A Question of Blood
| Company type | Crime novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Ian Rankin |
| Products | Book |
A Question of Blood is a 2003 crime novel authored by Ian Rankin, marking the fourteenth installment in the Inspector Rebus series. The book was shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category.
Background
The narrative was crafted in the wake of the Dunblane massacre, incorporating references to significant incidents such as the Lockerbie bombing and a military helicopter accident on Jura, thereby anchoring its storyline in actual historical events.
Plot summary
The story begins with DI John Rebus facing allegations after a small-time criminal who had been stalking DS Siobhan Clarke perishes in a house fire. Despite sustaining burn injuries himself, Rebus maintains that he left the individual unharmed.
At the same time, an ex-military man opens fire on three teenagers at an exclusive school before taking his own life. The subsequent inquiry uncovers political friction as Rebus confronts a confrontational local MP—the father of one of the survivors—who leverages the incident for political advantage. Additionally, Rebus reconnects with his cousin, whose son was among those affected and whose daughter becomes involved in the MP’s political efforts.
Rebus and Clarke follow the trail of the firearm to a local crime figure amid growing doubts about Rebus’s role, which leads to his suspension. Intelligence agents investigate links to a previously undisclosed military helicopter crash on Jura from years earlier. The probe reveals involvement in narcotics trafficking, illegal reactivation of weapons, and diamond theft connected to secretive government negotiations with Irish paramilitary groups.
Forensic analysis exposes that the MP’s son fabricated his account—he was actually responsible for the shootings, motivated by personal and political reasons that threaten his father’s political standing. The gangster supplying the firearms is identified as the murderer of Clarke’s stalker, absolving Rebus of suspicion. Clarke confronts a prominent drug trafficker who assaults her before fleeing and eventually crashing his aircraft; Rebus initially fears she has died.
As the investigation wraps up, Rebus reflects on his recent injury sustained during a blackout caused by excessive drinking and considers mending fractured family bonds. Meanwhile, the MP attempts to discredit the investigation by exploiting Rebus’s suspension and family connections, urging his son to withdraw his confession; however, the resolution remains uncertain.
Reception
The novel enjoyed significant commercial success, reaching number one on UK bestseller lists and earning a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which commended Rebus as "a brilliantly conceived hero aware of his own shortcomings." Although Kirkus Reviews regarded it as "a notch below quintessential Rankin," noting a less dynamic role for Rebus, it praised the strength of Siobhan Clarke’s character.