John Rebus spent his life as a cop putting Edinburgh's most deadly criminals behind bars. Now having been convicted of a homicide, he's joined them…

A convict is brutally murdered in his locked cell deep in the heart of Scotland’s most infamous prison. Sleeping in a cell across the floor lies John Rebus, the equally notorious detective. Stripped of his badge and estranged from his police family, he is now fighting for his own life - protected by an old nemesis but always one wrong move away from the shank. As new allies and old enemies circle, and the days and nights bleed into each other, even this legendary figure struggles to keep his head.

They say old habits die hard, though. The death stirs Rebus’s deductive - and manipulative - impulses, setting off a domino-chain of scheming criminals, corrupt prison guards and perhaps only one or two good souls who may see it all through.

But how do you find a killer in a place full of them?

Edgy, twisted and disturbing, the first Crime Writers' Association Daggers Award retrospective anthology featuring 19 visceral and thrilling stories. Featuring bestselling authors Ian Rankin, Jeffery Deaver, John Connolly, Denise Mina, John Harvey and more. NINETEEN CWA DAGGER AWARD-WINNING SHORT STORIES FROM THE BEST OF THE BEST IN CRIME FICTION The first retrospective of the CWA's Dagger Award winners, brings together some of the greatest names in crime fiction to deliver a cutthroat collection of serial killers, grizzled detectives, drug dealers and master forgers. Observe as a Senior Curator at the Tate Gallery constructs the perfect crime in Ian Rankin's "Herbert in Motion". Watch an unlikely romance sour into a deadly obsession in Stella Duffy's "Martha Grace". Face parents who discover their child has committed the unthinkable in Denise Mina's "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit". And in Jeffery Deaver's "The Weekender" an intense hostage situation hits its peak in the most unlikely conclusion. Keep your secrets close, and your daggers drawn. Featuring: Peter O' Donnell (writing as Madeleine Brent), Julian Rathbone, Larry Beinhart, Ian Rankin, Jerry Sykes, Stella Duffy, Jeffery Deaver, Peter Lovesey, Cath Staincliffe, Margaret Murphy, John Harvey, Richard Lange, L. C. Tyler, Denise Mina, Danutah Reah and Lauren Henderson.

John Rebus spent his life as a detective putting Edinburgh's most deadly criminals behind bars. Now, he's joined them...

As new allies and old enemies circle, and the days and nights bleed into each other, even the legendary detective struggles to keep his head.

That is, until a murder at midnight in a locked cell presents a new mystery. They say old habits die hard...

However, this is a case where the prisoners and the guards are all suspects, and everyone has something to hide.

With no badge, no authority and no safety net, Rebus walks a tightrope - with his life on the line.

But how do you find a killer in a place full of them?

John Rebus stands accused: on trial for a crime that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. Although it's not the first time the legendary detective has taken the law into his own hands, it might be the last. What drove a good man to cross the line? Or have times changed, and the rules with them? Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke faces Edinburgh's most explosive case in years, as a corrupt cop goes missing after claiming to harbour secrets that could sink the city's police force. But in this investigation, it seems all roads lead to Rebus - and Clarke's twin loyalties to the public and the police will be tested to their limit. A reckoning is coming - and John Rebus may be hearing the call for last orders...

Christmas Eve. While the world sleeps, snow falls gently from the sky, presents await under the tree ... and murder is afoot. In this collection of ten classic murder mysteries from the best crime writers in history, death and mayhem take many festive forms, from the inventive to the unexpected. From a Santa Claus with a grudge to a cat who knows who killed its owner on Christmas Eve, these are stories to enjoy - and be mystified by - in front of a roaring fire, mince pie to hand.

'Five engrossing, resonant stories here, with no weak links' The Herald The world's first UNESCO city of literature, Edinburgh is steeped in literary history. It is the birthplace of a beloved cast of fictional characters from Sherlock Holmes to Harry Potter. It is the home of the Writer's Museum, where quotes from writers of the past pave the steps leading up to it. A city whose beauty is matched only by the intrigue of its past, and where Robert Louis Stevenson said, 'there are no stars so lovely as Edinburgh's street-lamps'. And to celebrate the city, its literature, and more importantly, its people, Polygon and the One City Trust have brought together writers - established and emerging - to write about the place they call home. Based around landmarks or significant links to Edinburgh each story transports the reader to a different decade in the city's recent past. Through these stories each author reflects on the changes, both generational and physical, in the city in which we live.

Perfect for Rankin fans: Finished the novels and just want more? Dive inside Edinburgh as only John Rebus knows it. Packed with detail: Every single Rebus novel to date is referenced: can you spot them all? Poster and playlist: Comes with a poster detailing all the references and a playlist tailor-made by Ian Rankin himself of John Rebus's favourite songs so that you can fully immerse yourself in The World of Rebus. Good size: Completed puzzle measures 48.5 x 68 cm (19 x 27 in.). THE MUST-HAVE JIGSAW FROM ICONIC NO.1 BESTSELLER IAN RANKIN 'Rebus is one of British crime writing's greatest characters' DAILY MAIL Take a tour through all two dozen of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels in this 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrated by Barry Falls. See Edinburgh as you've never seen it before as you find clues, criminals and coppers from each instalment. Can you piece all the strands together? 'Unsurpassed among living British crime writers' THE TIMES 'The king of crime fiction' SUNDAY EXPRESS 'Worthy of Agatha Christie at her best' SCOTSMAN

A masterclass in cat-and-mouse espionage suspense - and the last lost novel - from the iconic Number One bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child It always starts with a small lie. That's how you stop noticing the bigger ones. After his friend suspects something strange going on at the launch facility where they both work - and then goes missing - Martin Hepton doesn't believe the official line of "long-term sick leave"... Refusing to stop asking questions, he leaves his old life behind, aware that someone is shadowing his every move. The only hope he has is his ex-girlfriend Jill Watson - the only journalist who will believe his story. But neither of them can believe the puzzle they're piecing together - or just how shocking the secret is that everybody wants to stay hidden... A gripping, page-turning suspense masterclass - experience the brilliance of the iconic Ian Rankin.

'THE KING OF CRIME FICTION' SUNDAY EXPRESS Someone buried the truth. Now it's time to dig up the lies... A GRIPPING REBUS THRILLER FROM THE ICONIC #1 BESTSELLER * * * * * Private investigator Stuart Bloom was missing, presumed dead. Until now. His body is discovered in an abandoned car - in an area that had already been searched... Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke combs through the mistakes of the original investigation. After a decade without answers, it's time for the truth. But it seems everyone involved with the case is hiding something. None more so than Siobhan's own mentor: former detective John Rebus. The only man who knows where the trail may lead - and that it could be the end of him. EVERYONE HAS SECRETS NOBODY IS INNOCENT IN A HOUSE OF LIES * * * * * THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS - CRIME & THRILLER BOOK OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST SPECSAVERS NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS - CRIME & THRILLER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST 'Loved In A House Of Lies. Ian Rankin is a genius' LEE CHILD 'Rankin's latest and greatest. It is stunning. I didn't sleep for three nights reading it.' JILLY COOPER 'Absolutely wonderful. Clever, gripping, a fabulous read.' KATE MOSSE 'Rebus is one of British crime writing's greatest characters: alongside Holmes, Poirot and Morse ... Beautifully told, superbly constructed and utterly engrossing.' DAILY MAIL 'Grips from the first sentence. No one in Britain writes better crime novels today.' EVENING STANDARD 'A must-read' TANA FRENCH 'Rankin has always been at the top of his game, and this latest is no exception.' LINWOOD BARCLAY 'A first-rate crime novel: tense, twisty and often very funny. A real joy.' ELLY GRIFFITHS 'Definitely not to be missed. No reader will go away disappointed.' PETER ROBINSON 'Thrillingly told, with the best cast in contemporary crime, Rankin is one of the most significant social commentators of our time. Just read the book. It says it better than I can.' DENISE MINA 'Masterful storytelling' SUNDAY MIRROR 'In a House of Lies is at least as good as any of the previous novels.' THE SCOTSMAN 'A page-turning pleasure.' GRAZIA 'Rankin's plotting is as sure-footed as ever.' FT, Books of the Year 'Intriguing and clever' LIZ NUGENT 'Complex, twisty, funny, intelligent. And lots of heart. Superb.' WILL DEAN 'The king of crime fiction.' SUNDAY EXPRESS 'One of the great Rebus novels - as gripping as it is intoxicating.' METRO

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER In this scorching crime hook-up, number one bestseller Ian Rankin and Scottish crime-writing legend William McIlvanney join forces for the first ever case of DI Laidlaw, Glasgow's original gritty detective 'Fantastic' Lee Child 'Absolutely brilliant' Mick Herron If the truth's in the shadows, get out of the light . . . Lawyer Bobby Carter did a lot of work for the wrong type of people. Now he's dead and it was no accident. He's left behind his share of enemies, but who dealt the fatal blow? DC Jack Laidlaw's reputation precedes him. He's not a team player, but he's got a sixth sense for what's happening on the streets. As two Glasgow gangs go to war, Laidlaw needs to find out who got Carter before the whole city explodes.

Detective John Rebus: His city is being terrorized by a baffling series of murders...and he's tied to a maniac by an invisible knot of blood. Once John Rebus served in Britain's elite SAS. Now he's an Edinburgh cop who hides from his memories, misses promotions and ignores a series of crank letters. But as the ghoulish killings mount and the tabloid headlines scream, Rebus cannot stop the feverish shrieks from within his own mind. Because he isn't just one cop trying to catch a killer, he's the man who's got all the pieces to the puzzle...
"Knots and Crosses" introduces a gifted mystery novelist, a fascinating locale and the most compellingly complex detective hero at work today.

From wronged wives to nosy neighbours, from distant dads to new-found family, from secrets to lies, fresh starts to false endings - and everything in between... A collection of brilliant short stories from the best writers around. This collections contains original stories from Fanny Blake, Louise Candlish, Mike Gayle, Mari Hannah, Sophie Kinsella, Jojo Moyes, Adele Parks, Ian Rankin, Mahsuda Snaith and Keith Stuart.

'What treats you have in store!' IAN RANKIN. Who knew literature could be so lethal? Here are 20 specially commissioned stories about deadly books from the world's best crime writers. By turns hair-raising and playful, packed with twists and turns, literary references and bookish conundrums, this is a treasure chest of bloodthirsty bibliophilia

'Rebus is one of fiction's greatest creations' MARIAN KEYES In the depths of Edinburgh winter, the bodies are piling up for Detective John Rebus - two suicides, a murder, and the mysterious death of an inmate in one of Scotland's largest prisons. When his investigation uncovers a web of conspiracy among the city's political elite, it's clear that everything Rebus holds dear - his job, his life, even his young daughter - is now at stake. As he risks it all to make those responsible pay for their crimes, Rebus finds that some of his enemies are above the law - but perhaps not beyond justice... 'Rebus is one of British crime writing's greatest characters: alongside Holmes, Poirot and Morse' DAILY MAIL 'The king of crime fiction' SUNDAY EXPRESS

The thirteenth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'No one in Britain writes better crime novels' Evening Standard 'This is Rankin at his best, and, boy, that's saying something' TIME OUT Rebus is off the case - literally. A few days into the murder inquiry of an Edinburgh art dealer, Rebus blows up at a colleague. He is sent to the Scottish Police College for 'retraining' - in other words, he's in the Last Chance Saloon. Rebus is assigned to an old, unsolved case, but there are those in his team who have their own secrets - and they'll stop at nothing to protect them. Rebus is also asked to act as a go-between for gangster 'Big Ger' Cafferty. And as newly promoted DS Siobhan Clarke works the case of the murdered art dealer, she is brought closer to Cafferty than she could ever have anticipated...

The fifteenth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'It's another Rebus novel you can't put down, and Rankin at his most powerful' CHOICE 'Rankin is superb' DAILY MAIL An illegal immigrant is found murdered in an Edinburgh housing scheme. Rebus is drawn into the case, but has other problems: his old police station has closed for business, and his masters want him to retire. But Rebus is stubborn. As he investigates, he must visit an asylum seekers' detention centre, deal with the sleazy Edinburgh underworld, and maybe even fall in love... Siobhan meanwhile has problems of her own. A teenager has disappeared and Siobhan must help the family, which means getting close to a convicted rapist. Then there's the small matter of the two skeletons found buried beneath a cellar floor in Fleshmarket Close. An elaborate stunt - but whose, and for what purpose? And how can it tie to the murder on the housing-scheme known as Knoxland?

The eleventh Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child 'Britain's best crime novelist' DAILY EXPRESS. Edinburgh is about to become the home of the first Scottish parliament in 300 years. As political passions run high, DI John Rebus is charged with liaison, thanks to the new parliament being resident in Queensbury House, bang in the middle of his patch. But Queensbury House has its own, dark past. Legend has it that a young man was roasted there on a spit by a madman. When the fireplace where the youth died is uncovered another more recent murder victim is found. Days later, in the gardens outside, there is another body and Rebus is under pressure to find instant answers. As the case proceeds, the Inspector finds himself face to face with one of Edinburgh's most notorious criminals...

The ninth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES. 'Masterly' SUNDAY TIMES 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child DI John Rebus is hard at work on multiple cases. Not only is he on the trail of a WWII war criminal - he's also become entangled in a dangerous battle between two rival gangs. But when his daughter is the victim of an all too professional hit-and-run, there's nothing Rebus won't do to bring down the prime suspect. Even if it means making a deal with the devil . . .

'He's gone...'

When his daughter Samantha calls in the dead of night, John Rebus knows it's not good news. Her husband has been missing for two days.

Rebus fears the worst - and knows from his lifetime in the police that his daughter will be the prime suspect.

He wasn't the best father - the job always came first - but now his daughter needs him more than ever. But is he going as a father or a detective?

As he leaves at dawn to drive to the windswept coast - and a small town with big secrets - he wonders whether this might be the first time in his life where the truth is the one thing he doesn't want to find...

Christmas is a time of goodwill to all men ... or is it? As the nights draw in, throw another log on the fire and settle back into your armchair to enjoy this collection of ten classic Christmas mysteries, in which crime's best known sleuths, from Rebus to Holmes and Cadfael to Father Brown, uncover murder and mayhem galore. Whether it's a Christmas goose with a surprising secret cargo, a murdered pantomime dame, or a killer who departs the scene of the crime without leaving a single footprint, these stories will puzzle and delight in equal measure. And along the way, there'll be enough carols and Christmas pudding, mistletoe and mulled wine, to warm the heart of a stone-cold killer ... perhaps.

Sometimes murder is the easy way out... A brilliant Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES. 'Britain's No.1 crime writer' Daily Mirror 'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee Child A mugging gone wrong ... or murder? A dissident Russian poet is found dead - at the same time a delegation of Russian businessmen arrives in town. For some, it is crucial that the case is closed quickly, clinically and with the minimum of attention. But DI Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke believe this is something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Then, a brutal and premeditated assault on a local gangster puts Rebus in the frame - and he may not survive long enough to solve anything...