Ian Rankin is a name that has become synonymous with crime fiction. With over 30 novels under his belt, and his most famous creation – the rugged and moody detective John Rebus – captivating readers for over three decades, Rankin is undoubtedly one of the most successful and prolific writers of our time. But what goes on behind the pages? What is the story behind the man who has captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers around the world?
Born and raised in Fife, Scotland, Rankin was initially destined for a career in academia. He obtained a degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD in Scottish Literature, and even spent a brief period as a literature lecturer. However, his love for writing soon took over, and he began to pen his first novel, “The Flood”, which was published in 1986. This was the start of his acclaimed career in crime fiction, with his quintessential anti-hero Rebus making his first appearance in 1987’s “Knots and Crosses”.
The success of “Knots and Crosses” marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career for Rankin. His novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into 36 languages. His books have also been adapted for television, with the iconic Rebus brought to life on screen by actors such as John Hannah, Ken Stott, and most recently, Charles Lawson.
But despite his commercial success, Rankin remains grounded and humble. He still lives in Edinburgh, where he draws much inspiration for his novels. In fact, the city itself has become a character in his books – with its dark and gritty streets providing the perfect backdrop for Rebus’ investigations.
One thing that sets Rankin apart from other crime novelists is his keen eye for detail and his extensive research. He is known to spend months immersing himself in the world of his books, often spending time with police officers and experts in the field to ensure his stories are as authentic as possible. In an interview with The Guardian, Rankin revealed that he even spent time in a morgue for his novel “Mortal Causes”, in order to accurately describe the experience.
As for his writing process, Rankin prefers to write in isolation, often locking himself away in his study for hours on end. He is known to meticulously plan out his novels, but even then, he allows for his characters to surprise him and take the story in unexpected directions. He also admitted to being a slow writer, with a typical book taking him around eight to ten months to complete.
But it’s not all work for Rankin. He is an avid music lover and has even named character in his books after his favorite bands and musicians. He is also a dedicated football fan, supporting his beloved Hibernian F.C. He has even written a non-fiction book, “The Sunday Philosophy Club”, about his love for the beautiful game.
Rankin’s fans can rest assured that he has no plans of retiring from writing anytime soon. His latest novel, “In a House of Lies”, was released in 2018 and received widespread critical acclaim. He is currently working on the 24th installment of the Rebus series and has also expressed interest in writing more non-fiction books in the future.
In conclusion, Ian Rankin is not just a talented writer, but also a passionate and down-to-earth individual. His dedication to his craft and his ability to create intricate and compelling stories has earned him a dedicated following and a well-deserved place among the greats of crime fiction. Through his work, he continues to give readers an inside look into the dark and complex world of crime, while also shining a light on the intricate and fascinating mind of one of the greatest writers of our time.