Midnight and Blue

Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin is a new thriller set to be published by Orion Publishing Group on May 22, 2025. This edition spans 352 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows John Rebus, a former detective who finds himself incarcerated among the very criminals he once pursued. As he navigates this unfamiliar territory, he becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that unfolds within the prison walls, challenging his instincts and skills without the authority of his badge.
Readers will encounter a gripping tale where the lines between allies and enemies blur, and every inmate and guard has secrets to protect. The story delves into themes of survival and justice, as Rebus must rely on his wits to uncover the truth in a setting fraught with danger. With elements of mystery, action, and police procedural, Midnight and Blue promises to engage fans of crime fiction and thrillers alike.
Official synopsis Publisher
The brand new John Rebus thriller from the iconic Number One bestseller Ian Rankin: one of the must-read books of the year.
‘Rebus in jail and better than ever … Surprising, gripping and witty. Rankin has taken the police procedural and transformed into an epic character study of a man and his city … Nobody does it better.’
THE TIMES
* * * * *
JOHN REBUS SPENT HIS LIFE AS A DETECTIVE PUTTING EDINBURGH’S MOST DEADLY CRIMINALS BEHIND BARS.
NOW, HE’S JOINED THEM.
As new allies and old enemies circle, and the days and nights bleed into each other, even the legendary detective struggles to keep his head.
That is, until a murder at midnight in a locked cell presents a new mystery. They say old habits die hard…
However, this is a case where the prisoners and the guards are all suspects, and everyone has something to hide.
With no badge, no authority and no safety net, Rebus walks a tightrope – with his life on the line.
But how do you find a killer in a place full of them?
* * * * *
PRAISE FOR MIDNIGHT AND BLUE:
‘Unforgettable … Proves that Rebus is one of the most remarkable characters in crime fiction.’
DAILY MAIL
‘With every novel, Rankin leaves us wanting more. Midnight and Blue is no exception. As Rebus ages, he becomes ever more human, ever more relatable, and the books become even better… This is unmissable.’
MICK HERRON, the Sunday Times Number One Bestseller
‘Midnight & Blue is a triumph. Rebus as you’ve never seen him before and Rankin at his best.’
ELLY GRIFFITHS, the Sunday Times Number One Bestseller
‘I was absolutely knocked sideways by it – it is utterly marvellous and so touching.’
JILLY COOPER, the Sunday Times Bestseller
‘A taut, claustrophobic thriller, that puts a Golden Age twist on a modern-day tale. The perfect book to keep Rebus fans clanging their tin cups against the prison bars, until the riot kicks off…’
STUART MACBRIDE, the Sunday Times Number One Bestseller
‘Kept me up reading until long after midnight. Blew me away. Absolutely brilliant, as always.’
JILL MANSELL, the Sunday Times Bestseller
‘Loved this tense, pacy thriller, jam-packed with action but also a surprising vulnerability.’
B. A. PARIS, the Sunday Times Bestseller
****
PRAISE FOR THE ICONIC NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER IAN RANKIN:
‘Ian Rankin is a genius’
LEE CHILD
‘Rebus is one of British crime writing’s greatest characters: alongside Holmes, Poirot and Morse’
DAILY MAIL
‘Whatever he writes, it will be worth reading … Rankin has redefined the genre’
GUARDIAN
‘The arrival of a Rankin novel remains one of life’s pleasures’
EXPRESS
‘Rankin is a phenomenon’
SPECTATOR
‘Worthy of Agatha Christie at her best’
SCOTSMAN
‘The king of crime fiction’
SUNDAY EXPRESS
‘Great fiction, full stop’
THE TIMES
****
Ian Rankin’s A HEART FULL OF HEADSTONES was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 10th October 2022 and w/c 1st May 2023
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