Rankin’s deep ties to Edinburgh, where he has lived for much of his life, are reflected in the vivid depiction of the city in the novel. The backdrop of the 2005 G8 summit in Edinburgh, with its political protests and heightened tensions, mirrors Rankin’s interest in exploring societal structures and divisions. He has noted that Edinburgh’s “overworld and underworld” duality often inspires his work, a theme that resonates throughout "The Naming of the Dead."

In "The Naming of the Dead," Rebus grapples with mortality and personal demons, which may reflect Rankin’s own contemplations on aging and morality. Rankin has admitted that elements of his characters’ personalities sometimes mirror his own.

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Inspector John Rebus: The protagonist, a veteran detective nearing retirement.

Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke: Rebus's protégé and trusted colleague.

Professor Sandy Gates: A forensic pathologist who has appeared in previous Rebus novels.

Doctor Curt: Another forensic pathologist who has worked with Rebus before.

Mairie Henderson: A journalist who helps Rebus and Clarke with the investigation.

Morris Cafferty: An Edinburgh gangster who becomes involved in the case.

Richard Pennen: A weapons dealer who comes under suspicion.

James Corbyn: The new Chief Constable who tries to control the investigation.

David Steelforth: A Special Branch commander overseeing the G8 summit policing.

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Edinburgh Setting
The novel is set in Edinburgh during the 2005 G8 Summit at Gleneagles, when world leaders descended on Scotland. Rankin provides a vivid portrayal of his hometown, depicting the city under siege with heavy security and protests surrounding the summit. He explores the contrasts between the privileged elite and the local underworld thriving amidst the chaos.

G8 Summit and Protests
A central backdrop is the G8 Summit itself, with figures like George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Bono making appearances. Rankin examines the protests and anarchist groups that converged on Edinburgh to demonstrate against the summit and global issues like poverty.

Murder Investigations
Amidst the summit chaos, Rebus investigates the suspicious death of a politician who fell from Edinburgh Castle during a pre-summit dinner. He also looks into the grisly murders of recently released rapists, which may be the work of a vigilante serial killer leaving clues at the "Clootie Well."

Rebus's Maverick Character
True to form, the curmudgeonly Rebus defies authority and protocol to pursue the cases, blurring boundaries between legal and ethical lines. Rankin explores Rebus's flaws, intuition, and contempt for privilege through his distinctive wit and irreverent perspective on the events.

By weaving a gripping crime narrative into the real-life backdrop of the 2005 G8 Summit in Edinburgh, Rankin provides an insightful and entertaining commentary on power, politics, and individual responsibility in the modern world.

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"The Naming of the Dead" generally received positive reviews from both critics and readers. Reviewers praised Rankin for effectively weaving real-world events into the narrative, enhancing the story's tension and stakes.

The novel addresses various social issues, such as political protests, global activism, and the impact of globalization, which resonated with readers and critics alike. Rankin's ability to comment on these issues without detracting from the crime narrative was appreciated.

The pacing of the novel and its ability to maintain suspense were highlighted as strengths. Many reviews from publications such as The Guardian and The Scotsman lauded the novel for its intricate plotting and strong characterizations..

Overall, "The Naming of the Dead" is considered a standout entry in the Inspector Rebus series, appreciated for its depth, relevance, and the continued evolution of its central character..

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