Wednesday, October 03, 2018

First Wednesday Book Review Club




A drought exposes the remains of a village from fifty years earlier, and Inspector Banks is called in to try to discover how the skeleton of a woman buried there was murdered and by whom. This novel is done in the voice of a woman who lived in the village at that time (WW2) and in the voice of Banks. Sometimes this grows tedious in a story, but it never did here because both stories were equally interesting and, of course, connected. Banks is exploring the idea of beginning a relationship with Annie in this novel, trying to come to terms with his son's quitting school and starting a musical career, and ongoing trouble with his superior and ex-wife. So there is plenty of angst as well as a murder to solve. Robinson is so skilled at presenting a story that does not lean on twists, turns and violence. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

For more reviews, see Barrie Summy's blog. 

14 comments:

Jeff Meyerson said...

Good one, I agree. There have been other books with a similar plot - water receding, uncovering a town, etc. The one I remember that had the opposite plot - a place was deliberately flooded and they needed to dive down into it to get hidden money - was one of Donald Westlake's Dortmunder comic capers, DROWNED HOPES. I also like books where the past and present come together like this, as in the Wesley Peterson series of Kate Ellis.

Anonymous said...

I like this series quite a lot, Patti, so I"m glad you enjoyed this one.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I think it is one of the very best series. I think a Scandavian mystery had a similar plot but can't remember which.

George said...

I've seen Peter Robinson's books at Library Sales. Next time, I'll buy one.

Barrie said...

I haven't read any of this series. Should I start with the first book? And I do love mysteries with more than one POV character. :) Thank you for reviewing!

pattinase (abbott) said...

I don't think you have to start with the first. It is quite a long series. You could easily get what you need here.

Barrie said...

Thank you, Patti.

Steve Oerkfitz said...

I have read everyone of Robinson's books and have enjoyed them all. I was very disappointed with the casting of Banks in the BBC show. Almost as bad as their casting of Inspector Rebus. There is another novelist who writes very similar to Robinson-Stephen Booth who is also quite good.

Jeff Meyerson said...

Personally, I would always recommend starting with book one, but that's just me.

I agree with Steve. I like Stephen Tompkinson generally, but he was badly miscast as Banks.

Powell River Books said...

This book could have been set in old Kernville, California, that was flooded when the dam on the Kern River created Lake Isabella Reservoir. When the lake level drops during dry months tours of the ruins can be taken. http://articles.latimes.com/2004/oct/24/local/me-then24 - Margy

pattinase (abbott) said...

Yes, he was wrong in the part. I liked the series but it was a distraction.

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Jenn Jilks said...

I love Inspector banks. I think we've read them all!