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Ian Rankin

Author • Forewordb. 28 April 1960 · From United Kingdom

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About

Sir Ian Rankin (born 28 April 1960 in Cardenden, Fife, Scotland) is a Scottish crime writer best known for his Inspector Rebus novels, beginning with Knots and Crosses (1987). He studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1982, and has since written more than thirty novels, most set in an…

Top Genres

Fiction Mystery Crime Police Procedural Thriller

Also Known As

Jack Harvey

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Ian Rankin's most famous series?

    Ian Rankin is best known for his Inspector Rebus series, which follows Detective Inspector John Rebus through the dark streets of Edinburgh.

  • In what order should I read the Inspector Rebus books?

    The Inspector Rebus series is best read in publication order to follow the character's development and the overarching narrative arcs. While some books can be enjoyed as standalones, the full experience comes from reading them sequentially.

  • Has Ian Rankin won any awards?

    Ian Rankin has received numerous accolades for his crime fiction, including the CWA Gold Dagger for Fiction, the Edgar Award for Best Novel, and the Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the genre.

  • Are there any TV adaptations of Ian Rankin's books?

    Several of Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels have been adapted for television, with different actors portraying the titular detective in various series.

  • Has Ian Rankin won any major awards for his career?

    Yes. In 2005, Ian Rankin received the Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger, awarded annually since 1986 for outstanding lifetime achievement in crime writing. He was also appointed OBE in 2002 and knighted in the 2022 Birthday Honours, both for services to literature and charity.