**Sir Ian Rankin Hints at Possible Future for Rebus, but Not Just Yet**
Fans of Scottish crime fiction may have longer to wait before detective John Rebus walks the dark streets of Edinburgh once again. Esteemed author Sir Ian Rankin, creator of the iconic character, has revealed that while he holds out hope for Rebus’s return, the detective will not feature in his next novel. Instead, the author is taking his storytelling in a fresh direction.
Rebus last appeared in the 2024 novel *Midnight and Blue*. However, the future for Rankin’s gruff and much-loved protagonist remains uncertain. Speaking at the launch of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling, Sir Ian Rankin admitted, “There isn’t a Rebus novel this year. The TV show was last year, so there’s no TV show this year either. So, I think I’m just putting him to bed for a wee while so he can rest and relax, and hopefully he’ll come back in the future, rejuvenated.”
This news will no doubt disappoint readers who have grown accustomed to the gritty realism and sharp wit that characterises the Rebus series. The detective has been a staple of modern British fiction for decades, immersing audiences in the complex moral landscape of Edinburgh’s underworld. Yet, Rankin insists the temporary farewell is necessary. “We left him in prison in the last book. So what happens after that? I have no idea. Maybe he knows, but I don’t know,” he confessed.
For now, Rankin’s attention has shifted to an entirely new work — one that departs from his familiar Scottish backdrop. The author revealed that his upcoming book, due to be published in October next year, will be set in London and feature a wholly new cast. “It’s set in London and there’s no Rebus. It’s still crime. It’s set in London just for a change,” Sir Ian stated.
Such a creative shift could signal a new phase in Rankin’s career. While Rebus has secured his place in literary history, the absence of the detective in the forthcoming novel suggests Rankin’s continued desire to explore different themes and settings. There is curiosity among fans and critics alike about how the acclaimed writer will approach the new urban environment and what fresh perspectives he might uncover.
The decision to leave Rebus’s fate unresolved offers fertile ground for speculation. Literary enthusiasts and fellow writers may wonder what the future holds for both the detective and his creator. Could Rebus adapt to the challenges of his new reality, and will his next appearance reflect the changed circumstances in which readers last found him?
Meanwhile, it is worth noting the broader impact of the Rebus series. The books have not only reignited interest in Scottish crime fiction but have also helped to shape perceptions of Edinburgh as a character in itself. The successful television adaptation has introduced the stories to wider audiences beyond the book pages, further cementing the character’s iconic status.
Rankin’s openness about the uncertainties around Rebus’s future demonstrates his ongoing dedication to authentic storytelling. Rather than forcing the character back to life prematurely, the author prefers to wait until the moment — and the story — feels right.
For now, fans must content themselves with the promise that Rebus may one day re-emerge, perhaps with new insights and challenges. In the meantime, readers eagerly await Rankin’s upcoming London-set standalone, anticipating another twist in the career of one of Britain’s most celebrated crime novelists.