Book Log 2021 #55: In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin

A private detective missing for a decade turns up in a car trunk - located in an area that had been searched during the initial investigation into his disappearance. John Rebus was involved in the case originally, and acknowledges its deficiencies - some intentional, some perhaps related to his attempt to tie things to Big Ger Cafferty. He gets back into the case through the side door, as both Siobhan Clarke and Malcolm Fox are brought in as part of the new investigation.

Clarke has her own problems to deal with, between a pair of internal affairs cops investigating her for misconduct and an unknown person harrassing her over another investigation that appeared to go well. 

It's impressive that the Rebus stories continue to feel fresh given how long the series has gone on. I also like how these later books have depicted Rebus in his retirement, fleshing out the comments from earlier books about cops who kept a hand in after leaving the force. Including his health struggles - most notably his COPD - also give a fuller picture of how he's paying for his younger lifestyle. It reminds me a bit of how Inspector Morse's love for a pint (or several) played into his ultimate demise.

Anyway, keep reading these and start if you haven't.