Rebus may well have run out of second chances as the disappearance of a corrupt cop casts suspicion on the maverick detective in this characteristically gritty and unputdownable instalment in Rankin's bestselling series.
John Rebus stands accused: on trial for a crime that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. Although it's not the first time the legendary detective has taken the law into his own hands, it might be the last.
What drove a good man to cross the line? Or have times changed, and the rules with them?
Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke faces Edinburgh's most explosive case in years, as a corrupt cop goes missing after claiming to harbour secrets that could sink the city's police force. But in this investigation, it seems all roads lead to Rebus - and Clarke's twin loyalties to the public and the police will be tested to their limit.
A reckoning is coming - and John Rebus may be hearing the call for last orders...