Saints of the Shadow Bible
| Industry | Crime fiction novel |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
Saints of the Shadow Bible represents the nineteenth entry in the widely acclaimed Inspector Rebus crime fiction series, released in 2013. Similar to the previous installment, its title is inspired by a lyric from Jackie Leven.
Plot
Set against the backdrop of early 2013, during the consolidation of regional police forces into Police Scotland, the story delves into evolving law enforcement frameworks. With the disbandment of Malcolm Fox’s “Complaints” division, he undertakes an investigation commissioned by the Solicitor General aiming to secure a position within the newly formed body. Operating from Gayfield Square, DI Siobhan Clarke pursues leads extending to Torphichen and Wester Hailes. Meanwhile, John Rebus has returned to CID as a Detective Sergeant, collaborating alongside Clarke and Fox while revisiting a cold case tied to his 1982 tenure at Summerhall police station.
The storyline intersects with the forthcoming 2014 Scottish independence referendum, incorporating a Justice Minister—who is Clarke’s investigation subject and an advocate for the Yes campaign—contrasted with Rebus’s former colleague Gilmour, a vocal supporter of the No side. This political dimension recalls themes from the 2000 Rebus novel, Set in Darkness.
What initially appears as an investigation into a university student’s vehicular accident becomes more complex when her boyfriend’s father, the Justice Minister, is discovered dead. Concurrently, Rebus aids Fox in reopening a cold case concerning the “Saints of the Shadow Bible,” a faction of Summerhall officers accused of historical wrongdoing. The case is influenced by retrial provisions introduced through the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011, highlighting recent legal changes affecting criminal proceedings.
The surviving members of the Saints seek Rebus’s protection against Fox’s inquiry; Fox suspects that Rebus might implicate himself; and Rebus aims to expose long-hidden truths. Utilizing his characteristic confrontational tactics—including intimidation, informants, and dealings with criminals—Rebus provides support to Clarke and Fox. Their joint efforts cultivate a sense of mutual respect among the three detectives.
Dead and Buried (short story)
Included in The Beat Goes On (short story collection) (2014), this narrative is set during Rebus’s period at Summerhall (1982–83). DI Stefan Gilmour challenges Rebus by assigning him to investigate a watch interred with Joseph Blay, who was executed for murder in 1963. Through his inquiry, Rebus uncovers that Gilmour's predecessor, DI Charlie Cruikshank, concealed evidence that might have exonerated Blay. Choosing not to report this to "The Complaints," Rebus questions its usefulness. Gilmour replies, "Welcome to the Saints of the Shadow Bible, John." After a moment’s hesitation, Rebus accepts his handshake.