Rebus solves murder mystery at a posh dinner party

In a posh Edinburgh dinner party, detective John Rebus finds himself in a unique situation where he must solve a fictional crime set up by the hostess, Harriet. The atmosphere is enriched by early 20th-century Scottish art, which serves as more than mere decoration, hinting at deeper connections to the unfolding mystery. Rebus, accompanied by a platonic lawyer girlfriend, navigates the complexities of the wealthy elite present at the gathering. As the evening progresses, the plot thickens when a real corpse is discovered, forcing Rebus to shift his focus from the staged entertainment to a genuine investigation. The characters involved include the hostess, her gambler husband, a casino owner, and a younger influencer partner, all of whom become suspects in the murder. The narrative cleverly plays with themes of morality and class, reminiscent of classic detective stories. Rankin's writing is noted for its intricate and elusive plot, engaging the audience in a game of deduction alongside Rebus. The play also features a nod to Inspector Goole from JB Priestley’s work, highlighting the critique of the entitled class. As the story unfolds, Rebus's character is portrayed with depth, reflecting on his experiences as a seasoned detective. The production, while compact in its two acts, leaves a lasting impression, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of crime and human nature.