Dickens & Rumi

book

Rather be the devil

Ian Rankin · 2016

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Rather be the devil by Ian Rankin. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Violence, Alcohol or drugs; positive qualities include Positive messages, Courage & resilience.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental mentions of real-world brands as part of the realistic setting.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Murder and its aftermath are central to the plot, with attention to investigation and consequences.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some forensic descriptions of crime scenes and bodily injuries, though not gratuitous.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains strong language consistent with police procedural novels.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Not a significant feature of the narrative.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a significant theme.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Minimal focus on romance; relationships are peripheral to the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threatening criminals, murder investigations and tense confrontations create sustained adult suspense.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mature references, but no explicit sexual scenes.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol, addiction and drug-related crime are relevant to the characters and investigation.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Crime-related violence, threats and assaults are significant parts of the investigation and may be described realistically.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate persistence and bravery in pursuing truth despite risks.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving through the mystery format.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Features a range of characters within the Edinburgh social landscape.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into Edinburgh, policing and criminal justice rather than teaching as its primary purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Interpersonal kindness exists among the characters despite the grim setting.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of justice, accountability, loyalty, and the consequences of violence, addiction, obsession, and past choices are woven throughout the crime story.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Rebus and other characters show persistence and loyalty, but they are flawed adults making questionable choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Rather be the devil would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Rather be the devil, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating