The law of diminishing returns and the challenges of continuing a legacy
The law of diminishing returns poses a significant challenge for creative artists, particularly those in the literary field. As the allure of novelty wanes, established series, such as Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, risk becoming stale, prompting questions about the sustainability of long-running characters, reports BritPanorama.
Ian Rankin, the Scottish author renowned for his Detective Inspector John Rebus series spanning 40 years, grapples with this issue. “Trust me, I’ve tried to kill him off many times and write something else,” Rankin remarked in an interview, reflecting on the enduring popularity of his protagonist.
Despite efforts to shift away from Rebus, the character has returned in 25 different iterations, showcasing his resilience. In the latest installment, 2025’s Midnight and Blue, Rankin appeared to conclude Rebus’s storyline definitively, raising questions about the future of his literary creation.
Rankin’s new work, The Heights, marks his first standalone novel in 20 years and features a new character, DS Gillian Gish. Set against the underbelly of London, Gish investigates a murder within a luxury high-rise populated by affluent figures, including a Russian oligarch and a reality TV star.
Gish’s character embodies a distinctly detached demeanor. When questioned about the security of her affluent environment, she dryly responds, “I wouldn’t say security’s your strong point, sir.” This mix of professionalism and personal challenges, such as her mother’s dementia, shapes the narrative as Gish navigates her duties amidst a chaotic personal life.
In The Heights, Gish has 330 pages to unravel the murder mystery. Although lacking Rebus’s direct presence, his influence remains palpable throughout the story, prompting comparisons between the two detectives.
Rankin, now 66, acknowledged a change in his writing pace, stating he produces one book every couple of years, compared to his earlier annual releases fueled by an intense work ethic. His Rebus series has achieved significant commercial success, translated into 36 languages and adapted for television.
Rankin noted, “In real life, Rebus would be well into his 70s now, perhaps even 80…” though his character remains perpetually in mid-life. Following the conclusion of Midnight and Blue, fan reactions urged Rankin to revisit the detective’s storylines, demonstrating the attachment readers have developed over decades.
In releasing The Heights, Rankin remains within familiar territory, crafting a police procedural rich in detail and character. However, some readers may find frustration in its resemblance to Rebus’s narrative, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more innovative departure in Rankin’s oeuvre.
Ultimately, while The Heights remains engaging and entertaining, critiques emerge regarding its similarity to previous works. Rankin, positioned within the constraints of his established brand, may find it challenging to radically shift his storytelling direction while maintaining his audience’s loyalty.
‘The Heights’, by Ian Rankin, is published by Orion, at £25
