on Boxing Day we’ll see Stephen Fry centre-stage in ITV one-off drama Doors Open, adapted from a Rankin novel.Įvery documentary or feature I’ve seen on the Fife wordsmith suggests a truly grounded, likeable bloke. His chart success shows the value of a literary tour in the run-up to Christmas, a huge swathe of venues lined up and duly visited by the Scottish writer best known for his Rebus novels, not least through their TV dramatisations.Ī couple of months ago, a superb Alan Yentob documentary followed Rankin penning the latest Rebus novel, Standing in Another Man’s Grave – which Tony Parsons dubbed ‘the best thing on the writing life I have seen on TV since…ever’. WHAT an end of year it’s been for Ian Rankin, the best-selling crime novelist securing a No.1 slot in the last hardback chart of the year, taking top spot from a certain JK Rowling. County Cream: Ian Rankin talks about Standing in Another Man’s Grave at Preston’s County Hall (Photo courtesy of Angela McMahon)

Ian rankin noughts and crosses