Crime book inspired by Gallagher to be released with album

Crime writer Ian Rankin has penned a novella inspired by the music of guitarist Rory Gallagher.

The book is being published as part of a compilation album of the Irish’s rocker’s music, called Kickback City, which was in turn influenced by his love of crime fiction.

Rankin, whose most famous creation John Rebus has appeared in a string of bestsellers, said: “I was approached by Rory’s brother Donal Gallagher who asked if I knew that Rory was a big fan of crime fiction. And of course when you look at it, the songs, the lyrics and especially the titles: Kickback City, Continental Op [the title of a Dashiell Hammett book], it all makes sense.