I came to this page while reading DOORS OPEN trying to find out if one of the artists in the book is fictional or not. I actually had the audio version of the book and could only make out "Mon" (it turned out to be the fictional Monboddo).
I was surprised to see the slough of negative reviews, most from Rankin fans disappointed not in the quality of the writing or story, but because John Rebus is not in it. This isn't fair, either to the author or to readers seeking to know if this is a worthwhile use of their reading time or not.
As another fan and reader of all Rankin's Rebus novels, I had another reaction to DOORS OPEN: I was a little weary of Rebus' self-destructive ways and enjoyed the new characters. (To be scrupulously fair to low reviewers, I may have two legs up on them in that I have both an excellent audio version and an interest in art forgery.)
Taken on its own, without knowing Ian Rankin had written DOORS OPEN, I suspect many who slapped it with low reviews would have rated it higher. Aren't they just glad that Rankin is writing another series, not retiring?
I hope Mr. Rankin realizes that many of his readers enjoyed the book very much and are looking forward to further post-Rebus novels.
I will even venture so far as to say that many of you low-star reviewers of DOORS OPEN should edit those reviews to reflect the book's very own merits, not just to vote your disapproval of the author leaving John Rebus behind. Most of you wouldn't have to change the review itself, an odd state of affairs. You've had years enough to know the last Rebus has come and gone. Aren't you just glad Mr. Rankin is still writing? Do you really expect any good writer to conform to your expectations? Remember Conan Doyle, forced to resurrect Sherlock Holmes when he was heartily tired of the character. They resulted in more good Holmes stories, but at what cost to the author?
I say if you like Ian Rankin's work, you should give him a chance to develop in new directions, and trust him to make it good. Shame on you for ganging up on him in a public forum that has such a profound effect on public opinion.