“He wondered what percentage of the world's art was actually kept in bank vaults and the like. Like unread books and unplayed music, did it matter that art went unseen?” — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
“As time’s gone on, I’ve probably become a lot more like him (John Rebus): I drink at his bar and I like to be one on one with my music late at night.” — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
You need a great idea, but then you've got to carry it through. If you get it right, you're going to be a critical… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
In 1991, I won the Chandler Fulbright Prize, which came with $20,000 and the stipulation of spending six months in the U.S. — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
When I was in my early 20s and still at uni, I won a short-story competition: £200 was the prize. — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
“1446, that's when the foundations were laid. It took forty years to complete." "Sounds like some builders I know," Rebus said. "Can't you feel… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
When I'm writing, I won't know whodunnit until maybe two thirds of the way through. Until then, I know as little as my detective.… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
My mother worked in a school canteen - then worked in the canteen of a chicken factory. Every Friday, the pay packet money would… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
I am, of course, a frustrated rock star - I'd much rather be a rock star than a writer. Or own a record shop.… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
I don't want the books to become PR exercises for the police; I want to have the freedom to write about cops who cross… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
“...despite rumors to the contrary, you're on the side of the angels. (...) Whether you like it or not.” — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
Rebus was eating breakfast in the canteen and wishing there was more caffeine in the coffee, or more coffee in the coffee come to… — Ian Rankin Copy Share Image
