William McIlvanney Books in Order
Explore William McIlvanney novels that helped shape Ian Rankin's Tartan Noir, with series order, short overviews and notes on how they connect to the Rebus world.
Last updated: June 7, 2026
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Publication Order
13 books
Remedy is None
by William McIlvanney
1966
A Gift From Nessus
by William McIlvanney
1968
Docherty
by William McIlvanney
1975
Laidlaw
by William McIlvanney
1977
The Papers of Tony Veitch
by William McIlvanney
1983
The Big Man
by William McIlvanney
1985
In Through the Head
by William McIlvanney
1988
Strange Loyalties
by William McIlvanney
1991
Shades of Grey
by William McIlvanney
1993
The Kiln
by William McIlvanney
1996
Weekend
by William McIlvanney
2006
Dreaming Scotland
by William McIlvanney
2014
The Dark Remains
by Ian Rankin
2021
Set in 1972 Glasgow, this prequel finds newly minted detective Jack Laidlaw investigating the murder of a mob lawyer caught between rival gang bosses. Co written from William McIlvanney’s unfinished manuscript, it shows Laidlaw’s early clashes with colleagues, criminals and his own conscience.
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