THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD by Ian Rankin

Finished Tu 5/22/12

........... Another terrific novel by Ian Rankin, yet this novel does not focus on local color or flamboyant characters, but is more of a very elaborate and complicated 'who-dunnit'. Three officers from Edinburgh, Scotland's Internal Affairs (Professional Ethics and Standards) are sent across the Firth of Forth to check out allegations that a local cop has been using his position to bargain for sexual favors with women. This investigation leads to crimes and murders that have gone unsolved going back thirty years, and uncover collusion within the highest level of the Edinburgh police department. However, in the end, one man is responsible for it all.

.............. Malcolm Fox- Officer in Charge of The Professional Standards Unit. Tony Kaye and Joe Naysmith- The other members of the unit. Mitch Fox- Malcolm's aging father who is living in a transitional nursing home. Jude Fox- Malcolm's sister who disagrees with Malcolm's handling of their father. Paul Carter- Cop charged with ignoring infractions of the law in exchange for sexual favors. Alan Carter- Uncle of Paul; Retired cop who owns a security company. Francis Vernal- Leftest Scottish leader involved in car accident, and then suicide. But, it was murder. "Alice Watts"- The fake name of Alison Watson when she was involved with violent Leftist politics. She is now a high ranking member of the police. "Hawkeye"- The fake name of Stephen Pears when he was involved in violent Leftist politics. He is now a wealthy industrialist, and married to Alison Watson.