At Bynx, we like to think of ourselves as proud purveyors and promoters of culture. From our recording studio, to our live stage, from our various community events and the Collectors’ Corner (CC), we advocate for diverse representation of the broad arts community. A big part of that community is the writer: in addition to hosting local writers for their book launches, in our CC Segment, we specialize in First Edition collectable books, many of which are also signed copies.
The Author: Ian Rankin
This blog recognizes Ian Rankin, a Scottish crime writer who published his first novel, The Flood in 1986. Before making writing his permanent vocation, he held various jobs – as a taxman, journalist, grape-picker, pig farmer, and even a punk musician! In 1987, he introduced Detective Inspector John Rebus in Knots and Crosses, which forever changed his trajectory as a writer. Ian Rankin’s long-running Inspector Rebus series has become one of the most successful in the UK and internationally, having sold millions worldwide, has been translated into dozens of languages, and also adapted for TV.
Other Major Ian Rankin Novels
While the Rebus series has brought him wide acclaim, Ian Rankin has written other well-received books such the Malcolm Fox / Complaints Series and stand-alone books including Westwind (1990) – a Cold War spy thriller, Doors Open (2008) – about an art heist in Edinburgh, later adapted into a TV film and The Dark Remains (2021, with William McIlvanney).
Jack Harvey
In the early 1990s, Ian Rankin published three thrillers under the pseudonym Jack Harvey: releasing Witch Hunt (1993) – an espionage thriller; Bleeding Hearts (1994) – about a hitman with hemophilia; and Blood Hunt (1995) – a revenge thriller involving journalists and conspiracies. These were more action/espionage-driven and helped him experiment outside crime procedurals.
Tartan Noir
Ian Rankin is also categorized as belonging to the unofficial Tartan Noir writer Group. It’s the label given to Scotland’s gritty brand of crime fiction, which is dark, socially aware, and often set against the backdrop of Scottish cities or landscapes. Ian Rankin is the best-known name, but he’s part of a wider group including William McIlvanney (often called the “godfather of Tartan Noir), Val McDermid, Denise Mina, and Stuart, among others.
You can check out more of our signed first editions here! And don’t forget to browse some of the other collectible titles, including counterculture and musician biographies.
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