Rebus' rival in the world of fictional Edinburgh detectives is Bob Skinner, created by Quintin Jardine. Unlike the distinctly anti-establishment Rebus, Skinner moves smoothly up through the ranks in the Jardine books and is now Deputy Chief Constable. I am currently reading the latest in the series and there is a fascinating sub-plot that is all too topical. The First Minister of Scotland is about to introduce a law that will politicise the police force and make senior officers toe his party's line. It's very obvious that the party in question is Labour. The Justice Minister is opposed to the new law and has sought Skinner's help and advice. I've no doubt that the good guys will win - they always do in these books. But I can't help wondering if Jardine is having a go at all-too-similar developments in real life. After all, Jardine used to be a PR man for the Scottish Tories...
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Zenon Zygmont
I agree that Hannah wasn't quite right for the part. Stott "looks" more like I imagine Rebus to be.
This quote from Stott's web site:
He doesn’t let his busy schedule prevent him from visiting Scotland regularly. "I’m there often. My mother still lives in Edinburgh. I miss Scotland. I miss the fact that it is a much more caring society, it’s a socialist based society, whereas the south of England is based on an individualistic, pro right-wing philosophy."
17 March 2006, 20:34:15 GMT
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David Farrer
Now, did I see you popping into Ryrie's as I dashed for my train last night?
Around 5.30? You are correct!
The TV version of Rebus is OK but not a patch on the books.
8 March 2006, 15:03:13 GMT
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Will
Thanks, David. I'll plough on with the Skinners in order. I thought the most recent one I read (Skinner's Round) was the weakest so far, but my dad assures me they pick up.
I half-watched the Stott version the other night. He seemed good but the story itself felt a bit weak - although that may have been my fault for doing other things at the same time.
Now, did I see you popping into Ryrie's as I dashed for my train last night?
8 March 2006, 11:58:57 GMT
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David Farrer
I think it's probably better to read the Skinner books in order. That's because not only Skinner himself but also most of the other cops gradually get promoted and their roles change. It's the same with Skinner's family. Reading them in order keeps the continuity.
On the other hand, Rebus remains at the same rank and so there's less (but still some) connectivity between the different stories. Each can be read in any order. Rebus is a much more dour character than Skinner and the books are about him as much as about the plots. His character is developed to a greater extent than Skinner's.
Skinner lives with his family in East Lothian and drinks in the local hotel. Rebus lives alone in Marchmont and drinks in the Oxford Bar. That says a lot about their different personalities. But you must read Rebus.
6 March 2006, 10:53:57 GMT
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Will
I've just finished the fourth one, Skinner's Round. I have Lethal Intent on the shelf at home - not sure whether to read the other ten or so first. And I've got the second Blackstone one to read too.
I've not read any Rebus. How does it compare?
6 March 2006, 09:57:21 GMT
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