Inspector John Rebus to Return in New Mystery by Ian Rankin

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, Detective Inspector John Rebus has not retired.

Crime novelist Ian Rankin revealed today on his website that Rebus will return in a new mystery this fall, Standing in Another Man's Grave. It will be his first appearance in more than five years.

"I felt there was unfinished business between the two of us," said Rankin. "He had never really gone away but was working for Edinburgh's cold case unit. And I knew I had a story that would be a perfect fit for him."

Orion, the book's UK publisher, released this synopsis: Rebus may be about to derail the career of his ex-colleague Siobhan Clarke, while himself being permanently derailed by mob boss and old adversary Big Ger Cafferty. But all Rebus wants to do is discover the truth about a series of seemingly unconnected disappearances stretching back to the millennium. The problem being, no one else wants to go there — and that includes Rebus's fellow officers. Not that any of that is going to stop Rebus. Not even when his own life and the careers of those around him are on the line.

Rankin said the title of his new book "is inspired by a song by the late Jackie Leven." Standing in Another Man's Grave is dedicated to his memory.