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The Complaints

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: James Macpherson
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Summary

Nobody likes The Complaints - they're the cops who investigate other cops.

Complaints and Conduct Department, to give them their full title, but known colloquially as 'the Dark Side', or simply 'The Complaints'.

Malcolm Fox works for The Complaints. He's just had a result, and should be feeling good about himself. But he's middle-aged, sour and unwell. He also has a father in a care home and a sister who persists in an abusive relationship. In the midst of an aggressive Edinburgh winter, the reluctant Fox is given a new task. There's a cop called Jamie Breck, and he's dirty.

Problem is, no one can prove it. But as Fox takes on the job, he learns that there's more to Breck than anyone thinks. This knowledge will prove dangerous, especially when murder intervenes.

©2009 John Rebus Limited (P)2009 Orion Publishing Group
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What listeners say about The Complaints

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  • Overall
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Gripping story

I loved this book, Ian Rankin at his best. I’ve read all the Rebus books, this is easily as good. Very well narrated.

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Another brilliant Ian Rankin book

Loved it. Good to see a another side of Fox. Excellent from start to finish.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

“A Little Bit of Proof Never Hurts”.

I listened to this audiobook having completed all in the Rebus series.

It was nice to hear how Ian Rankin had taken the opportunity to expand the Malcom Fox character. If I’m totally honest, I didn’t enjoy this audiobook as much as the Rebus series, but it was still good.

The story had a lot of twists and turns and kept you guessing until the end.

James MacPherson once again is brilliant narrating the story. He knows exactly how to bring a character to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant new character from Ian Rankin

What a writer Rankin is. I loved Rebus and was unsure if Rankin would be able to enthralled me without the grumpy DI. Well he did and how! Welcome Inspector Malcolm Fox - I look forward to getting to know you.

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1 person found this helpful

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A Great Read

Read this after finishing all the Rebus novels. Wasn't sure if I'd like this book, but realised its Rankin's writing I love not just Rebus. Fox is a complex character, trying to do the right thing at all times without stepping over the line. Here he's trying to clear his name and making uncomfortable bed fellows. Personally this is good if not slightly better than the Rebus series. I wish there were more than two books in this series.

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Great listening

Twists and turns, never sure so to trust, really enjoyed this story, liked the characters, and great story telling

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Couldn't stop listening!

Excellent book. Malcolm Fox is a great protagonist. Really absorbing story. Can't wait to listen to the next Fox story.

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gripping

Lots of twists and turns and not knowing who to trust. Enjoyed getting to know Malcolm Fox after his appearance in the final Rebus novels. Well read.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Fox meets Rebus

I've always loved the Rebus books so thought I'd try one without him. On certain levels they have similar characters - flawed, rule breakers an awkward sibling. I think they became to respect each other after "Saints of the Shadow Bible": but different enough to be their own men. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any fan of Ian Rankin. The reading by The magnificent James MacPherson is once again superlative.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Sharp, tighty-plotted, plenty twists.

Sharp, tighty-plotted, surprising, unexpected, clever, intriguing, well-drawn characters, always interesting, full of suspense, very enjoyable and highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful