The Impossible Dead
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Ian Rankin |
| Products | Novel |
The Impossible Dead is a 2011 novel written by Scottish author Ian Rankin, serving as the second installment in the Malcolm Fox series.
Plot
Inspector Malcolm Fox leads an investigation with his colleagues Tony Kaye and Joe Naysmith from the Lothian and Borders Police Complaints department (Professional Ethics and Standards) in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Following the conviction of Detective Sergeant Paul Carter for misconduct, Fox's responsibility is to restore confidence in the Kirkcaldy police among the Fife Constabulary. When Alan Carter, Paul's uncle and whistleblower, is murdered and Paul is subsequently framed, Fox must navigate a tangled inquiry involving antagonistic Kirkcaldy officers, Fife CID, the Murder Squad, and London's Special Branch.
Alan Carter had been investigating the suspicious 1985 death of Edinburgh solicitor Francis Vernal, who was connected to Scottish Nationalist paramilitary groups and the terrorist organization Dark Harvest, which sought to deploy anthrax. Fox becomes deeply engrossed in Vernal’s case due to its similarities with Carter’s killing. His inquiries lead him to interview Vernal’s past associates, including a former law partner, Vernal’s widow, an eccentric figure, a media personality, and a Chief Constable engaged in counter-terrorism efforts. Eventually, Fox uncovers the perpetrator responsible for both Vernal’s and Carter’s murders but faces significant personal danger in delivering justice.
Structure and place
The narrative spans approximately three weeks, primarily focusing on investigations conducted in Fife, with the team returning to Edinburgh each night. Alongside the main case, the story explores Fox’s strained family dynamics, particularly his relationship with his father and sister following his father’s stroke.
This novel marks the second time Ian Rankin features Malcolm Fox as the central protagonist, succeeding The Complaints. Fox also makes a brief appearance as a minor antagonist in Standing in Another Man's Grave, where John Rebus is the lead character, before later collaborating with Rebus in Saints of the Shadow Bible, during which they develop mutual respect.