Brilliant, irascible, and frequently frustrating to both friends and bosses, John Rebus may be off Edinburgh's police force, but there are some cases you just can't let go of. Decades ago, socialite Maria Turquand was murdered in her hotel room, with bankers and pop stars under suspicion. Her killer was never found, but in this 21st novel in the series, when Rebus starts asking questions, new bodies turn up. Meanwhile, the leadership of the city's criminal underworld is up for grabs, and young Darryl Christie may have staked a claim—though Rebus doubts that longtime mob boss Big Ger Cafferty has really settled down to a quiet retirement.

"This elegantly crafted and witty thriller proves this old devil still has all the best tunes."—Sunday Mirror