Monday, November 26, 2007

Manic Monday - rank

Mo's word for today is RANK


I thought you might like to know about a really good mystery/crime writer from the UK. Ian RANKIN OBE, DL. (born April 28, 1960, in Cardenden, Fife, Scotland, UK) is a British author and one of the best-selling crime writers in the United Kingdom. His best known books are the Inspector Rebus novels.

Rankin's most recent (2007)

In his Own Words:

Born in Cardenden, Fife, Scotland In 1960. Attended local comprehensive school, then went on to University of Edinburgh. MA in English Literature (specialising in US Literature). Then started studying towards a PhD in the Modern Scottish Novel, but wrote my own stuff instead. Early "successes" were with poetry and the short story. One story raged out of control and became, my first novel, The Flood.


Married in 1986 and moved to London. Worked as a secretary at the National Folktale Centre, then as a journalist (rising to acting editor) on monthly music magazine hi-fi Review. Dropped out in 1990 and moved to the French countryside. This pastoral idyll failed to stop me writing dark, dark fictions.

Was elected a Hawthornden Fellow in 1988. Won Chandler-Fullbright Award in 1992. Won CWA Short Story Dagger in 1994 (or was it '95?); same story shortlisted for 1995 Anthony award. Won the Short Story 'Dagger' again in 1996, and celebrated by moving back to Scotland. Two sons, Jack and Kit. Er.....that's it.

Exit Music seems to be his last Inspector Rebus novel. Rankin has confirmed that he will soon start work on a five- or six-issue run on the comic book Hellblazer, although the story may be turned into a standalone graphic novel instead. He talked about this at length with Simon Mayo on Radio Five Live.

Ian Rankin has also had short story collections and a novella published: “A Good Hanging and Other Stories” (1992), “Beggars Banquet” (2002), and “Death is not the End” (1998). He also had a few novels published under the pseudonym of Jack Harvey: “Witch Hunt” (1993), “Bleeding Hearts” (1994), and “Blood Hunt” (1995). 2005 saw the publication of “Rebus's Scotland: A Personal Journey”.

Bibliography

Ian Rankin official web site

theteach


17 comments:

Unknown said...

Hotep! Great MM post. I had not heard of this author before. I'll check him out next time I'm at the library.

My MM:Rank post goes back to a military theme, however, I continue to provide African American history insights as part of this weekly meme. I hope you enjoy it.

peace, Villager

Anonymous said...

Great Manic Monday post! I didnt feel I lived up to the Monday post today, hope you enjoy it! Come stop by my blog!

DEB

Durward Discussion said...

I love Rebus. While in Scotland, I went to Edinburgh and walked below in the old town that is so often featured in his books. Thanks for letting me know there is a new one Rankin out.

Gattina said...

Although I have read a lot of English books from british Authors, this one I don't know.

Anonymous said...

Good recommendation! I hadn't heard of Rankin until I came over here a few years ago - he's a great mystery writer!

Sandee said...

Wow, never heard of him. I know that's not surprising. I'll remember the name and pick up one of his books. I love a good mystery. Have a great MM. :)

Shelia said...

Not familiar with this author but he sounds very interesting. Love the book title, really makes you curious.

Karen MEG said...

Great post! I had just read about Ian RAnkin a few weeks ago - apparently he's amazing at weaving in music references throughout his novels. I'll definitely check him out.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!

maryt/theteach said...

Thanks guys, for the comments. I really appreciate them! :)

peanut butter said...

they sound like really good novels.
thanks for the nice comment =]

Lisa Ryan said...

oooh, a new author to check out! Thanks :-)
Have a great MM.

maryt/theteach said...

Hope you like him, peanut and lisa!

Travis Cody said...

I've heard of this writer but I've never read any of his work. I am starting to read more mystery/thriller stories, so maybe I'll check him out.

Happy MM!

JayBee said...

Hi Teach

I love the Rebus books.

I have 2 things in common with Rankin - we're both Fifers and we both live in Edinburgh.

Beyond that we inhabit totally different worlds.

Still good books tho'

John Holland said...

I've seen his books at the store but never picked any up. I'll have to give one of them a try, always looking for good new writers to read.

maryt/theteach said...

Try him John I think you'll like him.

maryt/theteach said...

Think you'll like him, Travis. Oh but wait how did you learn to read...watching your owner? Smart doggie!