Sir Ian Rankin, known for his iconic character Detective Inspector John Rebus, rarely engages with television. He lacks a TV in his Edinburgh apartment, where he writes and indulges in hobbies like constructing elaborate Lego models. Despite his minimalism, he has watched the most recent TV adaptation of Rebus, which starred Richard Rankin.
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Rankin's computer, which has had significant wear and tear over the years, rests on a compact desk he bought in 1987. This desk, along with his computer, has traveled with him from London to the rural Dordogne region of France and back to Edinburgh, where he lives with his wife Miranda and their two sons.
Although his living situation may suggest a reluctance to embrace change, his literary work reveals otherwise. Over the course of 26 Rebus novels and numerous standalone works, Rankin has remained focused on contemporary societal issues. He emphasizes that the crime fiction he values explores societal problems and the political landscape.
His latest novel, "The Heights," delves into the lives of the ultra-rich within a luxury Knightsbridge apartment building. The narrative begins with a shocking discovery: a concierge is found bludgeoned to death, prompting Detective Sergeant Gillian Gish, a new lead character inspired by the classic TV detective Columbo, to investigate. Rankin admires Columbo for his ability to unravel the lives of the wealthy, describing him as a socialist figure who disrupts the privileged.
Gish is depicted as having a more grounded background compared to Rebus, as she lives in Tottenham and cares for her mother. This personal context helps to illustrate the stark contrasts within London’s diverse social landscape. When asked about moving away from Edinburgh, Rankin expressed no apprehension, noting that some stories cannot be contained within the city due to its understated wealth.
At 66, Rankin has achieved financial success but reflects on his earlier years, stating he would have made extravagant purchases had he found fame sooner. He and Miranda now prioritize travel, planning trips well into the future.
While traveling, Rankin conducts research, though he primarily writes when back home, often completing work quickly under certain conditions. He humorously describes himself as the “laziest, hard-working author.” Beyond his writing, a notable portion of his income, around 30 to 40%, is directed towards a charitable trust that supports smaller organizations, particularly those assisting individuals with special needs, including his son Kit, who has Angelman syndrome.
Addressing the fate of Rebus, Rankin reassures fans that despite his character's predicament at the end of the last book, positive developments are on the horizon, as hinted by Rebus's lawyer within the story. Reflecting on his life and work, Rankin remains connected to his roots, seemingly content with his status and the community around him.