Notable creator of the Inspector Rebus series of novels, sometimes controversial Ian Rankin’s first novels were not crime related but mainly Scottish traditional novels.  He has written 25 novels in total, most set in his home land, and primarily in Edinburgh.

His most recent Rebus novel, Exit Music, has been awarded the ITV3 Crime Thriller Award for Author of the Year in 2008, and was shortlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award 2009.

Like several of his contemporaries, Ian Rankin has recently delved into the comic book scene, writing a six-part storyline for DC Comics’ John Constantine: Hellblazer, to be published in September.

Ian is also a literary critic, which has led to some controversy when he is critical of the works and lives of his fellow writers.