The Naming of the Dead

Synopsis

The sixteenth Inspector Rebus novel from 'Britain's best crime novelist' DAILY EXPRESS and No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES

'Rankin just gets better. The topicality and eye for detail are awesome' Jilly Cooper

'This is possibly the best novel you will read in your life full stop. Yes, it is that good' NEWS OF THE WORLD

A murder has been committed - but as the victim was a rapist, recently released from prison, no one is too concerned about the crime. That is, until Detective Inspector John Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke uncover evidence that a serial killer is on the loose...

When Rebus also starts looking into the apparent suicide of an MP, he is abruptly warned off the case, not least because the G8 leaders have gathered in Scotland, and Rebus's bosses want him well out of the way. But Rebus has never been one to stick to the rules, and when Siobhan has a very personal reason for hunting down a riot cop, it looks as though both Rebus and Clarke may be up against their own side...

Summary

Chapter 1

Rebus, a retired detective, joins a volunteer group searching for the remains of unidentified victims of a serial killer. His intuition leads him to suspect that an old associate, Morris Gerald Cafferty, may have been involved.

Chapter 2

Rebus investigates Cafferty's past and discovers that he had dealings with a notorious criminal organization. He also comes across a missing persons case that he believes is connected.

Chapter 3

Rebus contacts his former colleague, Siobhan Clarke, for assistance. Together, they uncover that Cafferty had a secret relationship with a local woman, Mary McPherson.

Chapter 4

The investigation leads Rebus to an abandoned warehouse, where he finds the body of Mary McPherson. A forensic examination reveals that she was killed by Cafferty.

Chapter 5

Rebus realizes that Cafferty is still alive and operating a criminal empire. He infiltrates the organization and confronts Cafferty, hoping to apprehend him.

Real Example:

Rebus discovers a clue hidden in a crossword puzzle: "Our prime suspect, call him the 'Compressor'." This clue leads him to a scrapyard owned by Cafferty, where a hydraulic crusher is used to dispose of victims' bodies.

Chapter 6

A violent confrontation ensues between Rebus and Cafferty's henchmen. Siobhan Clarke arrives reinforcements, but Cafferty escapes.

Chapter 7

Rebus tracks down Cafferty to a secluded cabin. After a tense standoff, he arrests Cafferty and secures the evidence that will lead to his conviction.

Chapter 8

The missing persons case is finally resolved, and the victims' identities are revealed. Rebus retires from the case, satisfied that the dead have been given their names.

Real Example:

One of the victims is identified as a young woman named Sarah. Her remains are found in a customized trailer hidden in Cafferty's scrapyard. DNA analysis confirms her identity and allows her family to find closure.