Rebus returns for one last time to help a worthy cause

Author Ian Rankin is to bring Detective Inspector John Rebus back for another adventure, at a fundraising event next week.

The one-off evening, at Edinburgh's Caledonian Brewery, will see Rankin give an hour-long, exclusive reading of the story to raise money for the Royal Blind School, which his teenage son attends.

Even the organisers of the "Murder for a Beer" night have been kept in the dark about the details of the story, which is also set in the brewery, to heighten the suspense.

But the Fife-born writer has agreed to allow guests the chance to work out its ending and discuss the story's twists and turns, before revealing the exciting conclusion himself.

Steph Ley, the marketing and fundraising officer for the Royal Blind School, said: "We're all so excited – it's a must for any diehard fan."

"Basically, Ian will read for most of the event and then there will be a discussion as people try to solve the mystery. He'll then reveal the ending. It's going to be a complete surprise – we're eager to know more."

Rankin was approached by the organisers last year to see if he would take part in a fundraising event for the Royal Blind School. He has long supported fundraising for the school, as his 15-year-old son Kit, who has Angelman syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that has left him blind and unable to walk or talk – attends it.

Exit Music, following the final days of DI Rebus' career, was released in 2007 and ever since, devoted fans of the series of novels have been hoping he would make a return.

"Murder for a Beer" takes place on Thursday.