I have now finished the second book in the Rebus book series. It was interesting how well-formed Rebus was in this one compared to the first novel. In book one he was one dimensional and you could sense that this book was conceived as a one-off. Rebus has more of a character in the second book, and there is way more police procedure.
I imagine that as a book or television series goes on, the risk would be that in trying not to repeat yourself, you Flanderise your character, or your storylines jump the shark. In the Rebus books, Rebus ages with the books to a certain point, and then the ageing process slows down. This is similar to Michael Connelly’s Bosch character, who is now so old and sick that he appears less and less in Connelly’s novels.
Hello Janet,
I’ve followed you for years, beginning with FB groups about leather planners and purses. We have so many similar interests and tastes, it’s kind of amazing.
I truly enjoy your emails. They’re a master class in communications. So well-written, engaging content, always wonderful visuals. Super-creative! You have terrific story ideas.
I’ve thought about writing to tell you this many times, but today’s post demanded I act: after a visit to Scotland last summer, I wanted to linger there awhile (from the very rural farm where I now live in NW Ohio). I decided to read (actually, to listen) to the entire Rebus canon in order (as much as possible). Your take on his 1st and 2nd books are spot-on. It was truly enjoyable to experience the main and secondary charachters’ arcs throughout the series—as well as the author’s.
I also love to read, but in recent years I’ve taken several long solo road trips and it’s great to have audio books as I love road trips but really don’t enjoy long-stretch driving alone. Also I’m an avid gardener and audio books are wonderful company whilst weeding. In the U.S. your local library has an app called Libby which lets you check out audio and e books for free. Of course there’s usually a long wait for new or popular reads, but I keep a long list going. Sometimes I have to break down and purchase an audiobook through Audible—but the monthly subscription includes a surprisingly generous number of free listens. Many of those tend to be on the academic research end of the scale, which I value, as I’m working on a historical novel about the beginning of the French Revolution.
Anyway—cheers! Keep the updates rolling!
Leesa Brown
Van Wert County, Ohio, USA
Thank you so much for your reply! I used to live in Columbus Ohio (I worked at Doctors Hospital) so your comment brought back some fond memories. My husband is hooked on audio books at the moment. He listened to one on a long drive recently and is now working his way through a trilogy.
I really like Rebus, and the ensemble of characters. He is imperfect and grumpy but that makes him feel more real.
Great post!
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