What can I say? Ian Rankin is a genius crime writer and I was hooked from beginning to end in a very plausible and complicated plot - all played out against the wonderful backdrop of Edinburgh. DI Rebus, a man of mature years, is sent undercover, to join other unorthodox officers who have been returned to police bootcamp (training college) in a final attempt to modify their behaviour. They work in syndicates and are given the unsolved murder case of an Edinburgh low-life criminal to review and follow up. Their subsequent investigations turn up much more than they ever anticipated, the repercussions of which would be far reaching. I shan't tell you any more of the plot except to say that it involves art theft, police corruption and of course murder. The title of the book is a reference to the body snatchers of the 19th Century who were known as 'resurrectionists' or 'resurrection men'.
I found it extremely difficult to come up with a single theme for the artwork so went with an art journal page.
I have attempted to show the duplicity, violence. fear and complexity of the plot all on the chequered band of the police. The blood droplets are a stamp from Designs by Ryn. The eyes by Stampscape.
Thanks for stopping by and do feel free to leave a comment, I appreciate them all.
I've always wanted to give Ian Rankin's Rebus books a go, I do like a well written murder investigation. Love your journal figure with the "two faced" silhouette. Very clever idea to use the blue and white chequerboard to represent the police
ReplyDeleteOoow I nearly missed the "2 faced" image as I was enthralled by the blood drops lol. Fabulous journal page :D XXX
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the book and your journal page looks inspired. So clever using the chequered board and the red drops. Those eyes suggest the mystery and the words add to the overall impression of the book. great page.
ReplyDeleteJen x
This journal page is a really powerful image perfectly suited to the novel by the sound of your review. I've seen Rankin on TV and been really impressed by his ideas about writing and the arts in general. I don't think I will ever read any of his crime fiction, as this is not a genre that appeals to me, but I did enjoy your review and the drama of your journal pages. It is so disturbing to ponder that police officers are human and as open to corruption as anyone and often it is the crime novel that compels us to confront this. I like the way you explore the violence and the duplicity through your art. Julie Ann x
ReplyDeleteI confess I've never heard of the author, the protagonist, or the book you reviewed, but I love, love, LOVE a good mystery. And this sounds like something I could sink my teeth into.
ReplyDeleteYour art shows and focused on the two faces of police, whether in Great Britain, or the US, where I live. And of course, it stood out on the page, as it should. The eyes were the perfect addition to the journal page, too. Rather mesmerizing, in fact.
Your journal page has so many layers, it takes a while to see everything! Perfect! ♥
ReplyDeleteI think I have to add Ranking to my to read -list... I love series and Scotland! :-)
What a wonderfully complex journal page...so many layers. It reflects a book with many layers and mysteries...love it!!
ReplyDeleteThe art definitely say mystery. And the duality of the faces is very intriguing... Very telling art for a mystery ;-)
ReplyDeletenot my kind of book, but that journal page is stunning. i love all the images you pulled together, especially the droplets.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the phrase 'tartan noir' :)
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds really good - I've often been tempted by trying an Ian Rankin book as I love Scotland and know Edinburgh quite well. Maybe this will be the one that draws me in ;)
Your journal page is stunning - those droplets, chilling.
I read a Rankin book years ago but he didn't 'take' with me, I don't know why. I love books that include aspects of artwork like the art theft. Your artwork is terrific, especially the idea of using the background of the police chequer piece. And i like all the little details. I enjoyed the review, and may be inspired to try Rankin again on Kindle.
ReplyDeleteLove the profiles. Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you, Janet, and to learn you are enjoying the summer. I haven't read anything by this author but it sounds like the type of book I enjoy. I will certainly look into this author. I like your illustration you did as journal pages. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteJanet, where is your August reading? I know you must be very busy doing things other than art stuff, but I do hope you are finding a little time to create. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
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