Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin unearths an archival gem.
Rankin is known as a titan of fiction—the author of more than 30 internationally bestselling books, many featuring his most famous character, Detective Inspector John Rebus. But back in 1990, he was a struggling author wondering whether his latest book, Westwind, was DOA.
After 30 years (and the prompting of fans on Twitter), Rankin sought to revisit the standalone tech-thriller and found it to have many redeeming qualities. Publisher Little, Brown thought so, too, and agreed to publish Westwind for the first time in the U.S. in January 2020.
He and host Megan Labrise discuss that experience, the challenges John Rebus would today face if he were just getting his start in law enforcement, and why he chose to donate his archive to the National Library of Scotland.Then, children’s editor Vicky Smith, YA editor Laura Simeon, nonfiction editor Eric Liebetrau, and fiction editor Laurie Muchnick share their reading recommendations for the week.
Editors’ picks:
Where Lily Isn’t by Julie Paschkis, ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine (Godwin Books/Henry Holt)
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles (HarperTeen)
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe (Doubleday)
The Secret Guests by Benjamin Black (Henry Holt)
Fully Booked is produced by Cabel Adkins Audio and Megan Labrise.
