Author Ian Rankin discusses new London set novel and James Bond refusal

Bestselling author Ian Rankin revealed he once turned down the chance to pen a James Bond novel.

Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin has revealed that he previously declined an invitation to pen a James Bond novel despite having a clear plot concept in mind. The author spoke about his career and relocating his famous detective John Rebus to new storylines in a recent interview. Rankin continues to write best-selling mysteries from his long-kept desk in Edinburgh.

• The inspirationRankin focuses much of his crime fiction on political themes and the lives of the super-rich.
• The writing routineThe author still uses the same compact desk he purchased on Charing Cross Road in 1987.