Ian Rankin

Sir Ian James Rankin is a renowned Scottish crime writer, best known for his Inspector Rebus series. Born in Cardenden, Fife, he studied literature at the University of Edinburgh. Before achieving international success as a novelist, he worked in various jobs, including as a taxman, journalist, and punk musician. In the 1990s, he wrote three mainstream thrillers under the pseudonym 'Jack Harvey', a name derived from his son's name and his wife's maiden name. He is a prominent figure in the 'Tartan Noir' genre and has received numerous awards, including the Cartier Diamond Dagger and an OBE, and was knighted in 2023 for his services to literature and charity.