He has worked as a swineherd, punk musician, and taxman, but Ian Rankin will forever be known as the master of hard-boiled noir.

The UK’s greatest living crime writer joins us to reveal his first standalone thriller in two decades, taking us out of Edinburgh and into the into the world of power, wealth and influence in the capital. The setting: London’s most exclusive Hyde Park high-rise, a billionaire’s playground of steel and smoked glass.

When a night concierge is found murdered in the lobby, the building’s rarefied atmosphere is shattered, and the gilded lives within come under intense police scrutiny. The rules may be different at the top – but is anyone truly above the law? Or could it be that the higher you rise, the further you fall?

Booking information

To book tickets, please visit the How To Academy website.

This event has not been organised by the Society. If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking please contact the event organiser, the How To Academy, via contact@howtoacademy.com

Venue information

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR. 

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:

  • Step-free access to the event
  • Accessible toilets
  • Assistance dogs are welcome
  • Hearing loop

For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org

You may also be interested in...

  • Guided walkWalking tour in historic room at Lowther Lodge.

    Guided tour of Lowther Lodge - 2.00pm

    Join us as we delve into the stories, contexts, and interpretations of the objects on display throughout Lowther Lodge, the home of geography.

  • Guided walkPeople listening to tour guide at Lowther Lodge.

    Guided tour of Lowther Lodge - 4pm

    Join us at 4.00pm as we delve into the stories, contexts, and interpretations of the objects on display throughout Lowther Lodge, the home of geography.

  • Monday Night LectureHeadshot of Professor Lord Nicholas Stern.

    The growth story of the 21st Century

    Challenging the idea that we must choose between climate action and development, Lord Stern will explore why this transformation is essential, what it entails and delivers, and how we can achieve it.

Key Information

Open to all
Wednesday 7 October 2026
7.30pm-8.45pm
London

In-person
From £34.95
Book now

Interested in hiring our venue?

Find out more about one of London’s most charming and iconic venues.