Watchman (Paperback)

A summary of the plot is probably not really necessary. I shall just let it be said that it concerns one Miles Flint, a “watchman” for MI5 (i.e. a man of observation, not of action) and some explosive events…

As Rankin himself notes in his new introduction, the pace of the book is very different from his Rebus stuff. It clips along with a great speed, switching from scene to scene brilliantly. The result is, of course, a fast little book to read, which is admirably spare: even though it’s quick and with not a superfluous word, though, the writing is rich and clear, the plotting complex, if a little sharp. Miles Flint is also a great character. Similar to Rebus in many ways, he is still distinctive enough to be fresh and interesting. Like Rebus, he has that x factor, although he is less a man of action, more a pensive, laid-back observer. Too, his fascination with beetles makes for a brilliant spin, and some very effective little metaphors!

Another thing that Rankin notes is how much of its time this book is, in that it the characters don’t have mobile phones, or even home PC’s. That being said and true, that doesn’t by any means mean that this book is dated. Indeed, in some ways it is remarkably modern and up-to-date.

While I would recommend it, certainly, I would not recommend it unreservedly to people who like Rankin solely for his Rebus series, as the style is markedly different. Liking Rebus does not mean you will definitely like this. Indeed, it is very possible that you will, that you will like it a great deal, it is not a given. Be wary, is what I’m saying. But for any Rankin fan this certainly must be at least given a look, and fans of the genre would do well to read this and see a talented author extending his range even further.

Watchman is perhaps slighly dated... its set in the late 80's when the IRA bombing campaigns against London where at their height. The main character Miles Flint is tasked with "watching" an Arab assasin and also supervising the observation of an IRA bomb making cell. The winding & complicated plot ties the apparently unlinked a dead Israeli "diplomat", an Arab assasin, an IRA cell, a gay MP & into one coherent story ultimating revolving around a power struggle within MI5. It also brings in a few characters that Rebus fans will instantly recognise- journalist Jim Stevens and masseur "the organ grinder".

Watchman is not as good as the Rebus books. Miles Flint doesn't have anything like the depth of character of the Scottish cop. Likewise the locations jump too much & lack the gritty realism of Rebus's Edinburgh. Likwise the plot is slow to get going & its not obvious how the various threads tie together making the book initially quite slow & confusing. That said its still worth reading, mainly because when it does come together it REALLY comes together in an explosive ending. Anyone who enjoyed the three novels Rankin wrote as "Jack Harvey" will be quite satisfied with this.