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neil_denham's review against another edition
2.0
I always find short stories unsatisfying, so was not expecting much, but there are actually 4 or 5 excellent stories in this book, including what I assume to be the basis of 'Open Doors' and a few interesting Rebus stories.
markj71's review against another edition
4.0
Great collection of short stories. I love Rankin's work.
annbonny2035's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nwhyte's review against another edition
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1908210.html
The stories in this collection varyin in length from full novella (a variation on the opening of Dead Souls) to a few pages; about half of them have Rebus solving a mystery, and the weaker stories tend to be from the other half. Generally good and entertaining stuff, though.
The stories in this collection varyin in length from full novella (a variation on the opening of Dead Souls) to a few pages; about half of them have Rebus solving a mystery, and the weaker stories tend to be from the other half. Generally good and entertaining stuff, though.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
4.0
Ian Rankin has been one of my all time favourite authors for many years now and I still enjoy reading old Rebus stories today. "Beggars Banquet" is a delightful collection of short stories, eight featuring Rebus that keep you thoroughly entertained and I found were fun, intriguing and compelling.
francisjamesx's review against another edition
4.0
Twenty-one short stories that will surely delight fans of detective and crime thrillers. There's a story for everyone in this collection, with few stories featuring Ian Rankin's copper John Rebus.
sirohub's review
2.0
I like Rankin's style but I don't think I'm a fan of short stories. Someone who likes short stories might really enjoy this but I found it pretty average. Rankin's work is best when it's as a novel.
guiltyfeat's review
2.0
Still rubbish but in smaller doses. Rankin is the most awful pun-loving writer I have ever read multiple books by. There's an occasional turn of phrase which is not unpleasant, but it's mostly schoolboy dross. The plots are worked up in seconds and executed clumsily. I was depressed to see how many of these stories had first appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. I now never need to read that, which is a load off given its almost 80 years of continuous publication. Awful.