Crime writer Ian Rankin has confirmed Inspector Rebus will return in a new novel out later this year called Standing in Another Man's Grave.
The Edinburgh-based author said there was "unfinished business" with Inspector John Rebus and the latest story was the "perfect fit" for him.
The detective was last seen in Exit Music, published in 2007, a novel which featured his retirement.
Since Rebus' first appearance in 1987, the novels have been translated into 22 languages, becoming international best-sellers.
His return was announced today by the writer at the Hay Festival.
Mr Rankin said: "I felt there was unfinished business between the two of us. He had never really gone away but was working for Edinburgh's cold case unit. And I knew I had a story that was a perfect fit for him."
The novel, out in November, will see Rebus finding himself in trouble with the author's latest creation, Malcolm Fox, of Edinburgh's internal affairs unit. Meanwhile, his former partner Siobhan is forging ahead in her own career.
Mr Rankin said the book's title is inspired by a song from the late Scottish singer-songwriter Jackie Leven and is dedicated to his memory.
He said: "Jackie was a great guitarist and a fine songwriter with a vein of robust romantic imagery and a voice that could melt granite.
"He was also a terrific storyteller whose life had provided no end of material. He's still much missed by all of us who knew him."
The Inspector Rebus series, which includes Fleshmarket Close, Mortal Causes and The Black Book, was made into a TV drama. Centred on the title character, the books are mainly based in and around Scotland's capital city.