A Song for the Dark Times is the 23nd instalment in the Inspector Rebus series written by Ian Rankin. Retired John Rebus investigates the disappearance and death of his daughter's partner Keith Grant. Malcolm Fox and Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke (Shiv) are a major players in a parallel investigation, and 'Big Ger' Cafferty is also involved with Fox. Rebus and pathologist Deborah Quant are still 'an item'; earlier when he asked her if they were courting she replied that they were friends with benefits - which seemed to suit both of them just fine.