The new exhibition combines police procedural with the Rebus novels of Ian Rankin. Photo Richard Scott, courtesy National Library of Scotland

There’s been a murder at the National Library of Scotland and members of the public are invited to solve the crime in an exhibition that combines Police procedural with the novels of one of the UK's top crime authors.

Crime Scene Edinburgh runs until January 13 2008 and celebrates the work of Ian Rankin and the 20th anniversary of the first appearance of his fictional detective, Inspector Rebus, and the release last month of Exit Music, Rankin’s final Rebus novel.

It marks a sort of homecoming for both author and detective as Ian Rankin wrote much his first Rebus novel, Knots and Crosses, in the Library’s reading rooms, where he divided his time between fiction writing and work on his PhD thesis on Dame Muriel Spark.

Ian Rankin in a recreation of Rebus' favourite bar. Photo Richard Scott, courtesy National Library of Scotland

The exhibition tells the story of the development of Rankin the creator, Rebus the creation and of the city of Edinburgh, which Ian Rankin has described as being the central character of his books. It explores the formative influences on Rankin – both literary and otherwise – takes in other tales from Edinburgh’s dark underbelly and looks at the thriving contemporary Scottish crime-writing scene.

With the help of Lothian and Borders Police, there is also a revealing look both at the history of the force as well as at contemporary police procedures and forensic science. Visitors will have the chance to do some sleuthing of their own as clues throughout the exhibition lead to the culprit in the National Library’s very own murder mystery.

Timelines plot key milestones in the stories of both author and character, and interactive features include the chance to listen to clips of Ian Rankin reading from his work and explaining how the character of Rebus was created. Visitors can also watch clips from the television series.

Photo Richard Scott, courtesy National Library of Scotland

Items on display include the original manuscript of Knots and Crosses, a C-90 cassette recording of Rankin’s abortive punk band, the Flying Pigs, and the death mask of notorious Edinburgh graverobber and murderer William Burke.

Ian Rankin’s old computer also makes an appearance together with assorted police memorabilia, a signed first edition copy of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, material from Edinburgh indie band St Jude’s infirmary, an original Sherlock Holmes manuscript and a recreation of famous Rebus haunt, the Oxford Bar.

“Ian Rankin has been a good friend to the Library throughout his career and we’re both honoured and delighted to be staging this exhibition,” said National Librarian Martyn Wade.

Photo Richard Scott, courtesy National Library of Scotland

“The mix of Ian’s own personal memorabilia, material from the Library’s collections and a wonderful assortment of items from Lothian and Borders Police have allowed us to chart Ian’s career and influences, as well as those of Inspector Rebus. There’s something here for everyone, from committed Rebus fans to those simply interested in learning a little more about Edinburgh’s darker side.”

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.