The RSL is taking bookings from Members and Fellows only. For public tickets visit the British Library website.

Interviewed for The Guardian in 2016, Ian Rankin reflected, ‘The great thing about America is I always come back with more books and more tip-offs of who to read. It’s a country in love with crime fiction.’ In this event the creator of the legendary Inspector Rebus novels discusses the effect of American crime fiction on his work, including the influence of Lawrence Block, Ed McBain, Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy, who himself described Ian Rankin as ‘the King of Tartan Noir.’ Ian Rankin will be in conversation with Maxim Jakubowski, writer and editor of crime, mystery and erotic fiction, regular broadcaster on TV and radio and former owner of the Charing Cross Road crime bookshop, Murder One. 

 This event will be preceded by a free Book Group for RSL Members. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.