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Inspector Banks #21
Children of the Revolution
A disgraced college lecturer is found murdered with £5,000 in his pocket on a disused railway line near his home. Since being dismissed from his job for sexual misconduct four years previously, he has been living a poverty-stricken and hermit-like existence in this isolated spot.
The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach to a woman who knew the victim back in the early '70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realises there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye - for there are plenty more skeletons to come out of the closet . . .
The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach to a woman who knew the victim back in the early '70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realises there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye - for there are plenty more skeletons to come out of the closet . . .
389 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
516 people are currently reading
2454 people want to read
About the author
Peter Robinson
276 books2,277 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
September 18, 2013
I have read and enjoyed most of the Banks series, especially In a Dry Season and the several that followed it. At best they are both compelling as mysteries and satisfying as studies of character and place. But this one is the third in a row that made me wonder if the author is under too much pressure to produce a book a year; much of it felt hasty and flat, with Banks and his colleagues rushing from one circuitous conversation with a suspect to another, meanwhile not generating much forward momentum in the plot.
Moreover (SPOILER), it made me feel a bit embarrassed to be a middle-aged bloke when the gorgeous assistant to a suspect falls for Banks--though he's 20+ years older than she is, and accordingly his thoughts turn to subjects like the effect of statins on his HDL cholesterol, the necessity of reading glasses, and the possibility of getting central heating installed in the cottage. What on earth will they talk about? Doesn't matter: she's young and gorgeous, and therefore he gets to live out his cliched aging-male fantasy (it goes with his Porsche).
I will nevertheless give this one an amiable three stars chiefly because I was happy to spend time with Banks, Annie, and Winsome yet again, though did not see as much of either of those last two as I would've liked. Dear Publisher, please give Mr. Robinson more time to write the next one. And dear Mr. Robinson, please consider giving Banks a love interest closer to his own age.
Moreover (SPOILER), it made me feel a bit embarrassed to be a middle-aged bloke when the gorgeous assistant to a suspect falls for Banks--though he's 20+ years older than she is, and accordingly his thoughts turn to subjects like the effect of statins on his HDL cholesterol, the necessity of reading glasses, and the possibility of getting central heating installed in the cottage. What on earth will they talk about? Doesn't matter: she's young and gorgeous, and therefore he gets to live out his cliched aging-male fantasy (it goes with his Porsche).
I will nevertheless give this one an amiable three stars chiefly because I was happy to spend time with Banks, Annie, and Winsome yet again, though did not see as much of either of those last two as I would've liked. Dear Publisher, please give Mr. Robinson more time to write the next one. And dear Mr. Robinson, please consider giving Banks a love interest closer to his own age.
April 14, 2014
I really enjoyed the earlier novels in this series but either Robinson's writing is becoming more lazy and formulaic or I'm getting more picky.
The almost constant references to British brand names etc. is irritating: Spar, Silk Cut, Radio Two, Marks and Spencer, Downton Abbey, Ford Focus, Greggs etc. etc. I can't believe that it is mainly product placement in the hope that the manufacturers will send him supplies of the items mentioned but rather a misguided effort to add local colour. The references to Kindle and Waterstones might be an effort to support his own suppliers. The worst example was the reference to furniture that "looked as if it came from that dreadful place they kept advertising on ITV just when you were settling into a good detective drama." presumably a nod to the adaptations of his novels starring Stephen Tompkinson.
The dialogue is stilted. The row in chapter 10 between Annie, Banks and Gerry is especially grim. Worse still is the prospect that Banks is now in favour with MI5 and has begun a romantic liaison with a beautiful woman of Italian extraction who is young enough to be his daughter. I fear for the quality of future books in this series!
The almost constant references to British brand names etc. is irritating: Spar, Silk Cut, Radio Two, Marks and Spencer, Downton Abbey, Ford Focus, Greggs etc. etc. I can't believe that it is mainly product placement in the hope that the manufacturers will send him supplies of the items mentioned but rather a misguided effort to add local colour. The references to Kindle and Waterstones might be an effort to support his own suppliers. The worst example was the reference to furniture that "looked as if it came from that dreadful place they kept advertising on ITV just when you were settling into a good detective drama." presumably a nod to the adaptations of his novels starring Stephen Tompkinson.
The dialogue is stilted. The row in chapter 10 between Annie, Banks and Gerry is especially grim. Worse still is the prospect that Banks is now in favour with MI5 and has begun a romantic liaison with a beautiful woman of Italian extraction who is young enough to be his daughter. I fear for the quality of future books in this series!
February 26, 2014
I found this book to be a nice, entertaining piece of easy reading made especially enjoyable for me because of its setting in Yorkshire, England. Many years ago I lived in Headingley and studied at Leeds University so I knew exactly where Inspector Banks was when he parked in the Merrion Centre and set off down the Headrow towards Westgate. The story was good, the characters interesting and the ending neatly tied up all loose ends. I wish the author had not fallen into the old story line of middle aged detective managing to pick up young beautiful woman though. It isn't necessary for the story and it always rings false to me - in your dreams male author!
October 26, 2016
If we all remained true to the dreams of our youth, it would be a very strange world indeed.
With a title like this and if you have any insight at all into the good inspector, you will know that we are in for ties with and some reminiscence of the 60's and 70's. Nice - and really, that's the best part of this rather weak entry into the series. Of the recurring characters, only Winsome is really to be recognized. Annie Cabbott is a changed person after her unfortunate events, having huge troubles to cope or come out of it. Realistic, surely, but not necessarily good reading. Banks, of course, shows sides to him that we know very, perhaps too, well.
The story is OK with a bit of a botched ending (on Banks part, anyway), but way obvious except perhaps in finer details. If you are a constant reader™ you will find it worth it of course, if you're testing the waters, there are much better entries in the series.
With a title like this and if you have any insight at all into the good inspector, you will know that we are in for ties with and some reminiscence of the 60's and 70's. Nice - and really, that's the best part of this rather weak entry into the series. Of the recurring characters, only Winsome is really to be recognized. Annie Cabbott is a changed person after her unfortunate events, having huge troubles to cope or come out of it. Realistic, surely, but not necessarily good reading. Banks, of course, shows sides to him that we know very, perhaps too, well.
The story is OK with a bit of a botched ending (on Banks part, anyway), but way obvious except perhaps in finer details. If you are a constant reader™ you will find it worth it of course, if you're testing the waters, there are much better entries in the series.
July 20, 2014
Peter Robinson's latest is, to me, a testament to the author's ego. Inspector Alan banks is an aging twit who drones on and on about music, drinks too much, and yet manages to attract women young enough to be his daughters. How does this happen? I would lock myself in the bathroom if I met this man at a house party. I found the book to be overwritten (Are you hearing this, book editors?), cliche-ridden, with a boringly predictable plot. Really ewwww ending, too. See ya, Peter Robinson.
January 10, 2018
The Inspector Banks series is one of my favorites and I can usually expect a good read.......but this one just didn't engage me at all. It wasn't bad; it just was not on par with the rest of Robinson's books. The first 3/4 of the story dragged on and on and on as if the author was padding out the pages which he never does. Following leads that went nowhere, interviews with the same people time and time again, and not much of a story. It all was pulled together in the final 1/4 of the book but by that time I was tired of the characters and didn't care who did what to whom. Certainly not a total waste of time but almost.
April 19, 2016
The twenty-first entry in this long-running series pits Chief Inspector Alan Banks against his own superiors as well as a clever killer and a group of reluctant witnesses.
The body of a man who is obviously down and out is found under a bridge near an abandoned railway line. He has all the hallmarks of a man who is virtually homeless, save for the fact that he's got five thousand pounds in his pocket.
It turns out that the victim, Gavin Miller, was once a college professor who was forced out of his position after allegations of sexual misconduct. He's been on the skids ever since. Banks and his subordinates discover that, in his youth as a college student, Miller was connected to people who have now moved into the upper crust of British society. The evidence suggest that some of these people may have played a role in Miller's death, but when Banks asks these people some relatively innocuous questions, they complain and his supervisors warn him off and tell him to look elsewhere for his suspects.
Well, what's a copper to do? If you're Alan Banks, of course, you're going to follow the trail wherever it might lead you and if that gets you into trouble, so be it. While his supervisors insist that Miller's death probably had something to do with drug dealing, Banks becomes increasingly convinced that the real cause of his murder stems back to things that happened years earlier.
The case takes a lot of interesting twists and turns and in the meantime, of course, Banks will listen to a lot of music, much of it from his own days as a younger person. But in the end, of course, truth will out and this turns out to be another very good addition to this series.
The body of a man who is obviously down and out is found under a bridge near an abandoned railway line. He has all the hallmarks of a man who is virtually homeless, save for the fact that he's got five thousand pounds in his pocket.
It turns out that the victim, Gavin Miller, was once a college professor who was forced out of his position after allegations of sexual misconduct. He's been on the skids ever since. Banks and his subordinates discover that, in his youth as a college student, Miller was connected to people who have now moved into the upper crust of British society. The evidence suggest that some of these people may have played a role in Miller's death, but when Banks asks these people some relatively innocuous questions, they complain and his supervisors warn him off and tell him to look elsewhere for his suspects.
Well, what's a copper to do? If you're Alan Banks, of course, you're going to follow the trail wherever it might lead you and if that gets you into trouble, so be it. While his supervisors insist that Miller's death probably had something to do with drug dealing, Banks becomes increasingly convinced that the real cause of his murder stems back to things that happened years earlier.
The case takes a lot of interesting twists and turns and in the meantime, of course, Banks will listen to a lot of music, much of it from his own days as a younger person. But in the end, of course, truth will out and this turns out to be another very good addition to this series.
October 12, 2013
I have always enjoyed Peter Robinsons books but the last three or four I have become increasingly distracted by the "product placement" which I find very irritating. I am beginning to wonder if he is being paid by certain companies to mention their products. For example the conversation that Banks has with the computer guy Liam who suddenly asks "do you happen to be a connoisseur of fine champagne" Then goes on to name a particular champagne that he could source for Banks. It was so disjointed and was an obvious promotion for it. There are other instances that at least blended into the story. Unfortunately this spoils an overall enjoyable read and rather sets my teeth on edge now when reading his books.
September 8, 2019
Peter Robinson's 21st DCI Banks novel is the ninth one I've read this year. I usually love these books, but I'm sorry to say this one turned out to be the weakest one I've ever read.
The plot is a bit of a mess, the suspects lack any interesting personality traits & even the conclusion is a bit of an anticlimax.
However, I would rather read an occasionally poor DCI Banks novel, in an otherwise excellent series, than just a lot of mediocre ones.
The plot is a bit of a mess, the suspects lack any interesting personality traits & even the conclusion is a bit of an anticlimax.
However, I would rather read an occasionally poor DCI Banks novel, in an otherwise excellent series, than just a lot of mediocre ones.
January 23, 2019
I did meet Inspector Alan Banks on the telly as played by Stephen Tompkinson who originally played father Clifford in my all time favorite TV show Ballykissangel, which is tv history according to me that is.
This proved somewhat annoying in reading as when I tried before reading the books I found they were known to me due to their availability on the telly. So I found four recent installments and CHildren of the revolution was the oldest and was a nice starting place to reacquaint myself with the character.
The story is about a dead former college teacher found in a fairly uninhabited area where he had relocated after being dismissed from his job at the college/university. What made the dead suspect was the amount of 5000 pounds found in his pocket when everybody he was still in contact with said he was broke. So that makes his dead suspicious and worth delving into the dead of a man who seemed to have been maltreated by the world.
It is a novel with no real action and most of the book is about interviewing people and getting involved in the life of this man who died alone and disillusioned and who seems to have failed at a lot of things in his life. It is a story that is cleared by reconstruction a life and its connections.
A well written tale of detection that involves many lives that are interesting, sad or egotistical and gives the answers one craves and even if the final solution seems somewhat imperfect it seems to be the right one even if the case is solved and yet will never gets its justice.
A nice break form high octane thrillers in this story that seems to be in no hurry to go anywhere quick. No sensational surprises just a decent police story that shows that talking can be detecting and that all the piece can create a picture of a life.
This proved somewhat annoying in reading as when I tried before reading the books I found they were known to me due to their availability on the telly. So I found four recent installments and CHildren of the revolution was the oldest and was a nice starting place to reacquaint myself with the character.
The story is about a dead former college teacher found in a fairly uninhabited area where he had relocated after being dismissed from his job at the college/university. What made the dead suspect was the amount of 5000 pounds found in his pocket when everybody he was still in contact with said he was broke. So that makes his dead suspicious and worth delving into the dead of a man who seemed to have been maltreated by the world.
It is a novel with no real action and most of the book is about interviewing people and getting involved in the life of this man who died alone and disillusioned and who seems to have failed at a lot of things in his life. It is a story that is cleared by reconstruction a life and its connections.
A well written tale of detection that involves many lives that are interesting, sad or egotistical and gives the answers one craves and even if the final solution seems somewhat imperfect it seems to be the right one even if the case is solved and yet will never gets its justice.
A nice break form high octane thrillers in this story that seems to be in no hurry to go anywhere quick. No sensational surprises just a decent police story that shows that talking can be detecting and that all the piece can create a picture of a life.
July 21, 2024
Children of the Revolution (Inspector Banks, #21) by Peter Robinson.
Gavin Miller was a college lecturer. He had a steady income and was secure in his position at the school. Then he came across someone with the worst of intentions that could bring harm to his students as well as darken the reputation of the college. He took the only course of action he felt was moral and told him to leave the institution or he would report him to the administration and if need be to the authorities. Shortly thereafter Gavin found himself accused of sexual misconduct by two students and was dismissed. His secure job and the salary that went with it along with his reputation-gone. Then a woman walking her dog discovers a body lying by the railroad. DCI Banks is called is called to lead the investigation.
I love the Inspector Banks series and can't wait to dive in to another one. This one had me against the fence with the outcome. Actually I'm undecided about the final outcome. You'll have to read the story for yourself to understand what I mean by that. Also was the last page even needed? Still a worthwhile read.
Gavin Miller was a college lecturer. He had a steady income and was secure in his position at the school. Then he came across someone with the worst of intentions that could bring harm to his students as well as darken the reputation of the college. He took the only course of action he felt was moral and told him to leave the institution or he would report him to the administration and if need be to the authorities. Shortly thereafter Gavin found himself accused of sexual misconduct by two students and was dismissed. His secure job and the salary that went with it along with his reputation-gone. Then a woman walking her dog discovers a body lying by the railroad. DCI Banks is called is called to lead the investigation.
I love the Inspector Banks series and can't wait to dive in to another one. This one had me against the fence with the outcome. Actually I'm undecided about the final outcome. You'll have to read the story for yourself to understand what I mean by that. Also was the last page even needed? Still a worthwhile read.
September 3, 2013
My old friend Alan Banks is back, and Peter Robinson finally shakes his life up a bit.
What I love about Mr. Banks is how regular he is. Peter Robinson has created one of the best characters in crime-fiction, and where all other main characters regularly have their lives turned up-side-down in every book, Banks is a normal guy with everyday problems. He is totaly and utterly believable, and a person you want to follow to find out what happens with him. After over 10 years of reading of Mr. Banks, he is like an old friend you get to hang out with from time to time - getting a update from, and then it's back to your own life until you see him next.
The crime in this book is, like always, only second most important in Robinsons books. Banks evolvement is the main focus in the book, through the development of the crime.
Best from Robinson in a while! Can't wait to see what's next for my old friend...
What I love about Mr. Banks is how regular he is. Peter Robinson has created one of the best characters in crime-fiction, and where all other main characters regularly have their lives turned up-side-down in every book, Banks is a normal guy with everyday problems. He is totaly and utterly believable, and a person you want to follow to find out what happens with him. After over 10 years of reading of Mr. Banks, he is like an old friend you get to hang out with from time to time - getting a update from, and then it's back to your own life until you see him next.
The crime in this book is, like always, only second most important in Robinsons books. Banks evolvement is the main focus in the book, through the development of the crime.
Best from Robinson in a while! Can't wait to see what's next for my old friend...
March 14, 2014
I have read this series from the very beginning and usually I love the cases Banks and his team need to solve. In this one, however, I just could not engage with the case of the disgraced schoolteacher, maybe I was not in the mood for this slow f an unraveling.
I do, hooweve3r, love the character of Inspector Banks, his love of the Grateful Dead and his need for solitude. That I can identify with, not The Dead but the solitude part. Well on to waiting for the next outing of Banks and team.
I do, hooweve3r, love the character of Inspector Banks, his love of the Grateful Dead and his need for solitude. That I can identify with, not The Dead but the solitude part. Well on to waiting for the next outing of Banks and team.
November 20, 2017
Book Description:
Multiple award-winning New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Peter Robinson returns with Children of the Revolution, a superb tale of mystery and murder that takes acclaimed British Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks back to the early 1970s—a turbulent time of politics, change, and radical student activism.
The body of a disgraced college lecturer is found on an abandoned railway line. In the four years since his dismissal for sexual misconduct, he’d been living like a hermit. So where did he get the 5,000 pounds found in his pocket?
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks begins to suspect that the victim's past may be connected to his death. Forty years ago the dead man attended a university that was a hotbed of militant protest and divisive, bitter politics. And as the seasoned detective well knows, some grudges are never forgotten—or forgiven.
Just as he’s about to break the case open, his superior warns him to back off. Yet Banks isn’t about to stop, even if it means risking his career. He's certain there’s more to the mystery than meets the eye . . . and more skeletons to uncover before the case can finally be closed.
My Review:
I found this book to be an interesting look at the turbulent 70's. It isn't one of my favorites but still a good story. I like the chemistry between Annie and Banks in this book and look forward to seeing where this relationship is going. Lots of twists and turns kept the story moving and the pages turning. The characters are well-developed and the plot was fascinating. Looking forward to the next book in the series and I would recommend this installment to those who love this series.
Multiple award-winning New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Peter Robinson returns with Children of the Revolution, a superb tale of mystery and murder that takes acclaimed British Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks back to the early 1970s—a turbulent time of politics, change, and radical student activism.
The body of a disgraced college lecturer is found on an abandoned railway line. In the four years since his dismissal for sexual misconduct, he’d been living like a hermit. So where did he get the 5,000 pounds found in his pocket?
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks begins to suspect that the victim's past may be connected to his death. Forty years ago the dead man attended a university that was a hotbed of militant protest and divisive, bitter politics. And as the seasoned detective well knows, some grudges are never forgotten—or forgiven.
Just as he’s about to break the case open, his superior warns him to back off. Yet Banks isn’t about to stop, even if it means risking his career. He's certain there’s more to the mystery than meets the eye . . . and more skeletons to uncover before the case can finally be closed.
My Review:
I found this book to be an interesting look at the turbulent 70's. It isn't one of my favorites but still a good story. I like the chemistry between Annie and Banks in this book and look forward to seeing where this relationship is going. Lots of twists and turns kept the story moving and the pages turning. The characters are well-developed and the plot was fascinating. Looking forward to the next book in the series and I would recommend this installment to those who love this series.
February 28, 2018
I gave this book two stars three years ago. When I downloaded it from the library I saw it marked at 56% done, a kindle progress marker that can usually be relied on but I had not marked it as abandoned, so who knows what my deal was back then. I started fresh now, last day of February 2018 and will admit when I got to half-way point of book I felt it was dragging and just may have given up on it back then.
The murder investigation featured in this book does seem inefficient, slow with too many resources assigned. A former professor is found dead, clearly having fallen off a bridge or pushed to his death. A great deal of poking into private lives is done by several people working for Banks, and early on he gets called on the carpet for ruffling feathers of celebrity-status titled resident.
Digging into the past to discover how the Lady and the disgraced professor were linked spotlights the activism of college students of the 1970's...what the "children of the Revolution" got up to in their youth.
In one particular, the truth uncovered by Banks is shielded by political necessity leading MI5 rep to say, "As it happens, you've done us all a favor this time, whether you intended to or not. Do much better, and the next thing you know we'll be asking you to join us."
The murder investigation featured in this book does seem inefficient, slow with too many resources assigned. A former professor is found dead, clearly having fallen off a bridge or pushed to his death. A great deal of poking into private lives is done by several people working for Banks, and early on he gets called on the carpet for ruffling feathers of celebrity-status titled resident.
Digging into the past to discover how the Lady and the disgraced professor were linked spotlights the activism of college students of the 1970's...what the "children of the Revolution" got up to in their youth.
In one particular, the truth uncovered by Banks is shielded by political necessity leading MI5 rep to say, "As it happens, you've done us all a favor this time, whether you intended to or not. Do much better, and the next thing you know we'll be asking you to join us."
October 26, 2023
PETER ROBINSON (March 17, 1950 Leeds, England - October 4, 2022 Toronto, Canada.)
Three British detectives I have enjoyed reading over recent years have been Dalgleish (P.D. James), Wexford (Ruth Rendell) and DCI Alan Banks, the creation of Peter Robinson. All three are very erudite men and unique in their own way of solving crime throughout England.
Probably the most "working-class" of the three is Banks, a Yorkshireman who, with his dedicated team (lots of well etched and strong female characters) are up to their necks in all sorts of local intrigue past and present in this caper.
This excellent work is very much a story of the present catching up with the past. Extremely well plotted and with a satisfying conclusion, this book is an absorbing read with a nice touch of British politics included with the tumultuous miners' strike and radical change of the 1970s figuring prominently. Good solid detective yarn.
Three British detectives I have enjoyed reading over recent years have been Dalgleish (P.D. James), Wexford (Ruth Rendell) and DCI Alan Banks, the creation of Peter Robinson. All three are very erudite men and unique in their own way of solving crime throughout England.
Probably the most "working-class" of the three is Banks, a Yorkshireman who, with his dedicated team (lots of well etched and strong female characters) are up to their necks in all sorts of local intrigue past and present in this caper.
This excellent work is very much a story of the present catching up with the past. Extremely well plotted and with a satisfying conclusion, this book is an absorbing read with a nice touch of British politics included with the tumultuous miners' strike and radical change of the 1970s figuring prominently. Good solid detective yarn.
September 11, 2016
Another excellent Alan Banks novel.
This time Alan is dealing with the death of a former university lecturer. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the deceased's past is murky, and someone may have had a vested interest in removing him.
Like all of this series, "Children of the Revolution" is well plotted, well written, and the sort of novel that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have gone to bed.
Highly recommended.
This time Alan is dealing with the death of a former university lecturer. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the deceased's past is murky, and someone may have had a vested interest in removing him.
Like all of this series, "Children of the Revolution" is well plotted, well written, and the sort of novel that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have gone to bed.
Highly recommended.
July 31, 2014
WHAT EVEN IS THIS BOOK?????
I was devastatedly disappointed with this on a number of levels. First of all, I used to love Peter Robinson's novels -- "In a Dry Season" is a book I've recommended many times. I've gone to book festival events to see him speak. But this was just *really not good* to the extent that makes me question the taste of past me. (Though I want to believe that the author's writing has just gone downhill, as I've missed the last five or six books in this series -- but I'm afraid now to go back and look at that book I loved because *maybe I was wrong*.)
Second, the title and the plot description of this book made me think it would be this interesting meditation on the relationship between the past and the present, with older characters being confronted with the deeds of their younger selves and maybe parallel past/present storylines (which is what I remembered loving about "In a Dry Season" -- but nope, the bulk of the book is spent on an investigation that turns out not to have anything to do with the outcome of the mystery but instead is devoted to (here comes the worst part) a completely uninformed, misguided and completely muddled story about sexual misconduct investigations on college campuses.
[trigger warning for discussion of sexual assault and the legal/institutional mechanisms for dealing with the perpetrators.] I ended up being completely baffled by what the author was trying to say about this topic because first off, there is a college lecturer who was unjustly driven out of his job because some girls claimed he harrassed them, and he was immediately fired based entirely on the girls' say-so because 'that's just how it works these days [OH REALLY???],' a fact that the cops investigating the case (all of whom are female) immediately take at face value; the girls admit they made it all up as part of a revenge scheme, but then it turns out that a different character *was* a victim of sexual assault, when an acquaintance roofied her and she is treated by the cops (at least by the one of them who seems to have a brain and some empathy) as sympathetic -- a *real* victim, apparently -- though the cop does take the opportunity to lecture her that women who don't report being assaulted make things harder for the police. (And like, gee, why would they not report it when earlier in the same story, the same cops went straight for the making it up explanation??) To add to the weirdness, one of the female cops (not the sympathetic one) has a backstory in which she was raped, and the author mentions this several times but it seems to have absolutely no bearing on the way she views the case, or on her world view at all. The whole thing is VERY frustrating, and the whole subplot feels shoehorned in, like the author read an editorial about assault on college campuses and decided to write about it without actually learning anything about it]
/trigger warning
Without that element, this would be maybe a 2 1/2 star book -- the whole investigation is kind of nonsensical and the prose is pretty clunky. But I bump it down to 1 star for that egregiously offensive subplot and just because I'm so disappointed.
And no, I don't know why I read the whole thing, maybe because I kept hoping it would get better.
I was devastatedly disappointed with this on a number of levels. First of all, I used to love Peter Robinson's novels -- "In a Dry Season" is a book I've recommended many times. I've gone to book festival events to see him speak. But this was just *really not good* to the extent that makes me question the taste of past me. (Though I want to believe that the author's writing has just gone downhill, as I've missed the last five or six books in this series -- but I'm afraid now to go back and look at that book I loved because *maybe I was wrong*.)
Second, the title and the plot description of this book made me think it would be this interesting meditation on the relationship between the past and the present, with older characters being confronted with the deeds of their younger selves and maybe parallel past/present storylines (which is what I remembered loving about "In a Dry Season" -- but nope, the bulk of the book is spent on an investigation that turns out not to have anything to do with the outcome of the mystery but instead is devoted to (here comes the worst part) a completely uninformed, misguided and completely muddled story about sexual misconduct investigations on college campuses.
[trigger warning for discussion of sexual assault and the legal/institutional mechanisms for dealing with the perpetrators.] I ended up being completely baffled by what the author was trying to say about this topic because first off, there is a college lecturer who was unjustly driven out of his job because some girls claimed he harrassed them, and he was immediately fired based entirely on the girls' say-so because 'that's just how it works these days [OH REALLY???],' a fact that the cops investigating the case (all of whom are female) immediately take at face value; the girls admit they made it all up as part of a revenge scheme, but then it turns out that a different character *was* a victim of sexual assault, when an acquaintance roofied her and she is treated by the cops (at least by the one of them who seems to have a brain and some empathy) as sympathetic -- a *real* victim, apparently -- though the cop does take the opportunity to lecture her that women who don't report being assaulted make things harder for the police. (And like, gee, why would they not report it when earlier in the same story, the same cops went straight for the making it up explanation??) To add to the weirdness, one of the female cops (not the sympathetic one) has a backstory in which she was raped, and the author mentions this several times but it seems to have absolutely no bearing on the way she views the case, or on her world view at all. The whole thing is VERY frustrating, and the whole subplot feels shoehorned in, like the author read an editorial about assault on college campuses and decided to write about it without actually learning anything about it]
/trigger warning
Without that element, this would be maybe a 2 1/2 star book -- the whole investigation is kind of nonsensical and the prose is pretty clunky. But I bump it down to 1 star for that egregiously offensive subplot and just because I'm so disappointed.
And no, I don't know why I read the whole thing, maybe because I kept hoping it would get better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2014
There's a certain amount of ambivalence for me when I am reading the latest book by an author I especially enjoy. In the case of a crime novel such as this one, I want to find out how the crime was resolved. (No, it's not something simple like "who done it!") In this latest novel, Banks and his team are investigating the death of a former college teacher who lost his job because of sexual misconduct. At first they are not sure if he just didn't fall. Soon, though, it appears that there is a lot more going on. It doesn't take long for Banks to think that his death as something to do with his past. When his superior warn him not to pursue a lead that seems to go right to the door of a wealthy producer and his wife who writes romance novels under a pseudonym, Banks pulls back, but not very far. His boss and HER boss want this to be a drug case. However, it's much more complicated than that. It's always intriguing and a learning experience. Robinson has eclectic taste in music - or at least his character does. From folk songs to jazz to Shostakovich, I find myself intrigued by some of the music that I've never heard of - even by some of my favorites. Robinson manages to keep Banks fresh. Plus there's a little romance in store for DI Banks. He deserves it.
March 30, 2014
Having read all Peter Robinson's books in this exceptional series, I was rather disappointed with this one. DCI Banks and his team work to solve a possible murder with political and class overtones in Peter Robinson's always hauntingly drawn Yorkshire Dales. His recurring characters and musical preferences were on target but lengthy interviews with suspects slowed the pace to a point where I had to work to finish it. Like one of DCI Banks good red wines, it has a satisfying finish but in my humble opinion, the series needs a lot more caffeine!..........Ed
September 22, 2013
I have read and greatly enjoyed most of the Inspector Banks novels, however I had difficulty becoming engaged with this one. It seemed somewhat flat, and I'm not sure that it was just me going through the motions of reading it, but a bit of the author going through the motions of writing it. Some of the characters and situations seemed a bit typical for a mass market novel, something that Peter Robinson usually avoids. Still enjoyable, but for me, not as engaging and authentic feeling as his previous work.
November 20, 2018
This is the twenty-first book in the DCI Banks series and the first one that I have read. My interest in reading a DCI Banks book was sparked by having watched a few episodes of the British crime drama series based on the books. Most likely it was a poor decision on my part to start with a book so late in the series: not because it was difficult to follow (it wasn't; no need to have read earlier books to avoid confusion or frustration with unexplained past plot lines), but because, like so many long-term mystery series, this one appears to have gone downhill some over the years.
This book certainly was not bad, and I would definitely be willing to try another in the series, albeit next time one much earlier in it. However, the plot stalled out in too many places with the result there was very little suspense or intrigue. Repeatedly DCI Allen Banks or his subordinates would go back to re-interview the same cast of suspects and with each new round of interviews, a little more would be revealed. But this slow unraveling did little to arouse interest or intrigue, rather it became monotonous and predictable. So while it may have re-created quite well the tedious and painstaking process of carrying out a real murder investigation, it did very little to hold the reader's interest.
This book certainly was not bad, and I would definitely be willing to try another in the series, albeit next time one much earlier in it. However, the plot stalled out in too many places with the result there was very little suspense or intrigue. Repeatedly DCI Allen Banks or his subordinates would go back to re-interview the same cast of suspects and with each new round of interviews, a little more would be revealed. But this slow unraveling did little to arouse interest or intrigue, rather it became monotonous and predictable. So while it may have re-created quite well the tedious and painstaking process of carrying out a real murder investigation, it did very little to hold the reader's interest.
October 2, 2013
I don't even bother looking at the flyleaf on Peter Robinson's books. I just know I'm in for a good read with whatever case he's cooked up for Inspector Alan Banks. Children of the Revolution is the latest (21st) entry in this favourite series.
Was it an accident? When the body of a recluse, once a professor at local Eastvale College, is found at the bottom of a ravine in an area difficult to access, it looks like it may be. Perhaps a sucicide.It is only when they the local constable finds an envelope containing a significant amount of cash on the body, that Banks and his team are called in. Maybe it was murder. But why wasn't the cash taken? Where did this destitute man come up with such a sum?
As Banks and his team dig into his background, surprising revelations are revealed. Professor Miller was accused of sexual misconduct at the school, summarily dismissed and that began his descent to the marginalized life he was leading. Further investigation leads them to a connection with Lady Veronica Chalmers. The higher ups warn Banks away from this line of investigation, but of course he can't leave it be.
The victim in this case is close to Banks' age. Robinson has moved his character steadily forward, both chronologically and in his personal life. This man's death has Alan taking a second look at his own life. This is one of the things that have made this series one of my favourites - the personal lives of the characters. I often feel like one of the locals in the pub, catching up on the latest. Banks' music selections are a big part of the books as well - I've often followed up on these and have discovered many new artists.
Recurring characters such as Winsome and Annie are also back. Winsome and her calm ways are a perennial favourite. Annie is a character I used to enjoy, but her personality has changed since her accident a year ago. She is more difficult now, with rougher edges and less patience. She too, is aware of the changes in herself. Robinson adds another female character to his team in this latest book. Gerry Masterson is young and green, but brilliant at research. Will she fit in with the team? I quite liked her and hope she continues to be a part of the series going forward.
Robinson's mysteries are always intelligent, well thought out and a pleasure to read. In Children of the Revolution, we are taken back forty years to the early 1970's, Communism, Marxism, political activism and more. Specific references had me off to the computer to follow up. (Yes, Robinson's book is based on facts) Robinson presents many options, alternatives and paths to explore alongside of Banks and his team. Attention to detail will lead careful readers to the whodunit before the final pages, but this won't lessen anyone's enjoyment of this latest entry in an excellent series. Robinson still managed to surprise me with the ending.
Was it an accident? When the body of a recluse, once a professor at local Eastvale College, is found at the bottom of a ravine in an area difficult to access, it looks like it may be. Perhaps a sucicide.It is only when they the local constable finds an envelope containing a significant amount of cash on the body, that Banks and his team are called in. Maybe it was murder. But why wasn't the cash taken? Where did this destitute man come up with such a sum?
As Banks and his team dig into his background, surprising revelations are revealed. Professor Miller was accused of sexual misconduct at the school, summarily dismissed and that began his descent to the marginalized life he was leading. Further investigation leads them to a connection with Lady Veronica Chalmers. The higher ups warn Banks away from this line of investigation, but of course he can't leave it be.
The victim in this case is close to Banks' age. Robinson has moved his character steadily forward, both chronologically and in his personal life. This man's death has Alan taking a second look at his own life. This is one of the things that have made this series one of my favourites - the personal lives of the characters. I often feel like one of the locals in the pub, catching up on the latest. Banks' music selections are a big part of the books as well - I've often followed up on these and have discovered many new artists.
Recurring characters such as Winsome and Annie are also back. Winsome and her calm ways are a perennial favourite. Annie is a character I used to enjoy, but her personality has changed since her accident a year ago. She is more difficult now, with rougher edges and less patience. She too, is aware of the changes in herself. Robinson adds another female character to his team in this latest book. Gerry Masterson is young and green, but brilliant at research. Will she fit in with the team? I quite liked her and hope she continues to be a part of the series going forward.
Robinson's mysteries are always intelligent, well thought out and a pleasure to read. In Children of the Revolution, we are taken back forty years to the early 1970's, Communism, Marxism, political activism and more. Specific references had me off to the computer to follow up. (Yes, Robinson's book is based on facts) Robinson presents many options, alternatives and paths to explore alongside of Banks and his team. Attention to detail will lead careful readers to the whodunit before the final pages, but this won't lessen anyone's enjoyment of this latest entry in an excellent series. Robinson still managed to surprise me with the ending.
April 3, 2014
I loved it!
The only fault I can find is that whodunnit (and why) became totally obvious shortly before Robinson started to reveal it (slowly). Still, it was a very good story -- a true mystery, unlike his last two.
The multi-layered and difficult decision making that Banks must do at the end is superb. Whether or not he made the "right" decision isn't important. It's the way he thought it through that is so admirable.
The only fault I can find is that whodunnit (and why) became totally obvious shortly before Robinson started to reveal it (slowly). Still, it was a very good story -- a true mystery, unlike his last two.
The multi-layered and difficult decision making that Banks must do at the end is superb. Whether or not he made the "right" decision isn't important. It's the way he thought it through that is so admirable.
November 8, 2019
Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series has always been a favourite of mine. This 21st entry left me feeling disengaged. The murder victim is a former college lecturer who lost his job after being accused of inappropriate conduct by two female students. Time passes and he is living a hermit style life when he is tossed over a bridge. Is the murder related to his present circumstances or, as the title would indicate, is it something from his past?
The investigation meanders along with some pointless interactions and the resolution was unsatisfying. But what really coloured my enjoyment of this book was a ridiculous interaction between two female police officers at Banks' home, coupled with a potential new romance for Banks with a much younger woman. Pure silliness.
Despite my gripes, I will continue on. This is one book out of many in an enjoyable series.
The investigation meanders along with some pointless interactions and the resolution was unsatisfying. But what really coloured my enjoyment of this book was a ridiculous interaction between two female police officers at Banks' home, coupled with a potential new romance for Banks with a much younger woman. Pure silliness.
Despite my gripes, I will continue on. This is one book out of many in an enjoyable series.
October 14, 2017
I would give this 3 1/2 stars. The ending didn't sit well with me. It was a bit too conveniently tied up and did not fit the situation as I saw it.
March 11, 2018
I'd rather give it 2.5, because i did not really like the story, but as usual well written and convincing characters
February 23, 2014
Peter Robinson is a master of the police procedural, and he wastes no time getting started here. DI Alan Banks arrives on the crime scene, a deserted railway viaduct, where the crime scene personnel show him the corpse of a scruffy man, cause of death probably a push off the bridge over the disused track. But why does this man, who looks like a vagrant, have £5,000 in crisp notes in his pocket?
Banks feels strangely drawn to the case after he visits victim's nearby tiny cottage, with its sparse furnishings, but broad collection of books and music. Banks muses that his own cottage may be bigger and better furnished, but the takeout cartons in each of their fridges, the empty bottles in their waste bins and the book and music collections point to solitary men who prefer staying home with a drink, a book and some music in the evening over going down to the local pub.
The victim is soon identified as Gavin Miller, a former university lecturer at Eastvale College, fired after two female students claimed he sexually propositioned them. That history is one lead to follow, as is the finding that Miller had confronted a student drug dealer at Eastvale. Almost more surprising than all that cash found on Miller is the discovery that he'd had a recent phone conversation with Lady Veronica Chalmers, someone far out of his league today, but who had been a student at Essex University at the same time Miller was, decades earlier.
The usual team is with Banks on the case, including DI Annie Cabbot and DS Winsome Jackman, joined by a new Detective Constable, Geraldine Masterson. These relative youngsters are a little bit at sea when interviewing people who knew Miller back in the early 1970s at Essex University. The cultural references fly right over their heads, and they don't know anything about the miners' strike raging at that time and the radical politics of some students, who joined with the miners to demand better working conditions and political change in Britain.
But Banks, who is nearly the same age as Miller and Lady Veronica, can very much relate to that time. A son of the working class himself, he remembers the miners' strike well, and as the first in his family to go to university, he's familiar with that world too. And if you know Banks, you also know he's an expert on the music of that time and still has the vinyl to prove it.
The case makes Banks feel time nipping at his heels, but that's not the only cause. As his boss reminds him, he has his 30 years of service in and is facing retirement. Alternatively, he could think about keeping his nose clean and getting promoted to Detective Superintendent of the Homicide and Major Crimes division. For Banks, that's a tough choice. On the one hand, he can't imagine retiring, and become Superintendent would allow him to continue until age 65. But the paperwork of a Superintendent job might drive him around the bend, and the upper-echelon personnel in the force have never been his type.
It's hard to keep a long-running series fresh, but then fresh really isn't the right word for a series like this. As a long-time reader of a certain age, a good deal of the enjoyment of this series for me is in following Banks's progression through a personal and professional life that parallels those of many people my age. Banks is feeling particularly introspective in this book, and I found his thoughts interesting and relatable.
If you're not of Banks's vintage, there is still plenty in the book for you. As I mentioned, Robinson is a master of the police procedural, and the reader follows every detail of the detectives' interviews, research and theorizing. This isn't a flashy or action-packed novel, but it is a reliably rewarding police procedural.
Note: Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me an e-galley for review.
Banks feels strangely drawn to the case after he visits victim's nearby tiny cottage, with its sparse furnishings, but broad collection of books and music. Banks muses that his own cottage may be bigger and better furnished, but the takeout cartons in each of their fridges, the empty bottles in their waste bins and the book and music collections point to solitary men who prefer staying home with a drink, a book and some music in the evening over going down to the local pub.
The victim is soon identified as Gavin Miller, a former university lecturer at Eastvale College, fired after two female students claimed he sexually propositioned them. That history is one lead to follow, as is the finding that Miller had confronted a student drug dealer at Eastvale. Almost more surprising than all that cash found on Miller is the discovery that he'd had a recent phone conversation with Lady Veronica Chalmers, someone far out of his league today, but who had been a student at Essex University at the same time Miller was, decades earlier.
The usual team is with Banks on the case, including DI Annie Cabbot and DS Winsome Jackman, joined by a new Detective Constable, Geraldine Masterson. These relative youngsters are a little bit at sea when interviewing people who knew Miller back in the early 1970s at Essex University. The cultural references fly right over their heads, and they don't know anything about the miners' strike raging at that time and the radical politics of some students, who joined with the miners to demand better working conditions and political change in Britain.
But Banks, who is nearly the same age as Miller and Lady Veronica, can very much relate to that time. A son of the working class himself, he remembers the miners' strike well, and as the first in his family to go to university, he's familiar with that world too. And if you know Banks, you also know he's an expert on the music of that time and still has the vinyl to prove it.
The case makes Banks feel time nipping at his heels, but that's not the only cause. As his boss reminds him, he has his 30 years of service in and is facing retirement. Alternatively, he could think about keeping his nose clean and getting promoted to Detective Superintendent of the Homicide and Major Crimes division. For Banks, that's a tough choice. On the one hand, he can't imagine retiring, and become Superintendent would allow him to continue until age 65. But the paperwork of a Superintendent job might drive him around the bend, and the upper-echelon personnel in the force have never been his type.
It's hard to keep a long-running series fresh, but then fresh really isn't the right word for a series like this. As a long-time reader of a certain age, a good deal of the enjoyment of this series for me is in following Banks's progression through a personal and professional life that parallels those of many people my age. Banks is feeling particularly introspective in this book, and I found his thoughts interesting and relatable.
If you're not of Banks's vintage, there is still plenty in the book for you. As I mentioned, Robinson is a master of the police procedural, and the reader follows every detail of the detectives' interviews, research and theorizing. This isn't a flashy or action-packed novel, but it is a reliably rewarding police procedural.
Note: Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me an e-galley for review.
August 3, 2013
I can’t quite believe that it has been three years since I last read a DCI Banks novel – Bad Boy – where does the time go? Children of the Revolution, the latest in the Banks series, allows me to reacquaint myself with the enigmatic Yorkshire based Detective Chief Inspector who, I discover, is pondering promotion, retirement and life away from the frontline and causing his superiors headaches. At least that’s what they hope by dangling the carrot.
The book moves along at a quick pace and we follow a number of characters throughout as they try to make sense of Gavin Miller’s murder early on in the book and this theme continues for the best part of the book. The writing is fluid and the narrative an intelligent blend of discovery and impressive storytelling. The book never felt rushed to me, sedate in parts even, and as Robinson slowly moves towards a fitting and satisfying climax he manages to increase the tempo with each turn of the page moving from scene to scene thanks to a well-crafted and multi layered plot.
For me though this book is so much more than a detective story. It’s about one man’s passion for takeout food, his cottage and music. Robinson throws in the odd atmospheric pub lunch for good measure but it’s the numerous music and cinematographic references that had me searching the internet and youtube to find out who some of the artists were! This author’s clear love for music and the movies can be found in all his books, Beyond the Poison – a wonderful standalone book – is another fine example of his affection to the arts.
You can’t help but like Banks, he is a dogged and likeable character, one you’d want fighting your corner for sure. Reading Children of the Revolution was akin to welcoming home a long lost friend. DCI Banks is one of the best leading British detectives out there and one I hope will be with us for a number of years. I certainly don’t want him retiring just yet! If he does, and he moves away, I hope I get chance to buy his cottage!
The book moves along at a quick pace and we follow a number of characters throughout as they try to make sense of Gavin Miller’s murder early on in the book and this theme continues for the best part of the book. The writing is fluid and the narrative an intelligent blend of discovery and impressive storytelling. The book never felt rushed to me, sedate in parts even, and as Robinson slowly moves towards a fitting and satisfying climax he manages to increase the tempo with each turn of the page moving from scene to scene thanks to a well-crafted and multi layered plot.
For me though this book is so much more than a detective story. It’s about one man’s passion for takeout food, his cottage and music. Robinson throws in the odd atmospheric pub lunch for good measure but it’s the numerous music and cinematographic references that had me searching the internet and youtube to find out who some of the artists were! This author’s clear love for music and the movies can be found in all his books, Beyond the Poison – a wonderful standalone book – is another fine example of his affection to the arts.
You can’t help but like Banks, he is a dogged and likeable character, one you’d want fighting your corner for sure. Reading Children of the Revolution was akin to welcoming home a long lost friend. DCI Banks is one of the best leading British detectives out there and one I hope will be with us for a number of years. I certainly don’t want him retiring just yet! If he does, and he moves away, I hope I get chance to buy his cottage!
April 19, 2014
When it comes to British mysteries, I am quite warm-hearted towards old-fashioned inspector novels that are complex, clever, and gripping. This book is indeed all of that and more. The more I read, the more I couldn't put the novel down. I found myself puzzling over the mysterious details and marveling at how many people in this world refuse to tell the truth. There were no bedroom scenes, and while there were plentiful uses of profanity, I was not overly offended. None of this took away from the fascinating mystery. The action did not cease until the end of the novel.
Notwithstanding, the conclusion of the mystery was just a tad anticlimactic. For me, I prefer mysteries that I read to end with everyone getting their "just desserts." I did feel that some people involved in the story escaped their true punishment. But I do suppose that this mystery is more realistic that way. At least the murderer found justice (though not in the way I would have preferred). So in retrospect, those evaded punishment had the opportunity to begin anew. Here is hoping that they will! I am also at a disadvantage because this is the first Inspector Banks novel I have read. Yes, it is a stand-alone mystery, but I believe I would have derived more enjoyment from this novel had I known the Inspector's backstory a bit more. This is certainly a detective novel I can highly recommend.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Notwithstanding, the conclusion of the mystery was just a tad anticlimactic. For me, I prefer mysteries that I read to end with everyone getting their "just desserts." I did feel that some people involved in the story escaped their true punishment. But I do suppose that this mystery is more realistic that way. At least the murderer found justice (though not in the way I would have preferred). So in retrospect, those evaded punishment had the opportunity to begin anew. Here is hoping that they will! I am also at a disadvantage because this is the first Inspector Banks novel I have read. Yes, it is a stand-alone mystery, but I believe I would have derived more enjoyment from this novel had I known the Inspector's backstory a bit more. This is certainly a detective novel I can highly recommend.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
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