Ian Rankin, SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE

Part of the plot of this book is an investigation of John Rebus’ past when he was part of a group of corrupt cops called “the Saints.” This unearthing of the past leads to a murder in the present.  A parallel part of the plot involves an automobile accident which leads to the discovery of an old crime.  So the general theme seems to be that the past is never really the past.  This becomes abundantly clear in the surprising conclusion when the old ways still beckon.

Some of the recent Rebus books have seemed to me to be a bit too nostalgic, and had plots that creaked like Rebus’ old bones.  But this one has two engrossing and finally rewarding plots, which hold the past up to the cold light of the present.