Scottish author Ian Rankin has published his first standalone thriller in two decades, titled The Heights. The novel is set in a luxury London apartment block, where detective Gillian Gish investigates the murder of a night concierge. Rankin, who has sold over 35 million books worldwide, has used his platform to explore complex social issues through his crime fiction. He believes that the crime novel is the perfect vehicle for authors to examine moral issues, cultures, and civilizations. Rankin's writing has been influenced by his personal experiences, including the loss of his mother at a young age and his son's diagnosis with Angelman syndrome. He has used his writing as a way to process and deal with these challenges. Through his charitable trust, Rankin and his wife, Miranda, have donated around 20-30% of his net income to various causes, including organizations supporting children with disabilities and literacy programs. Rankin's success has also allowed him to help families in need, providing financial support for equipment, education, and support for children with disabilities. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including working with international organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and WaterAid. Despite his success, Rankin shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently working on a new Rebus novel and has expressed interest in producing music, having been the vocalist in a punk band during his student days. Rankin's passion for writing has remained a constant throughout his life, and he continues to draw inspiration from his experiences and the world around him.