Rhapsodizing About Rebus

To celebrate the passage of 30 years since the release of Ian Rankin’s first John Rebus detective novel, Knots and Crosses, the Scottish author and his UK publisher, Orion Books, will stage RebusFest in Edinburgh, Rankin’s hometown. From Crime Fiction Lover:

The event will take place 30 June to 2 July, and is being curated by Ian Rankin himself. Interactive events, tours of the city, live music and talks on Edinburgh’s history and its influence on the author are all being planned. The full schedule will be confirmed on 17 March, there will be a press launch in Edinburgh, and you’ll be able to find out more at www.ianrankin.net.

The announcement of the festival comes shortly after news that Ian Rankin is to be made a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, for his contribution to contemporary fiction. He is already an OBE, has won four [Crime Writers’ Association] Dagger Awards, and has an Edgar to his name as well. Rebus has become one of the best-known police detectives not just in UK crime fiction, but around the world. He was played on television by John Hannah and Ken Stott, and has appeared in over 20 novels and an array of short stories.

Shotsmag Confidential adds that “Over the course of the year Ian Rankin will be embarking on an international tour taking in countries across Europe, North America, the Antipodes, and South East Asia.”