What do You think about Tooth And Nail (1998)?
Detective Inspector Rebus finds himself seconded to Scotland Yard to assist the Metropolitan Police with a serial killer known as Wolfman. Therefore, our grumpy hero finds himself in new turf, in the only Rebus to date which is not set in Edinburgh.In his new surroundings, Rebus is more of an outsider than ever. The change is interesting, and allows his introspective self-absorption to continue to be explored. While London and Glasgow are often compared, Rankin's fondness for Scotland shines through; Rebus mentions more than once buying "messages".The writing is much better, and Rankin is clearly getting into his stride here. It's easy to read and flows well, and there's some belting lines. The finale is a tremendous juxtaposition of comedy and drama that really stands out as one of the series' best scenes so far.Despite these strengths, Tooth and Nail is unfocused. As with previous instalments, Rebus is somehow distracted from both the case and his extra-curricular issues, leading to much of the narrative feeling like it shouldn't be our primary focus. This is a huge issue, and though Tooth is entertaining, it's by no means as absorbing as it could have been.Rankin's key strength remains in his characterisation. Rebus is evolving into a more and more crafted character, and the supporting cast re also very good. Most of them guest starring, George Flight has a brilliantly complex relationship with his new partner, and Lisa Frazer adds a further dynamic.Another very readable volume in the Rebus series that's imperfect, but has some bite!
—Simon Taylor
This is my third try reading this book; I'm glad I finally got far enough along to be sucked in. I don't read many mysteries, but I have read the previous two Inspector Rebus novels. It's amazing how quickly a book like this dates itself -- When this was published in 1992, a car phone probably seemed like pretty snazzy technology. Today, it felt sort of silly to have the characters chatting on car phones with one other.Still, I enjoyed this novel. Rebus is not a lovable character, he isn't particularly great with one-liners, and he often goes off sort of half-cocked. Yet, somehow, I enjoy him. His penchant for book collecting (without particular regard to the specific books) amuses me. His commitment to solving the crime and balancing the forces of good and evil is roughly endearing even as it tears up his own life.The actual mystery here wasn't as compelling as reading about the detective, but isn't that often the case with these sorts of novels? All in all, a good read. I'll read the next in the series at some point.
—Joanna
Ever since I watched a fascinating documentary about Ian Rankin, I’ve been interested in reading one of his books; TOOTH AND NAIL caught my interest. I was immediately taken by the writing style; deceptively simple yet affecting prose, and along with the downtrodden likes-a-drink and a good book, labouring character of John Rebus, I was pulled into the story straight away. Inspector Rebus has been summoned to London, to have a look at a serial-killing case. The killer takes a bite from each victim, and as the first was found on Wolf Street, the murderer is christened Wolfman. Rebus walks into this case, meting his London opposites, judges, coroners, and psychologists, not all of whom take a liking to this dour Scot intruding on their patch. Soon, he is deep in clues, speculation and trouble.Even though this in the third in the evolving Rebus series, I was off and running, great writing, great mystery plot. At around the middle of the book, I had a spasm of delight as I was certain I knew who the Wolfman was, and this looked to be the case, right until the final reveal and satisfying ending.What first pulled me into the novel was this; early on there is a mortuary post-mortem scene, and I thought it was fabulously described; the right atmosphere, the right feelings of the spectators, the right amount of grue. I loved this scene, effortless writing, here is some of my favourite;“As ever, by the end of the autopsy the room had been reduced to silent introspection. Each man and woman present was made of the same stuff as Jean Cooper, and now they stood, momentarily stripped of their individual personalities. They were all bodies, all animals, all collections of viscera. The only difference between them and Jean Cooper was that their hearts still pumped blood. But one day soon enough each heart would stop, and that would be an end to it, save for the possibility of a visit to this butcher’s shop, this abbatoir.”I was very impressed with Rankin’s writing, very easy, very fluid; he gets you involved with Rebus’s thoughts, and gets you thinking about the killer, teasing you with clues and red herrings. TOOTH AND NAIL was an enjoyable, engaging, and compelling detective novel, quick and easy to read, with well-defined characters. I will read more Rankin. 8/10
—Michael
